Adam Gonnerman

More than a decade ago, sitting across from a Brazilian consultant who was reviewing my resume for a potential project management opportunity, I received a verdict I was not expecting. He looked up from the page and said, matter-of-factly: "You're a theologian." He was not wrong about my degree. I hold a Bachelor of Ministry, earned through an accelerated program at Harding University that covered nearly four years of biblical, counseling, and ministry education in two. But in the standard Brazilian professional framework, you are what your degree says you are. My PMP certification, my years of project management experience, my track record of delivering complex initiatives meant very little in that moment. I had graduated into theology. Therefore I was a theologian. I thought about that conversation years later when I enrolled in a Master of Arts program in management with a concentration in project management, made possible through Viacom's employee education bene...

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Ministry, which I pursued during a period when I was dedicated to entering the ministry. This degree supported my initial work as a minister in both Brazil and the United States. Although there was a time when I questioned the relevance of this degree after transitioning out of ministry, I later realized that such doubts were unnecessary. Historically, in the United States, a high school diploma sufficed for most entry-level jobs outside specialized fields like medicine and law. However, this is no longer the case. Today, most white-collar jobs require at least an Associate's degree, with a Bachelor's degree being even more common. Importantly, the specific major often does not limit one's career possibilities. For instance, one of the best engineers I know majored in English Literature, and a former colleague who worked in streaming content preparation held a degree in Criminal Justice. My initial misgivings about my degree ...

Throughout my life, I've held a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. Early on, I expressed this passion through ministry and mission work. More recently, I've dedicated time to volunteer work. Now, I've come to realize that my path forward lies in a profession centered around Sustainability. I'd like to share why I believe this transition aligns perfectly with my lifelong aspirations. A Foundation of Purpose: My journey began with a strong sense of purpose in ministry and mission work. These experiences instilled in me the importance of compassion, service, and making a positive impact on people's lives. Extensive Program and Project Management Experience: Over the years, I've grown professionally as a Program Manager at renowned companies like AMC Networks, NBC Universal, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, and ViacomCBS. These roles have provided me with the skills and expertise necessary to manage complex initiatives and build ...