Challenge Yourself to Transform

How would you describe your experience in OPM?

It was transformational. The core curriculum featured outstanding content and the program's structure gave me the opportunity to work with world-class professors. The real-world relevance of the program far exceeded my expectations. The program catalyzed new initiatives at Atlas and changed the way I look at key business issues affecting my company and my clients. It was unlike any other educational program I have attended.

How did you benefit from peer learning in the program?

When your fellow students are seasoned business owners and successful entrepreneurs, it creates a kinetic learning environment. It allows you to explore issues in the context of proven business experience. I was surrounded by business leaders from around the globe and companies of all sizes and complexities. We would challenge each other, brainstorm at the highest level, and gain invaluable insights for our businesses.

What was most useful about the program?

I entered the program with a growing business and multinational client base. I emerged with a longer view and bolder vision for what my company stands for and how we are going to add value to our Fortune 500 clients well into the future. My company is known for reengineering the workplace with efficient processes and adaptable teams, and we help our clients realize their diversity goals and deliver on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment. My peers in the program opened my eyes to new possibilities for emphasizing CSR and positioning diversity benefits in powerful ways.

The program's overview on macroeconomics was key to this revelation. Learning about business approaches in other countries made me think about how talent fuels our economy. This reinforced my view that education—in the traditional sense but also in terms of community college, certifications and lifelong learning—is essential to preparing people of all ages for success and creating a more competitive and productive workforce.

In what ways has the program helped you as business leader?

It's inspired me to stretch my role, both in terms of representing Atlas externally and in terms of strengthening our culture internally. Building a strong corporate culture is an ongoing and nuanced process. The program helped me realize my role in encouraging employees to embrace our values and empowering key managers to support our employees. Creating a career pathway for people is one of our company's strategic offerings, and it presents a competitive advantage for our clients.

You earned HBS alumni status upon completion of the program. What benefits has the network provided so far?

Through the network, I can seek out the perspectives of HBS alumni and share my own perspective. In that sense, HBS alumni are an extension of my advisory board. The online network also connects me to global events and viewpoints—which helps me get outside of the U.S.-centric news coverage and keeps my thinking current for our multinational clients. For example, I recently attended an alumni meeting in Dubai. It stimulated ideas about the workplace of the future, which I was able to bring back to work and use to jump-start conversations with clients and employees.

How would you describe the value of the program?

The program provides disciplined academics and unparalleled access to visionary entrepreneurs and a network of experts. It empowers business owners to stay at the forefront of business leadership and economic issues.