Trailblazer tales: Alumna leads the way

Amy Richardson’s (MGT ’06) journey with CWRU Weatherhead School of Management began with a spark—and a nudge. Years after being discouraged from pursuing an Master of Business Administration (MBA) during her time in public health service, she found herself in an executive education course taught by J.B. Silvers, PhD, now the John R. Mannix Professor of Healthcare Finance Emeritus and Professor Emeritus, Department of Banking and Finance. His encouragement, along with insights from guest speakers, convinced her to enroll in the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program at Weatherhead. 

“They told me I didn’t need a specialized healthcare MBA; I needed to learn from people in other industries,” Richardson recalled. That advice would shape not only her education but her leadership philosophy. 

Among her most cherished memories is the international residency in South Africa led by Peter Ritchken, PhD (GRS ’81, operations research), who holds the Mario J. Gabelli Distinguished Professorship in Finance. From learning about Black economic empowerment at Ernst & Young in Johannesburg to visiting Robben Island Prison where Nelson Mandela was held, she describes the experience as “truly amazing” and deeply impactful.

“It highlighted leadership lessons like how to play the long game,” she said. Richardson credits Weatherhead with shaping her leadership style in profound ways. 

“Dr. Ron Fry’s teachings on team building—I used that all the time,” she said. “And Dr. David Cooperrider’s work on crafting good questions to get good answers, that’s not something you get in most MBA programs.” 

Her recent reengagement with Weatherhead was sparked by a call from  Kevin Smith, associate dean in the Department of External Relations. 

“I was honest about my concerns and he listened,” Richardson said. “He followed up with other alumni I recommended, and I saw that Weatherhead leadership was serious about building relationships.” That connection led to her instrumental role in organizing the EMBA reunion in September—a long-awaited event that exceeded expectations. 

“I was blown away,” she said. “From the Leadership Lessons from Music session to the Gorilla Fireside Chat, it was all incredible.”

Richardson’s commitment to the EMBA program runs deep. She was a founding force behind the EMBA Leadership Award, created shortly after her class graduated. 

“The award, which recognizes servant, humble and emotionally intelligent leadership, is uniquely managed by past recipients,” she said. “Nominees are interviewed by a panel of alumni and the winner is chosen by unanimous consensus, a tradition that continues to this day.”

Her dedication culminated in a significant legacy gift to the EMBA program. 

“My will was written before the endowment was passed,” Richardson shared. “It stated: ‘If—and only if—that endowed scholarship exists, will I leave money to Weatherhead.’” 

Thanks to Smith’s persistence, the endowment was established and Richardson’s gift became a reality. "I think the legacy of the Weatherhead EMBA is very important," she explained. "Especially when the world can use more of the Weatherhead brand of leadership.”

With her enduring generosity and leadership, Richardson exemplifies the very spirit of the Weatherhead EMBA—visionary, collaborative and deeply committed to making a difference.