Putting Theory into Context
When the Wesfarmers Insurance Group division he led was sold, Anthony Gianotti decided it was an ideal time to attend the Advanced Management Program (AMP). During an intense eight weeks, he was able to step back, expand his perspective—and clarify his view of leadership.
What was the key highlight of your AMP experience?
As leaders, we tend to come from an environment where we're expected to always be right or to always have the right answer, and that can be difficult. One of the most valuable aspects of AMP is to be able to listen to other people's points of view and free yourself from the shackles of always having to have the answer. AMP provides the opportunity to hear different perspectives on the same problem, from people who come from other industries and cultures. Those perspectives not only help to put business theories into context—but they also teach you how to approach issues in very different ways.
How did your living group enhance AMP?
I wanted a program that was very international. Some people think that HBS program participants are mainly from the U.S., but as soon as you attend an HBS program, you realize that's not the case.
When I first saw the list of names of my living group members, I could not even pronounce half of them. I thought we'd have nothing in common—but that could not have been further from the truth. We had a fantastic living group experience. We respected each other and we bonded easily. It was hard to say goodbye because we're lifelong friends now.
Which aspects of the curriculum were most helpful to you?
One of the best parts of the program is the CEO and other guest speakers. Their insights are really useful. In a leadership role, you're often quite isolated, and when you are confronted with a problem, you tend to think no one else has gone through it. But other executives have had similar experiences, and you can learn from them. In AMP, you see many examples of CEO behavior, and you are encouraged to see CEOs as real people who are faced with real issues. It helps you to learn how they've dealt with their challenges. In addition, AMP offers a lot of opportunity to interact with fellow participants who have been in situations similar to your own.
How has the program changed your approach to leadership?
At AMP, you go on a personal journey that allows you to sit back, think, and assess. I received a lot of feedback through the 360-degree process and in the coaching sessions. As a result, I am now better able to acknowledge my weaknesses and have identified things I need to work on. I am now more aware of the impact I have as a leader, and I'll continue to make changes to improve my effectiveness.
Leadership is not only about you as a leader, but also about how you take people on a journey with you. At AMP, the faculty explained it as "helping ordinary people do extraordinary things." By helping people feel more empowered and engaged, you add value to their lives and to the organization. That crystallizes for me what we as leaders are here to do.