Emily Afdahl
Emily A. is an accomplished Enterprise Program and PMO Leader with extensive experience in strategy, governance, and transformation for mission-driven organizations. She has led enterprise programs across healthcare, life sciences, and nonprofit sectors, connecting strategy to operational execution and driving measurable outcomes. Emily has directed multi-site transformations, implemented scalable PMO frameworks, and fostered executive alignment to strengthen organizational decision-making and operational performance. Her career demonstrates a deep commitment to enabling organizations to achieve sustained impact while building strong, collaborative teams.
Emily’s career path has been anything but traditional. She graduated high school early and began her college journey with a semester in Costa Rica to immerse herself in Spanish, reflecting her passion for hands-on learning. She then moved from her small town in Iowa to Emory University in Atlanta, where she studied math and Spanish and graduated early, eager to enter the workforce. Her first major role was at Wells Fargo on their main trading floor in San Francisco, where she quickly rose to become the top analyst nationwide at age 23. Over the past decade, Emily has focused on program and project management, starting with SEM Connections, a boutique consulting firm in Chicago, which was later acquired by McKinsey & Company, where she continued leading enterprise programs for three years. Recently, she made the bold decision to leave McKinsey to pursue her next chapter, embracing change with confidence and purpose.
Emily holds an MBA from USC Marshall School of Business and a Master’s in Education from DePaul University, reflecting her dedication to lifelong learning and mission-driven impact. Throughout her career, she has successfully navigated multiple acquisitions, mergers, and organizational transformations, adapting and reinventing herself while quietly leading others through change. Passionate about advancing education, healthcare, and inclusive learning, Emily combines strategic insight, operational rigor, and adaptability to strengthen organizational performance and inspire those around her.
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Life and Health Coach
• Operations PMO Certificate
• Certified Life & Health Coach
• Emory University - BA, Mathematics and Spanish
• DePaul University - MEd
• USC Marshall School of Business - MBA
• Top Analyst Award
• Wells Fargo (nationwide recognition in first year)
• Project Management Institute
• DuPage Pads
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to adapt to change and trust my instincts, even when the path looks unconventional to the outside world. Throughout my career, I've gone through multiple acquisitions and mergers, working for companies ranging from startup-sized to enterprise-level, and I've had to adjust, adapt, and almost reinvent myself many times to manage evolving situations. I tend to look at those situations as exciting adventures rather than obstacles, and I'm not afraid of the scariness of change. I think there's a quiet confidence about it, and it's certainly a soft skill that I think I was just born with, though some of it is learned. Some of these soft skills and abilities in women go maybe unseen in certain cases, but I feel like they're monumental in terms of their importance. The success of many teams has been built on these things, and I think it's important to acknowledge that. I've also learned to trust myself and follow my own dreams and path, despite what the obstacles might look like to the outside world. When I went back to get my MBA in my 40s while working full-time at McKinsey and being a full-time single mom, I'm sure people thought I was crazy, but I said, you know what, this is my dream, and it's not about what other people feel or think about it. That experience speaks to trusting your instincts and following your own path, and I'm proud of that decision.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that with focus, determination, and a willingness to learn, you can succeed and overcome any obstacle, no matter how daunting it may seem. Early in my career, I joined Wells Fargo on their main trading floor with little prior experience, yet through dedication and perseverance, I was recognized as the Top Analyst nationwide in my first year. That experience taught me that challenges are opportunities for growth, and that consistent effort, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence can propel you to achieve more than you ever imagined.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is that you can absolutely have a rewarding career while also being a mom and defining your own path. Success doesn’t require perfection nothing in life is perfect and it’s more important to focus on your priorities, embrace flexibility, and stay true to your values. By setting boundaries, seeking support, and trusting your abilities, you can create a fulfilling career and life on your own terms.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, I'm in a transition phase pursuing new career opportunities. I recently resigned from McKinsey just a couple weeks ago to pursue my next chapter, and I've decided to devote all my time to striving and reaching for what that is. It was a little scary at first, but I really feel confident in my decision. I pride myself on knowing when there's a need for change and taking the steps to make that change. Being in this transition is both challenging and exciting, as I'm busy exploring what the next opportunity will be with my excellent education and certifications. I know I'll adapt and overcome any and all challenges that I might face, as I have that ability as a successful woman in business.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me are adaptability, following my own path, and putting my daughter's needs first as a single mom. I believe in trusting my instincts and pursuing my own dreams despite what the obstacles might look like to the outside world. When I went back to get my MBA in my 40s while working full-time and being a full-time single mom, it was about following what I always wanted to do, not about what other people thought. Being a single mom is challenging, but it's also the greatest joy, and my daughter and I are a team. We support each other, and even though some might say it's not the child's job to support the parent, that's the reality of our situation. When I finished my MBA, I made a point to tell my daughter that it was an accomplishment both of us achieved, and we had this profound moment where we acknowledged we did it as a team. I choose to think that the lessons she's learning about empathy and being strong for somebody else, even as a young child, will give her an advantage in life. It's a gift. I also value acknowledging my own journey with pride and knowing that I can inspire others around me, even when my path isn't the traditional or perfect one.