Growing Strong Relationships
In the Program for Leadership Development (PLD) at Harvard Business School, Timothy Lin not only gained unique business insights, but he was also able to create a global network of like-minded peers who continue to be a valuable resource to him both professionally and personally.
How did the PLD experience measure up against your expectations?
I wasn't sure what to expect other than a top-notch educational experience. PLD turned out to be a life-changing event. In addition to providing world-class instruction and access to some of the best business minds in the world, PLD provided an amazing opportunity to meet people who can help you not just in business but also in life.
What did you learn from you fellow PLD participants?
I met people who are leaders in their communities and who have similar interests in business. Meeting such a diverse group of people, experiencing new cultures, and finding out that people are the same all around the world were all unexpected benefits of the experience.
Whether you're from the U.S. or a country in Africa, executives have the same challenges, want the same things, have the same desires, and experience the same ups and downs as you do. Learning that was the most valuable part of the PLD experience for me.
What kinds of relationships did you develop in PLD?
The relationships I built in PLD are personal. Beyond business, I learned about people's family and their passions. I consider many of my friends from class to be truly part of my family, and I stay in touch both personally and professionally.
My PLD classmates were happy to share their insights and make recommendations, as we have experienced similar failures and successes. These insights helped me to be more prepared as a business leader. Where else in the world can you meet people like this and build these kinds of relationships?
How will PLD strengthen your leadership ability?
PLD enabled me to make smarter decisions about how I build my business, interact with my clients, and get answers in a more methodical and concrete way. PLD provides skills and experience across a wide array of subject matter. While, I come from the computer industry, I benefitted greatly from the shared experience and input of business leaders who have created multi-billion dollar companies in the electronics, pharmaceutical, and sports arenas.
What advice do you have for executives considering attending PLD?
If you are looking for a program that will leave a lasting impression, consider coming to PLD. There may be other opportunities out there, but PLD is a program that can benefit you for the rest of your career. You can't put a dollar value on this experience, which is one you literally cannot get anywhere else in the world.