What is your preferred name?
Nick is just dandy!
Where did you grow up?
Right here in Boise, Idaho!
What is something unique about you?
I write and produce a comic book series titled, “Whetstone”.
What do you like to do for fun? 
I’m an avid fantasy/Sci-fi reader, I play a myriad of co-ed sports along with my wife and best friend (Laurie), and I unashamedly love going to ska shows.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”
This is a paraphrased version of an Einstein quote, and it’s become one of my life’s great mantras.
In what year did you complete Boise State’s Professional MBA program?
2021
What is your current professional role and what are your responsibilities? How did you get to where you are now?
I’m a (software) Product Manager for a non-profit Health Education company. I entered the technology industry during the first year of my PMBA program. At the time, I was working for a start-up tech company and acting as a kind of jack-of-all trades. My ability to work collaboratively both longitudinally and horizontally within the organization lent itself well towards a career in Product Management, where those sorts of skills are lauded.
In your opinion, what was the most impactful part about completing the Professional MBA program?
I need two split this into two equal parts, apologies:
My Cohort! 28 (or so) of the smartest, kindest, hardest working people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Bonding with them wouldn’t have been possible without Boise State offering the opportunity for us to attend classes in person.
The MBA degree itself has proven to be a mark of competency, in a way. Peers and leaders alike can see the MBA next to my name on LinkedIn, or in my email signature, or wherever else, and trust that I am able to both make, and present, pertinent business decisions across the gamut of an organization’s hierarchy.
How did the Professional MBA impact your view on strategic decision making and leadership?
It made me cognizant of the broader intricacies that are a part of true strategic decision making. Being able to effectively communicate, and collaborate, across a wide spectrum of personalities and roles is essential if you desire to truly make a positive impact at your organization.
What advice do you have for those considering an MBA?
An MBA is an excellent way to garner knowledge and wisdom for moving towards more impactful roles at any organization. It’s agnostic with regard to profession (I know several MD’s, JD’s, etc. with MBA’s), which gives it the unique advantage of providing a certain universal adaptability.
If you can, try to earn yours before a pandemic arrives out of nowhere and complicates everything. 🙂
What’s your next big goal (it can be personal or professional!)?
Professionally, I’m working towards a full Pragmatic certification in Product Management. (Pragmatic is just one of many different companies offering product management certifications. Pick your poison!)
Personally, I’m beginning the process of obtaining an Italian dual citizenship. Eventually I’d like to purchase a home in central Italy and emigrate. Ciao! 🙂