Developing the Confidence to Take Risks

Why did you decide to attend PLD?

I have a background in healthcare that involves biological science and patient counseling as well as a strong education and a considerable amount of experience. I came to PLD because I wanted to become a better leader for my team and coworkers—I wanted to be more than a nutrition expert. I made a decision to invest in myself to improve my leadership, deepen my business background, and determine the next step in my career.

How did the program compare with your expectations?

I came into PLD expecting a fairly traditional learning process. I thought the professors would teach principles and theories that we'd then practice. But I quickly realized that it's easy to read books and become familiar with the theories—and that HBS went far beyond that. The innovative method of teaching through case studies opened up new possibilities. I particularly appreciated being exposed to people from so many different cultures and backgrounds. It was mind-blowing to realize that we solved the same case in very different ways.

We were challenged to dissect, grasp, and discuss materials at a rapid pace. Each of us had to discover the best way to learn and prepare to answer many different questions daily. Our references were not books—they were people from 52 different countries, many different cultures, and a wide range of industries. The professors guided our discussions and triggered new ways of thinking so we could follow a logical process to arrive at the best answer. The reward of this hard work was that we seemed to absorb years of experience in a very short period of time.

Which lessons stand out for you?

The congruence model stood out as a very innovative way to solve problems, analyze performance and opportunity gaps, and align all aspects of a business, especially at the cultural level. I also learned new ways to think about the value of service and how to create value by decreasing cost and increasing willingness to pay.

How did the program change you as a leader?

At the beginning of the program, I was an observer, but I soon became more active, utilized my strengths, and worked on my weaknesses. After developing my leadership skills at HBS, I now apply them instinctively every day.

What impact has PLD had on your career?

The experience of being at HBS and going through PLD made me fearless. I can take risks, make better decisions, and figure out the next steps for my career and my life.

What would you say to a colleague who was considering PLD?

Go. Don't think twice. Benefit from every person and from every second of the PLD experience. PLD changes your expectations for yourself. It pushes you to go beyond your comfort zone and your typical modes of thinking and doing. You will learn a great deal during the program and will gain the perspective you need to continue learning and developing yourself throughout your career.