Maximizing the Virtual Experience
Genea Wilson is the Director of Ambulatory Operations in the east bay area at Sutter Health, in California, U.S., who sought to polish her executive leadership skills and work toward career progression. She was interested in applying for the General Management Program (GMP) but then the COVID-19 pandemic started. Genea did not want to put her goals on hold and participated in the virtual offering of GMP. She soon knew the valuable lessons she learned in the virtual GMP would be immediately applicable to her career goals and help transform her leadership skills to the next level. Below, Genea shares her perspective of the virtual GMP program.
Why did you apply to the GMP program?
I applied to the GMP program because I wanted to prepare to lead at the highest level, learn from my cohort who represent various industries from around the world and learn from the reputable HBS professors. The Harvard Business School case method is a great way to understand and solve real complex organization challenges that executive leaders face everyday. The diversity in critical thinking from my cohort and learning from a myriad of perspectives constantly challenged my thought process and as a result, positively impacts my development. I was also attracted to this program because it provides executive one on one and group coaching, which helped me focus on my leadership challenges by applying practical assignments to help continuously improve during the duration of the program and the years ahead.
What drove you to take a virtual offering of GMP and how did you think about the trade-offs between a virtual program and an in-person program?
I was initially interested in the in-person program to build relationships through networking and the living group format. The pandemic changed the format of the program and I had to decide if I was going to wait until the next in-person format was available or move forward with the virtual program. After much thought and consideration, I determined that I wanted to move forward with the virtual format based on two main factors. One, the ability to have flexibility in my work schedule without too much disruption with my family at home. Two, I wanted to take advantage of the program learning and my leadership development based on my career goals and I knew that waiting until 2021 was not an option.
What was the virtual learning experience like in the Live Online Classroom?
The virtual learning experience in the Live Online Classroom is incredible! I can see everyone on the screen as if we are in class together. In fact, the difference is that you can see all the facial expressions and reactions to our discussion, that you would not normally see across the room in person. The professors do a great job at navigating the virtual room to call on the participants as they raise their hand or the renowned HBS "cold calling" method to ensure that everyone stays ready and engaged.
What did you like best about the virtual experience?
My favorite component of the virtual experience is the Zoom classroom setting as it allows the professors to do small group breakout sessions. The breakout sessions provide a more intimate duplication as if we were in a classroom setting. My favorite virtual class session was the negotiation and learning group simulation exercises. I was immediately drawn into role playing my character and forgot that I was on camera. I negotiated, influenced, laughed, and learned skills that I can utilize in my career and share with my management team going forward.
Can you describe the network you have built in your GMP cohort?
I built a strong network and friendship with my learning group as we prepared cases through Zoom sessions and communicated offline with slack. The industry network sessions have been tremendously helpful to aide in meaningful connections and learn from other industries outside of healthcare. We also have a slack group for the GMP 29 Women Executives for all the women leaders within our class to connect, engage on topics we discussed in class, share personal leadership stories and empower each other. There were other slack trending topics on Leadership, Strategy, Innovation, Marketing, Operations, Finance, Accounting, and International Government to continue our dialogue after class with the cohort and professors. I look forward to building lifelong connections with all the leaders I have connected with.
How did you manage the balance between work, the program, and your home commitments?
Reading and preparing the cases during the months we are not in class was instrumental, so that once we are back in session I could refer to my case notes as a refresher for learning group dialogue and class. Additionally, my senior leadership was beyond flexible with allowing me to take live virtual class sessions Monday through Friday from 5:30-11:30 AM pacific standard time. I am so appreciative for their support and understanding over the four months.
What advice would you give to other executives who are considering attending a virtual GMP iteration and how to maximize the experience?
Don't hesitate to apply—just do it! Reach out to a program advisor and request to speak with current or past participants to understand their perspective of the program. Once accepted in the program, maximize your experience by reaching out to your colleagues through one on one zoom sessions to build rapport, connect with the professors during their office hours, share your ideas during class sessions and your learning group sessions. Most importantly connect with your cohort on LinkedIn so that you foster life-long connections for years to come. I guarantee the program will surpass your expectations and evolve your leadership competencies that you will pay forward throughout your career.