Tenacity and Teamwork

The FINANCIAL — The New York Times features a brief life story interview with Ashridge MBA Gary Smith.

The world of the internet and high-speed communications was just emerging when Gary took his Executive MBA at Ashridge back in 1996, but since then he has had an influential role to play as CEO of the Ciena Corporation, which has become one of the world’s leading providers of communications networking equipment.

It was through his knowledge and experience of the industry that led to his appointment by President Barack Obama to the USA National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee. This is a presidential advisory board composed of leaders in various key industries who advise on communications and information systems relating to national security.

Gary gained his EMBA with distinction at Ashridge before becoming CEO of Ciena, headquartered in Maryland, USA.

According to Ashridge Media Centre, in the article in the New York times, he says: "Our growth would not have happened without our really strong board and very good people around me who helped find our way out of a very challenging period. It is all about the people, as well as tenacity and teamwork — things I learned long ago when I was playing sports."