As a member of the executive leadership team at Avenues the World School, Kym Ward Gaffney leads the global strategic efforts of leadership development and inclusion across five continents. Kym known as "KWG" has more than 20 years of experience coaching global leaders and developing talent strategies. When the time came to invest in her own leadership development, she chose to attend The Women's Leadership Forum at Harvard Business School Executive Education. The diversity of case studies, faculty experiences, and other leaders challenged her ideas and refreshed her perspective on scenarios, impacts, and competitors.
Why did you choose to attend the program?
I recognized that any program hosted by Harvard Business School Executive Education would be competitive. In addition to being in the room with esteemed professors and researchers, I knew that I would be collaborating with other top leaders who would challenge my ideas. Reciprocity is important to me, so contributing to the experience of others was also a factor in my decision. At this point in my career, I don't often have the opportunity to be the student. I wanted to make this investment in myself so that I could continue to be an impactful leader with our global clients and teams.
What key takeaways from the program were you able to bring into your professional life?
The conversations we had during the program continue to stay with me. Asking questions from different angles exposed the blind spots I had to spotting opportunities. How can I recognize and retain talent while continuing to infuse innovation and quality in that particular resource? I was impacted by the diversity of not only the case studies but also the experiences of my peers and professors. As a result, I now think differently about scenarios, impacts, and competitors.
How would you describe the value of the program to someone who is considering it?
First, think about where you are in your career and the value that the program will bring to both your leadership role and your organization. We all adjust to the voices in the room, particularly when there are gender differences. But this program brings a uniqueness from a gender lens. So be ready to think about challenges and opportunities from different perspectives as you network and learn with other women leaders.
What advice do you have for someone who is about to participate in this program?
The more clarity you have around your leadership challenge coming into the program, the more likely you'll be to take action on that challenge. Clear your mental space as much as possible so that you can be fully present. What you're thinking holistically and strategically matters—so honor your feelings and be thoughtful about the actions that you will take back at your organization.
Have you stayed engaged with any of your peers from the program?
Yes, we stay in touch with one another so we can be aware of opportunities and growth challenges. We have a WhatsApp group where we continue to connect; a smaller coaching group where we cheerlead and challenge one another; and a larger group of cohort members where we share updates and pose questions. It's a safe space that enables us to keep applying what we've learned from our case-study interactions to our real-life scenarios.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about the program?
I wish that I could do it again! It's an awesome investment in your personal and professional life. As women leaders, we tend to be very altruistic and giving to others. This program is a special gift to yourself. You can sit back and say, "This time is for me. I have some cheerleaders and challengers that I can call upon at any moment during the program—and when I return to my organization." It's a great way to keep expanding your perspective and your network.