Finding Purpose Through Authentic Leadership

Why did you apply to the Program for Leadership Development?

I'd always wanted to couple my undergrad engineering degree with a well-rounded business foundation after gaining sufficient work experience. I was at a pivotal point in my career and wanted to invest in my growth so that I would have the foundation to break into higher ranks of leadership. When I evaluated my options and my career progression, I realized that a traditional MBA wasn't ideal for me. PLD felt like it was tailor-made for my situation. I received the education, network, and HBS prestige in a reasonable time frame and at a great price point.

What compelled you to take additional programming to earn alumni status with Harvard Business School?

The alumni perks are quite valuable and worth the additional investment, especially if you look at Modules 1 through 5 as a total package as opposed to separate investments. I wanted to have closure with what we learned in Modules 1 through 4. I was part of a fully virtual cohort during the COVID-19 pandemic, so the opportunity to complete PLD Module 5 in person and walk on to the stage in Klarman Hall for the closing ceremony was very meaningful to me. A lot of my peers were continuing their PLD journey, and we inspired one another to continue on our growth paths.

How did you decide PLD Module 5 was the right pathway for your personal and professional growth?

Authentic leadership and finding my purpose were pivotal at this point in my personal and professional journey. I felt that I had to do the heart-and-soul work along with some of the more technical financial courses to fully round out my experience. With that clarity from PLD Module 5, I can now take future courses that are tailored to specific goals with more strategic intentions based on both a business and an economic context.

How did PLD Module 5 build off what you had previously learned in PLD?

Modules 1 through 4 showed us the role of the leader, and Module 5 helped us decipher exactly who we are as individual leaders. It was interesting how each person could have a different takeaway authentic to their life story, and I love that bespoke curriculum at scale. It also took finance to the next level with more in-depth analysis, building on concepts. It's one thing to get financial jargon, but it's another to be able to actually do the math.

What would you say is a unique benefit of attending both PLD and PLD Module 5?

For me, there are two unique benefits. The first is cohort continuation. I built really strong relationships throughout both programs, as the relationships compounded alongside course content. The second is art and science. There is a beautiful blend of heart-and-soul work along with very technical execution. That, combined with the social aspect, forced me to use every muscle in my brain and heart. It was a fully immersive experience, and I grew in every dimension.

In what ways have you utilized the HBS alumni network since gaining alumni status?

So far, I've utilized multiple aspects of the HBS alumni network. I've leveraged my HBS Executive Coach to help navigate personal and professional dynamics, tapped the alumni network to meet with executives around the world, and partnered with other alumni on lucrative startup opportunities through advising and consulting.

In your opinion, what are the greatest benefits of being an HBS alumnus?

For me, the greatest benefits are the professional HBS Executive Coaches and other career resources, the global network with an easy-to-navigate directory, the overall prestige of Harvard as an institution, and additional programming for board-member preparation.

What advice would you give to other PLD graduates who are considering earning alumni status?

Be clear in your intentions and the benefits you hope to utilize. Like anything, you get back what you put in. HBS has a strong network of professionals who are ready to engage, coaches who are ready to inspire, and fellow alumni who are ready to change the world! I'm proud to be part of these ranks and do my part to realize the HBS mission.

By participating in the Program for Leadership Development and additional qualifying programs, you have the opportunity to earn lifetime HBS alumni status. To learn more about how PLD puts you on the path toward achieving HBS alumni status, visit the Program for Leadership Development: Earning Alumni Status page or contact the Program Advising Team (executive_education@hbs.edu).