Travis Kelly, senior operating executive at Cerberus Capital Management (COAC) in New York City, wanted to understand why some companies rise to economic challenges while others falter. He learned this and much more in Harvard Business School's Corporate Level Strategy (CLS) program. He discusses some of the highlights of the program, including its highly effective case study method and mind-expanding living groups.
The program was very engaging. It covered a wide range of strategies that are applicable in today's macroeconomic environment, as well as the risks and opportunities associated with them.
We explored "real-life" case studies through engaging discussions in the classroom and in our individual discussion groups. And the professors and guest speakers facilitated an open forum of discussion and applied just the right amount of constructive tension among the participants.
My overall objective for the program was to get a clear understanding of how very successful corporations can experience difficult economic times, and in some cases, fail because of complacency and lack of innovation. Also, I wanted to gain an understanding of how some companies have persevered through difficult times and changed their strategies to be successful over the long term.
Originally, I wasn't fond of the idea of living in a dorm again. But it became apparent very quickly that the living group fostered open dialogue and camaraderie throughout the team. It added great value to the overall program and exposed us to different viewpoints. In fact, much of the value of the program came from the living group, because we interacted with other executives who shared diverse opinions and views on the assigned business cases.
Yes. The insights and strategies that were covered correlate very closely with my overall responsibilities at work. I deal with divestitures and M&A on a daily basis, both in terms of stand-alone and "bolt-on" acquisitions. Throughout the program, I was able to relate to the cases on a company level and on an industry level. We are constantly looking at our portfolio companies in terms of creating enterprise value, and this program helped me identify numerous strategies that can help increase shareholder/investor value.
CLS is very dynamic and engaging. The professors, facilities, and participants are world class, and the case study method is unparalleled. However, to truly realize the full value of such a great experience, it's essential to prepare for the lectures in advance, openly discuss your viewpoints during the class, and listen to and learn from the other executives within your living groups. Just like everything else in life, you will get out of the program what you put into it. I have several degrees and an MBA, and this was the best learning environment I have ever experienced.
