Dickie Soriano is an internationally-awarded copywriter, failed chicken farmer, and erratic entrepreneur who started, grew, sold, and bought back his database marketing agency from a global marketing communications conglomerate. Having performed miserably in every subject involving finance in UCLA-NUS, he now finds himself, a few years after graduation,  in a senior management position in  a financial services company that handles close to US$3Billion in remittances annually. In the Philippines, he is also a part-time teacher in Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University, and is involved in non-profits that focus on rural development, education, healthcare, and environmental protection.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

Dickie Soriano is not your average EMBA alumnus. An internationally awarded copywriter, failed chicken farmer, and erratic entrepreneur, Soriano has worn many hats. From starting, growing, selling, and buying back his database marketing agency from a global marketing communications conglomerate to performing miserably in finance subjects at UCLA-NUS, his journey is nothing short of fascinating. Fast forward a few years post-graduation, and he now holds a senior management position in a financial services company, handling nearly US$3 billion in remittances annually.

The Decision for an EMBA
Why would someone with such a packed schedule and successful career pursue an EMBA? Soriano, who joined the 14th intake of the UCLA-NUS EMBA program in 2017, reflects candidly, “At the time, I was running my own business, had a stake in a BPO, was managing a USAID-funded business incubator, and teaching part-time for a Jesuit university in the Philippines. Doing an EMBA, which involved intensive two-week courses in various parts of the world, seemed like the dumbest thing to do.” His friends and family echoed this sentiment, questioning his decision.

However, despite the doubts, Soriano’s choice proved to be the right one. “The two degrees were just trophies, but the experience and knowledge were invaluable. Prof. Luh Luh Lan’s course on Corporate Governance, for instance, became incredibly relevant during a shareholder battle for a large institution,” he notes. What initially seemed irrational became a game-changer, providing him lifelong skills and insights.

Shaping Leadership Skills
The UCLA-NUS EMBA program played a crucial role in shaping Soriano’s leadership skills and mindset. “I had the illusion that I possessed some leadership skills because I had started my business at 24, grown it into an award-winning institution, sold it, and bought it back. But the program showed me just how much more I did not know. It was a humbling experience,” he admits.

The global experiences, site visits, classmates, and network expanded his confidence and ability to explore opportunities worldwide. “The program empowered me to launch new products, oversee acquisitions, and implement best practices in technology, even during the pandemic,” he shares.

Soriano emphasizes the invaluable support and inspiration he has received from the alumni network. “My classmates have always been helpful and have opened doors for me. The alumni network has been incredibly beneficial for me professionally, allowing me to collaborate on projects, seek advice, and explore new business ventures,” he explains.

True to his candid nature, Soriano remains engaged with the UCLA-NUS community through group chats, small get-togethers, and alumni events. Despite the pandemic and everyday life intruding on these interactions, he still finds time to maintain these valuable connections.

Lifelong Friendships and Professional Growth
One of Soriano’s best takeaways from the program is the lifelong friendships and professional relationships he has formed. “The amazing lifelong friendships from my class, the UCLA-NUS alumni, and the alumni of both universities from other programs have been the highlight of my experience,” he says.

His advice to prospective students feeling stuck in their careers? “You will never be sure if an EMBA is right for you. The investment in time, money, and effort is not inconsequential. Ultimately, though, an EMBA is a good way to tuck in a few life-changing lessons while continuing to work,” he urges.

Facing the Challenges Head-On
Embarking on a program like the UCLA-NUS EMBA can feel daunting, especially for those who graduated from college many years ago. Soriano shares his experience with his characteristic humor: “It was daunting and overwhelming to go to school again at 53. It was difficult to manage work, family, and studies. Trying to do study groups or meetings with people from three different time zones was complicated. Despite these challenges, the experience was worth all the stress and strain.”

As the UCLA-NUS EMBA program celebrates its 20th anniversary, Soriano reflects on its impact: “I pray that the program will continue to humble its students to submission and turn them into individuals and leaders better than they thought they could be.”

For Dickie Soriano, the UCLA-NUS EMBA program was more than a mere academic milestone—it was a journey of personal and professional transformation. His story is a powerful reminder to potential candidates. The program’s lasting impact proves that balancing multiple career aspirations is possible and incredibly rewarding with dedication and the right support.