Jennifer Clarke, Director of CX Strategy at Whirlpool, is passionate about bringing the power of brands to improving people's lives. When she attended the High Potentials Leadership Program at HBS, Jennifer learned about the Advancing Women of Color in Leadership program and decided to return for that program. The deep and long-lasting relationships she formed during that learning experience have boosted her confidence, network, and career.
How did you find out about this program, and what made it the right choice for you?
My relationship with HBS Executive Education began with the High Potentials Leadership Program, which a friend had recommended. She said that the program helped her formulate a clearer understanding of herself, her leadership style, and ultimately her future. During that program, Professor Linda Hill mentioned that there would be a new program just for women of color. I was intrigued and excited!
Did you have any goals in mind, or did you come to campus with an open mind?
Definitely with an open mind. One of the primary differences between the High Potentials Leadership and Advancing Women of Color in Leadership programs is the depth of relationships you make, because you're living this shared experience regardless of your discipline or background. Certain themes are common in your careers, so the barriers come down a lot more quickly. Women learn better in all-female environments and have more opportunities to express themselves. I definitely felt that in this course.
What surprised you the most about this whole experience?
I was surprised by how similar some of our experiences were. While we came from different backgrounds and jobs, our experiences at work and in our careers were parallel. It was incredibly validating. This clarity has helped me focus more clearly and to move forward in my career with greater courage, confidence, and certitude.
I was also amazed by how much knowledge the professors had about what we were going through in our day-to-day based on their research. It was almost like they were oracles: "We know this is what your career looks like, and we know this is what it's going to look like." Getting those insights was very empowering.
Did you have an "a-ha!" moment that changed your way of thinking?
One moment was when someone spoke about how isolating it was being on the corporate ladder, feeling that it would be the end of the world if she lost her job. I felt like that too until I gained more confidence in my network. And part of boosting that network has been my relationship with HBS. When you can move through your life and your work without fear, you can do a lot more. Life is better, easier, and happier.
How did you prepare to step away from your work and home life and immerse yourself on campus? What are the benefits of doing that?
For women of color, there's this caregiver mentality that makes it difficult to carve out space for yourself. So I made a commitment that I was going to do this for myself. I informed my job; I didn't ask for permission. There's a solemnity to the HBS campus, being in the presence of people who are there for the same reason—to improve their lives and possibly the world. Being united in that spirit changes the way you view what you’re doing, and you grow so much in such a short time.
When you make a commitment like this, you're investing in your future self, and you're accelerating how fast you move into that future vibration. That's much harder to do in your existing environment where you're surrounded by all those reminders of who you are today as opposed to who you're going to be. When I stepped off campus, I felt like a different person.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering the program?
Do it. Don't look back or think about the money. Just figure out how to get there and then embrace all aspects of the experience. The way we feel about ourselves and our lives dictates how we experience the world. I can say with great joy and gratitude that attending HBS changed my life for the better—twice in a row now! I'm so looking forward to what will come from attending future programs.