Executive MBA students improve public services through the Broad EXL project

Broad’s Executive MBA program brings together a diverse group of experienced students from a variety of companies. EMBA cohorts are made up of professionals with real-world experience, and the program prioritizes experiential learning. In PIM 804, a class focused on developing strategic visions, students participate in the Broad EXL project. This experiential learning course merges consulting practices with design thinking to prototype innovative solutions to complex human-centered business challenges.

For the Fall 2024 semester, Broad’s EMBA program partnered with Michigan Rehabilitation Services for Broad EXL. MRS, a public agency, exists under the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. MRS develops customized workforce solutions for businesses and individuals with disabilities. The agency partners with businesses to provide consulting and employee development through a statewide network of vocational rehabilitation professionals. Its services are guided by a vision to create a diverse, inclusive workforce that unites businesses and individuals with disabilities for the common good.

By partnering with EMBA students, MRS sought to bring a new business-focused lens to their business partner outreach and service delivery. Two teams of high-caliber EMBA students, Team 18 and Team 21, worked closely with the MRS bureau division director, Jenny Piatt (M.A. Rehabilitation Counseling ’97), and program consultant manager, Tonia Peterson. The teams pitched MRS on ways to gain insights from clients and respond effectively to the feedback they gather.

“Team 18 and Team 21 brought fresh energy and a unique lens that have made a real difference for our business services division within MRS,” said Piatt. “Their work has allowed us to enhance our business customer outreach strategies, improve efficiency, and achieve meaningful responses for better customer satisfaction outcomes.”

People are at the center of the MRS business model, which is grounded in psychosocial principles. As they developed business solutions, EMBA students had to thoughtfully integrate a business perspective to these principles through design thinking.

“Solving business challenges leads to better outcomes when we focus on the human factor,” said Shane Risk, a current EMBA student and a member of Team 18. “Processes and tools exist to support people and should be adapted to meet human needs — not the other way around.”

Team 21 also applied their design thinking skills to strengthen their recommendations.

“Communication and data were critical to every aspect of our proposed solution,” said EMBA student and Team 21 member, Joe Meyer.  “Our efforts ideally positioned MRS to increase the speed and effectiveness of the data they collect while encouraging them to enhance their feedback loop with customers through a more personalized approach.”

Team 18 and Team 21 are carefully designed cohort-long teams of experienced professionals from a range of industries, disciplines and leadership levels. This variety gives partner organizations for Broad EXL access to a multifaceted consulting team — one capable of approaching challenges from different angles to offer well-rounded strategic insights. It is a rare opportunity for cross-industry perspective from professionals who are actively invested in using the experience as an opportunity to sharpen their skills.

Broad EXL intentionally creates a mutually beneficial partnership. Organizations that need innovative, real-world solutions can leverage the expertise of current students, while students apply a broad range of program concepts with tangible impact. Moreover, business partners walk away with key deliverables. MRS received slide decks and detailed implementation plans for the work from each team.

“Throughout the 8-week project we collected data, interviewed multiple stakeholders and built several proposed solutions for MRS to consider in their ‘go-forward’ strategy,” said Meyer.

MRS appreciated this methodical approach and the collaboration within EMBA teams.

“We quickly found that the diverse professional backgrounds of the Executive MBA students offered our team unique approaches and advanced skills,” said Piatt. “These partnerships spark progress, inspire innovative ideas, and lead to meaningful solutions that make a tangible difference for both organizations and the communities they support.”

For MRS, collaborating with Broad EMBA teams opened the door to perspectives they wouldn’t otherwise encounter. The student teams — drawing from backgrounds in IT, sales, project management and executive leadership — offered fresh insights into outreach strategy, data use and customer service. This marked a shift for MRS to embrace a structured, business-minded approach to measure impact and streamline service delivery.

“I would absolutely recommend this type of partnership to other public agencies,” said Piatt. “It’s like having a team of sharp, innovative minds tackling your challenges and creating thoughtful solutions you didn’t even know you needed. It’s a win-win-win—students grow, agencies thrive, and communities benefit.”