Andrea Baedak

Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA in the Beedie School of Business

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

As a Métis woman hailing from Treaty 1 territory in Manitoba, my expertise lies in communications, media, and community engagement, with a keen focus on governance and the advancement of Indigenous rights and sovereignty.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I was first invited to audit classes at SFU in around 1986. It is a thrill to be working on a Masters Degree this many years later.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

This program has been instrumental in my personal transformation, guiding me through a process of both learning and unlearning. It has facilitated healing, helped me learn and refine new skills, and cultivated new precious relationships.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Deep, transformational, innovative

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

Many of the courses and relationships built have helped me work through areas in (decolonizing) business that I had always tackled alone in the past. My work as a TA was also invaluable in terms of supporting, learning and sharing with other Indigenous students.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

So far I have received a 10K award from CN which was a significant help during a challenging period of financial constraint. This really reduced pressures and allowed me to focus on my coursework, advancing my academic performance and took the pressure off so that I could remain in the program.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

Our cohort is made up of a diverse group of Indigenous leaders from across the land, all coming from different knowledge systems and cultural perspectives which helped to enrich the learning. Working in these diverse teams highlighted the significance of clear communication and collaboration.

How do you approach networking and building connections in and outside of your academic community?

I emphasize forming one-to-one, meaningful connections rooted in shared interests and values and actively engage in deep listening to foster mutual understanding. I maintain these relationships through personal follow up to expand my network while retaining my focus on long-term relations.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

It was important that for me to be adaptable in my approach. When academic demands peak (which was frequent in a compressed program) but there are times when family and self-care must take precedence. Relationships with friends, colleagues and some family members were prioritized differently during this time, maybe through calls rather than visits, check-ins by text etc. Regular reflection on long-term goals and values helped keep me motivated and on track, and sharing this with my friends, family and colleagues gave them insight into my focus and also built more support, I think.

If you could dedicate your research to anyone (past, present and/or future), who would that be and why?

I dedicate my research to my grandmothers and great-grandmothers to honour their legacy and wisdom that endured so much so that one day I could have the opportunities that I have had. I would also say that my new grandson and future grandchildren have inspired me to undertake this work and I hope that they can nurture the profound respect and connection with our culture that I have been able to.

Additional Links

• LinkedIn