Stella Ojeyinka

With customers across Canada and vendors from Vietnam to China, data analytics is at the core of Stella Ojeyinka’s world.

As purchasing manager for Wurth Industry of Canada, she oversees transportation, logistics, supply chain, and storage to support thousands of customers. Her passion for improving service metrics aligns perfectly with the data-driven side of her role.

Through Ivey Business School’s Master of Management: Analytics (MM-A) program, Ojeyinka is sharpening her skills with tools to boost efficiency – a key selling point for customers. The 12-month hybrid program combines online learning with monthly in-person classes in downtown Toronto, integrating Ivey’s renowned Case-Method Learning to develop both technical and leadership skills.

A McMaster University graduate, Ojeyinka is self-taught in SQL and Python. Seeking to formalize her expertise, she wanted a master’s program that would validate her skills beyond a hobby.

She reached out to Ivey after hearing about its reputation and quickly realized it was the right fit.

“Ivey showed a real interest in me,” said Ojeyinka. “I heard it was a great school – one of the best in Canada – and I am very impressed with the professors, the course content and I love working with my classmates. I’ve met so many great people.”

Ojeyinka appreciates Ivey’s case-method learning, which brings real-world business challenges into the classroom. She likens it to storytelling, making complex concepts more memorable.

“If it weren’t for the case method, I’d just be cramming information to regurgitate on a test,” she said.

After nearly a decade in the workforce, transitioning back to the classroom was a challenge.

“Class participation was a very terrifying idea for me because I’m an introvert and it takes a lot for me to speak up,” said Ojeyinka. “You just have to put through yourself out there.”

Working with classmates from multiple industries has enriched her learning experience. “We’re all mature, driven and committed to excelling. That makes teamwork easier and more rewarding.”

Thinking differently

Ojeyinka said the biggest challenge of the program is learning to think in new ways.

“This program has taught me to be more patient and pay attention to new ideas and out of the box thinking,” said Ojeyinka. “I’ve learned it’s OK to explore new ideas.”

Just half-way through the program, Ojeyinka has already found it valuable in her role at Wurth. Looking ahead, she also her sights set on leadership as a result of the program.

What’s the best advice Ojeyinka has for those considering the program? Break the work into bite-sized pieces.

“Just one simple thing: Don't leave anything till last minute,” she said. “Try to wake up a bit earlier to put in the school work and then come to work. I know after work I'm exhausted and I have to deal with the kids, so I think it's just all about time management.”