Booth’s Finance and Accounting for Strategic Decision Making program fueled professional growth for hospitality executive John Christian Michaels.
- By
- January 26, 2026
- Executive Education
Enhancing Strategic Voice through Financial Fluency
At a pivotal moment in his career, John Christian Michaels knew he was ready for the next step—but also that he needed stronger financial skills to get there.
While he worked with financial information every day, much of it had been learned on the fly. As Managing Director, The Drake Hotel, Hilton Worldwide, Michaels wanted a clearer, more structured understanding of accounting and finance so he could operate with greater confidence and credibility.
That search led him to Finance and Accounting for Strategy Decision-Making, an executive education program at Booth designed to give non-financial executives financial and accounting fluency to enhance their leadership and decision-making.
From the very first day, Michaels felt he had found exactly what he was looking for. The program began with a deep dive into accounting fundamentals—accounts receivable and payable, cash flow statements, balance sheets, and P&Ls—breaking down each line item clearly and methodically.
"I work with all these things on a daily basis, but I've never done accounting in my life," he said. "Going into a class where every single line is explained, line by line—that was huge for me."
As the program progressed into broader financial topics like mergers and acquisitions, Michaels found the learning immediately applicable—not only to his professional role, but also to his personal interests as an investor. Understanding what happens "behind the doors" of companies gave him a new lens for evaluating financial performance and strategic decisions.
Now I can go to the director of finance and ask questions about things I truly understand. That confidence makes a big difference.
— John Christian Michaels
The biggest impact, however, came from gaining confidence.
Before the program, conversations with finance leaders often felt intimidating. Now, Michaels feels equipped to engage more productively—asking better questions, understanding the answers, and contributing meaningfully to strategic discussions.
"When you don't understand all aspects of the financials, you feel insecure—even asking questions," he explained. "Now I can go to the director of finance and ask questions about things I truly understand. That confidence makes a big difference."
The classroom experience further reinforced that growth. With a small, diverse cohort representing industries and geographies from around the world, discussions, were dynamic and practical. Michaels was especially impressed by the faculty—experienced practitioners who have led and managed real businesses.
"They’re not just teachers. They've been out there running businesses, and they give real examples of how things actually work. That's who you want to learn from."
Looking back, Michaels has clear advice for others considering the program: if it aligns with what you need, don't hesitate.
"I was unsure at first, even after seeing the agenda. But experiencing it in person exceeded my expectations. I'm very happy I took this class."
Now, as he returns to his role, Michaels knows exactly what he'll take with him—greater clarity, stronger financial understanding, and the confidence to engage finance as a strategic partners in his day-to-day-work.
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