Gain A Broad Perspective, Then Take A Closer Look

Why did you choose to attend this program? Did you have any goals in mind?

My business responsibilities involve making and articulating strategic choices for my clients and for my organization. I had previously attended PLD, where I learned how to tackle various professional challenges from different perspectives. So, when I returned to HBS, I had two goals in mind: I wanted to focus on formulating short term and long-term strategies and polish my ability to quickly execute and deliver.

How has this program influenced your approach to strategy development?

I learned that it's not enough to have a solid strategy–you've got to support the strategy with alignment across all divisions. And to accomplish that, you need to understand what motivates people, and what their priorities are. If you don’t have the same priorities, truly aligning a strategy will be difficult.

I also learned that the best companies are the ones where every member of the team, regardless of designation, can define the goals and priorities in simple terms. I work hard to make that happen.

How has this experience complemented your experience in PLD?

When I was first exposed to the case study method, I was very focused on content and details, but not necessarily on perspectives, role play, or out-of-the-box thinking. PLD changed that. In Aligning Strategy and Sales, Professor Cespedes makes you the main protagonist, solving big issues ethically, socially, and financially. That makes you reflect on your own values as an authentic leader, which complements the PLD experience.

Could you speak to the value and benefit of the program living groups?

Living groups are a crucial component of the learning process at HBS Executive Education. Everyone comes with the idea of listening and sharing their experiences. I really liked that we were paired with team members across various age groups, nationalities, and industries. I have stayed in touch with my living group, discussing business problems and more.

Which insights from Aligning Strategy and Sales have stayed with you?

There are two takeaways that stand out. First, always focus on inquiry, which is motivated by a desire to understand, rather than advocacy, which is motivated by a desire to preach. And second, always treat your people right.