As a Chief Economist based in Brussels, Dr. Jerry Kombat-Monfant brings a sharp blend of experience, foresight, and analytical rigor to navigating complex economic landscapes. Currently pursuing a dual DBA at the Paris School of Management, he selected the program for its emphasis on applying academic research to real-world economic and business challenges.
What inspired you to pursue a DBA at this stage of your career, and could you briefly describe your professional background?
I’m Dr. Jerry Kombat-Monfant, a Chief Economist based in Brussels. I completed my first Doctoral degree twenty years ago, from St. Louis, Missouri, United States. My specialization is Finance and Economics. I have since pursued various specializations at Yale, Columbia University, and West Virginia University, all in the United States. I have earned various Fellowships from various professional bodies, including the Certified Public Accountants of the U.S., Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, Association of International Accountants, UK, Chartered Accountants, Ghana, etc.
What inspires me to pursue the next doctoral degree is a passion for research, which has become increasingly topical given global financial vulnerabilities.
Why did you choose Paris School of Management for your DBA studies?
I chose Paris School of Management in France to conduct research on the predictability of financial crises, which I deem vital for developing early warning systems that prevent or mitigate severe economic damage, especially by identifying dangerous, rapid expansions in credit and asset price booms. My research aims to move beyond viewing crises as unpredictable “bolts from the blue” and instead recognize them as foreseeable boom-bust cycles. As a Chief Economist, a Member of the Central Banks Research Association, and a member of Global Credit Data, I hope to contribute academic and professional knowledge to the body of research and knowledge for others to build on.
The decision to choose Paris School of Management for my next Doctoral degree is driven by the high quality of education, the presence of prestigious research institutions in France, and the affordability compared to other top-tier education systems. Paris School of Management offers high-quality doctoral programs with relatively low tuition fees. The institution provides an international environment that encourages networking, cultural exchange, and personal growth.
How would you describe your experience with the DBA program so far?
A Doctor of Business Administration program at Paris School of Management is typically a rigorous, practical, and transformative journey tailored for senior professionals seeking to bridge advanced theory and industry practice. It focuses heavily on applied research, requiring significant dedication, critical thinking, and time management to balance doctoral studies with professional responsibilities.
How has the DBA program aligned with your professional background and research interests at this stage?
My choice of a Doctor of Business Administration aligns with my seasoned professional background by bridging theoretical academic knowledge typical with PhD’s, for practical, evidence-based management solutions, which is suitable for my current senior leadership or Consultancy roles. It allows professionals like me to apply research methodologies to complex organizational challenges, driving innovation and strategic change.
The program is designed to transition professionals from managers to thought leaders by equipping them with advanced research skills to solve complex business issues.
In what ways do you see the DBA contributing to your future career goals?
Although I’m advanced in my career, I still feel the world is an everyday learning environment. The program is designed to transition professionals from managers to thought leaders by equipping them with advanced research skills to solve complex business issues and enabling strategic decision-making at the C-suite level. In my experience, this enhances credibility, opens doors to consulting, and provides tools to drive organizational change. As an experienced professional, I see the program at Paris School of Management embodies these objectives