Why Leadership Begins with Financial Understanding | A Conversation with Dr. Annette Poulsen Inside the Georgia MBA Series In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Annette Poulsen, Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor of Finance and one of the longest-serving faculty members at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Dr. Poulsen reflects on her time as Deputy Chief Economist at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, her decision to return to academia, and the evolution of Terry’s Full-Time MBA and MSBA programs. She discusses how financial literacy shapes effective leadership and why understanding the language of numbers is essential for anyone in business today. We also hear what keeps her energized in the classroom, how she brings real-world issues into her teaching, and why she believes finance isn’t just about formulas; it’s about stories. Whether you're exploring a career pivot, interested in business education, or just want to learn from one of Terry’s most beloved professors, this conversation is full of wisdom and warmth. Key Topics: - The real-world power of finance education - Why an MBA is a smart career pivot - How Terry’s business programs have transformed over time - Dr. Poulsen’s path from the SEC to UGA - What makes UGA students special Learn more about the Georgia MBA: https://www.terry.uga.edu/mba/fulltime/ Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/terrycollege-mba/ #UGAMBA #FinanceLeadership #BusinessEducation #MBAJourney #TerryCollege #InsideTheGeorgiaMBA #WomenInFinance #UGAFacultySpotlight