JAMES SHERMANPersonal Growth

WHY I MAKE A BETTER CANDIDATE IN 2014 THAN I DID IN 2012

PERSONAL STATEMENTWhen I applied to Sloan in 2012, I knew I wanted to earn my MBA, but did not know exactly why. Over the past two years, I have gone through a number of transformative experiences that have clarified my understanding of who I am and who I want to be. The following slides highlight these experiences, how they have made me a stronger person, and in turn, a stronger candidate for the Sloan class of 2016.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

• In the last 2 years I have distributed 3000 toys to children living in remote villages of Guatemala’s Escuintla region.

• I performed additional volunteer work with an orphanage in Guatemala City.

• Motivated by the effectiveness of these efforts, I want to increase involvement in humanitarian work where I can make a direct impact.

• Prior to business school, I plan to spend summer 2014 in Guatemala to take Spanish classes and continue my volunteer work.GIVING BACK

• In the last 2 years I have participated in 2 triathlons, 1 half marathon and various shorter road races.

• As a result I have lost 70 lbs. and substantially improved my overall health

• I found that successful athletic efforts have fueled my passion for taking on challenges, which has translated to increased energy and drive professionally

• I am scheduled to run Syracuse Ironman 70.3 in June 2014

IMPROVED FITNESS & HEALTH

IMPROVED LEADERSHIP

& TEAMWORK SKILLS

• I have established greater cohesion and collaboration at BlueGrace, resulting in increased sales, improved customer retention and greater overall stability.

• Delegated daily operational responsibilities to customer service team, leaving business in better position to move forward without me.

• I entered agreement with business partner wherein he will purchase my shares of the company when I leave to pursue my MBA.

And I’m from Boston, so I won’t

have any issues with the weather!

IN SUMMARYI have always wanted to take an innovative idea and build it into a thriving business. This inherent passion for taking on challenges is exemplified by the way I attack life both personally and professionally. I firmly believe that the experience of earning my MBA at Sloan will give me the tools to become the entrepreneur I aspire to be.