Executive Education News

Executive Leadership Program's Tony Kong Shares How Different Perspectives Help Build High-Functioning Teams

Justin Michael Forbis — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 20:48:24 +0000

Executive Leadership Program's Tony Kong Shares How Different Perspectives Help Build High-Functioning Teams Justin Michael… Mon, 02/17/2025 - 13:48

When it comes to developing diversity within an organization—everyone has something to say and contribute. That is the message Associate Professor Tony Kong shares with participants in his courses across the undergraduate, Executive MBA and the Leeds Executive Leadership Program. Kong encourages participants in the courses to keep their minds open as they consider how they can bring equity and inclusion principles back to their teams and company culture. “I believe everyone has a say as different perspectives will always contribute great insights.”

Bringing People Together

“Bringing people together is the spirit behind diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI),” said Kong. However, everyone’s personal understanding of what that means is different due to their lived experiences, knowledge, and identities. “That is why there are disagreements on what it means to people and how it should be practiced, despite the agreement that people are diverse and everyone wants to feel included.”

“I care about helping and developing people and believe that belonging and collaboration benefit the greater good,”

Kong’s research focuses on addressing how to enable people to be more prosocial (that is, promoting others’ interests and collective interests). “I care about helping and developing people and believe that belonging and collaboration benefit the greater good,” he said. “I care about this topic because I believe in its purpose of bringing everyone together. You need to be able to hear other perspectives to create a greater understanding.”

IDEO is a design company that Kong references in his executive leadership course as an example of a company that has built a culture where they care most about the different and unique ideas and perspectives their employees bring with them. “Companies that are successful in equity and inclusion know how to bring their employees’ different ideas and insights to the table,” Kong explained. “People should have common goals though.” Teams that can embrace places where one person’s weakness is another’s strength allows them to create more trust, empathy, and understanding with each other.

Impacts in the Workplace

Despite some organizations rolling back their DEI initiatives, Kong believes that businesses are receptive to learning and integrating that feedback. When those initiatives are thoughtful and leveraged effectively, it allows companies to not only foster learning and integration, but also to become better places where people can show up authentically and as their best self.

For organizations hoping to implement or refine their policies and practices, Kong recommends starting with what the company has in place currently and asking employees how they see and interpret inclusion. “It’s important to gather opinions on what people want for inclusion and equity and use that for culture building and the creation of norms and behaviors.”

Diverse views can lead to seemingly inconsistent results according to Kong. He encourages companies not to reject the entire premise and instead “identify the gaps and key metrics and address them. Companies need to see these gaps as an opportunity to learn and build a better culture.”

One key part of advancing equity and inclusion is implementing equity and inclusion for everyone in the organization. “Problems occur when DEI policy and practices are narrowly focused and thus many people have difficulty in relating to the policy and practices and identifying the relevance,” explained Kong. “If people can see and identify the self-relevance of these policies and practices, then they will care and lift everyone up.”

How Leaders can Build an Inclusive Team

“Kindness and empathy are important qualities that high-performing leaders have. Leaders need to show receptiveness to other ideas even if they make the same ultimate decisions.” Kong teaches the Freedom Framework in his leadership training session, which is a set of principles that encourages people to be more authentic, recognize the value of differences, bring their strengths forward, and the opportunity to both speak up or fade out as necessary while learning from mistakes.

These principles lend themselves to “recognizing moments as learning opportunities. Sometimes there are assumptions that people are knowledgeable or informed when that isn’t the case, so this represents learning, growing and forgiving,” Kong shared. These are things that all leaders can inspire within their teams.

A team that is inspired fosters a positive and healthy environment high in emotional intelligence where people show up and thrive, developing a sense of psychological safety in the process. A culture high in psychological safety allows people to challenge the status quo without fear of retribution, and to secure acceptance from others. Leaders hoping to reinforce this culture should inspire people to contribute and bring their authentic and best selves to work, as well as gather input from all levels when making decisions.

Tony Kong is an Associate Professor of Organizational Leadership and Information Analytics at Leeds. He teaches across programs at Leeds including the Executive MBA. You can learn directly from Tony Kong on building culture and inclusive work environments in the LEED: Executive Leadership Program taking place May 12-16, 2025 on the �鶹ӰԺ campus.

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Building Professional Skills with the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate

Erik William Jeffries — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:59:47 +0000

Building Professional Skills with the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate Erik William J… Wed, 01/08/2025 - 11:59

The nonprofit industry is always evolving, and for professionals like Sarah Mudd, gaining additional skills is helpful for moving ahead in the industry.

Mudd joined the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate program in 2024 with the goal of building skills that were transferable across public policy, community engagement, corporate social responsibility and social impact. As a director of family and community engagement for early childhood education, Mudd hoped to bring specialized skills in areas such as regulatory compliance and networking to her career.

Experience in the Certificate Program

The course in sustainability offered a comprehensive review of critical issues in the world of social impact. From corporate philanthropy, sustainability reporting, DEI, policy advocacy and more, students receive the most up-to-date education to support them in a changing landscape.

“The course had lots of different dimensions of traditional corporate responsibility,” said Mudd. “The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) module was very meaningful because I work with marginalized communities and nonprofits. The other modules on environment and sustainability were fascinating. Everything was meaningful and critical.”
The certificate program also brings in expert guest speakers from across industries to share best practices. Mudd appreciated that the course wasn’t just about reading. “It was about applying what we learned and supplementing it with guest speakers.” She recalled the DEIB module’s guest speaker Dwinita Mosby Taylor from the Equity Project as an impactful speaker who amplified the content they were learning in class. Another prominent guest speaker, Kavell Brown with LinkedIn, shared the company’s initiatives in corporate giving and employee engagement to build partnerships and solve global challenges. Those real-world experiences were invaluable.

Mudd also valued the opportunity to network with industry professionals. The certificate connects students to a community of more than 500 professional alumni who stay active on LinkedIn and who regularly attend in-person networking events. Being in Colorado and having access to the local network of professionals was a major factor in Mudd’s interest in the program, she said.

Benefits to Nonprofits

“Historically, the only places where you could do good and make an impact on social issues was in nonprofits, education, social services and government roles,” said Mudd. “As more corporations have begun to understand the need to address concerns from a regulatory standpoint, there has been a shift.”

Whether students work for corporations or nonprofits, the CU �鶹ӰԺ sustainability programs, including the certificate, prepare a variety of professionals to make an impact. Sustainability and social impact fundamentals can be implemented across industries and at any career stage because they are shaping how businesses operate.

For nonprofits, these skills support a well-rounded understanding of the value an organization brings as well as the ability to tell the story of the nonprofit, increase funding and identify donors. For corporate employees, purpose-driven businesses will continue to grow.

Joining the Certificate Program

Mudd found the certificate program online and quickly saw that it met her needs. “As a Colorado resident, I was familiar with the university and what it’s known for,” she said. The certificate program draws upon CU �鶹ӰԺ’s long legacy of sustainability.

“The program feels warm and inclusive,” said Mudd. “Everything was made easy to understand. I felt like students are valued. You can contribute to the conversations no matter your background.”

“Just do it if you’re interested and passionate about the issues,” encouraged Mudd. “For anyone on the fence, there is always something you can get out of this program that will resonate with you and be important to your work.”

Mudd also encourages students who are weighing their options to connect with the certificate instructor. “Talking with the instructor ahead of time not only made me feel welcomed, but it also clarified that the program would be a good fit for my interests and goals.”

Explore more details about the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate, with cohorts offered every spring and fall semester.

The nonprofit industry is always evolving, and for professionals like Sarah Mudd, gaining additional skills is helpful for moving ahead in the industry.

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Executive Education Brings Sustainability to the Forefront

Justin Michael Forbis — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 20:13:03 +0000

Executive Education Brings Sustainability to the Forefront Justin Michael… Mon, 10/28/2024 - 14:13

Introducing the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate

Leeds is committed to shaping future business leaders for sustainable and impactful careers. In that spirit, the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR) has updated its executive education program with a new name but the same vision: preparing tomorrow’s decision-makers to drive solutions to corporate environmental and social challenges. The Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate aligns with the values and passions of our professional community, covering areas like environmental sustainability; ESG reporting; diversity, equity and inclusion; ethical AI; impact finance; policy advocacy and corporate philanthropy.

“It’s our responsibility to help develop leaders with business expertise complemented by an understanding of sustainability and social impact issues and opportunities.” - Kathryn Wendell, executive director of CESR

Sustainability is important to Leeds, CU �鶹ӰԺ and the broader community. Chancellor Justin Schwartz recently launched an initiative to establish CU �鶹ӰԺ as a national and global leader in sustainability. This includes hiring a vice chancellor for sustainability, implementing an ambitious decarbonization and clean energy plan, and augmenting expertise in climate science research.

“Aligning our program with Chancellor Schwartz’s vision of our university as a global leader in sustainability is important to our mission at CESR and at Leeds as a whole,” said Kathryn Wendell, executive director of CESR. “Leeds, CU �鶹ӰԺ and our �鶹ӰԺ partners are all committed to driving innovative solutions to the tough environmental and social challenges facing our world today. It’s our responsibility to help develop leaders with business expertise complemented by an understanding of sustainability and social impact issues and opportunities.”

Environmental sustainability is a critical concern for business, whether in the form of adapting to climate change, managing carbon emissions, complying with regulatory requirements, risk management or addressing community concerns. Social impact is also an opportunity to strengthen companies and organizations by leveraging diverse perspectives and investing in the communities where employees live and work. Leeds and CESR will continue to empower business and nonprofit leaders to catalyze positive change in these areas.

The certificate program is offered during spring and fall semesters, with 14 live, 2.25-hour online sessions. The course features both an afternoon and evening cohort, allowing students to choose the option that best fits their schedule. The curriculum is refreshed every semester based on the latest trends, information, news and scientific research.

Over the past seven years, this program has educated more than 600 professionals to become environmental sustainability, social responsibility and impact business leaders. Previously known as the Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility and the Certificate in ESG Strategy, the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate reflects the most current curriculum and aligns our program with important industry trends.

The Center's for Ethics and Social Responsibility launches a new name for its longstanding successful executive education program. The new name of Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate better reflects current trends within the industry.

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One Semester to Career-Long Networking

Justin Michael Forbis — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 19:44:23 +0000

One Semester to Career-Long Networking Justin Michael… Tue, 08/20/2024 - 13:44

Learning doesn’t have to be linear, and it isn’t always on a time clock.

Program alumni assembled for a sustainability tour of the Denver Botanic Gardens

Sometimes our biggest lessons in life and business come quickly and leave a deep, lasting impact. It’s one of the reasons people choose the Leeds Certificate in ESG Strategy Program: it’s a thoughtful, intentional and single semester course that offers relevant and immediately applicable ESG education while providing career-long value through strong alumni engagement and networking.

Program alumni on a site visit to Red Rocks to learn about the history and sustainability practices

“The education you receive is great and helps how you approach CSR and ESG, but the network is what sets it apart,” said Lauren Roadman, specialist global community relations at Ball Corp., who completed the ESG certificate program in 2020. “Having a deeper pool of resources and fellow alumni to lean on for support, networking, feedback and ideation provides immense value.”

Today, Roadman holds a committee leader position on the ESG networking group team after playing a key part in energizing the alumni group through creating structure, committees and meaningful outreach and engagement opportunities.

“The alumni network cares about investing in the continued professional development of leaders across organizations and providing opportunities for crowdsourcing and thought partnership from the alumni network.”
- Colleen Maleski, Program Alumni

Colleen Maleski, senior associate at GBSM, completed the ESG certificate program in 2022, leveraging professional development funds. Now she pours her energy into nurturing a strong alumni network so the benefits of focusing on corporate sustainability and social impact grow over time.

“I was seeking the opportunity to learn about the latest innovations in the social impact space. In an ever-changing field with new innovations and regulations constantly evolving, the class is designed to give you baseline information and involve you with what is happening in real time in the news, with an up-to-date perspective,” Maleski said. “The alumni network cares about investing in the continued professional development of leaders across organizations and providing opportunities for crowdsourcing and thought partnership from the alumni network.”

More than 500 engaged and growing

Program alumni assembling care packages for Colorado Coalition for the homeless

Roadman and Maleski say there are about 30 highly active alumni members, with an overall network that has grown to more than 500 professionals worldwide. Since the Certificate in ESG Strategy program is fully online now, there are more opportunities to tap into a larger network of resources, and one of the group’s goals is to continually increase participation outside Colorado.

“We live in a virtual world,” Roadman said. “There are a lot of similar roles out there—what better way to tap into an existing network and pick their brain for ideas and suggestions? We have an active and large hyperlocal contingent in the Denver metro area, but it’s only one piece of a greater whole.

Program alumni hosted a panel of sustainability professionals for a networking event

Part of the success with this network is a conscious effort to create more inclusive opportunities and expand networking offerings beyond the traditional happy hours. The alumni group has also organized tours of Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre and the Denver Botanic Gardens to learn more about those organizations’ sustainability efforts. The group also completed a volunteer event supporting the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, for which nearly two dozen ESG alumni assembled care packages.

As the alumni network continues to grow, they’ll continue to look for even more ways to engage with members worldwide and continue to share knowledge and inspiration about corporate responsibility and sustainable practices. ESG alumni are always welcome to share networking ideas and opportunities.

Learn more about this certificate program

The Certificate in ESG strategy program attracts professionals interested in building a strong, supportive career network with others who care about corporate responsibility and social impact, while expanding their knowledge through education that aligns with personal values. If you would like to discuss your professional development goals and how this certificate can build your skills and partnership opportunities, our certificate instructor, Jennifer Forman, is happy to schedule a one-on-one meeting so you can learn more and share any questions you have.

The Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate has a strong alumni network that continues to grow and develop ongoing professional opportunities for its members.

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Bringing New Expertise to Commercial Real Estate

Justin Michael Forbis — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:39:49 +0000

Bringing New Expertise to Commercial Real Estate Justin Michael… Tue, 07/23/2024 - 13:39

Two Leeds faculty are set to deliver instruction in the Commercial Real Estate Certificate program.

Professor Christophe Spaenjers, faculty director of the newly renamed Klump Center for Real Estate, speaks with graduate students in the Koelbel building after their Real Estate Finance and Investment class.

The Executive Certificate in Commercial Real Estate from Leeds Executive Education returns in fall 2024 with updates to accommodate the changing needs of program participants. We redesigned the curriculum with input from faculty and CU Real Estate Center board members to enhance the integration between the three courses within the program.

As part of curriculum changes, the previous Fundamentals in Finance course will change to an Intro to Real Estate Investing course. This six-week course will offer live online instruction for two hours each week, beginning September 3, 2024. The course will be taught by Dr. Christophe Spaenjers, professor of finance at Leeds, faculty director of the CU Real Estate Center, and academic director of the Master’s in Real Estate (MSRE). This course gives students the financial acumen to make comfortable investment decisions to analyze and compare loans and leases, conduct investment analysis of income-generating properties, and gain a better understanding of real estate investment trusts (REITs).

“The goal of the class is not just to help students succeed in residential and commercial real estate investments, but to also provide tools and knowledge that will help in any future personal real estate and mortgage market decisions,” said Spaenjers.

After Intro to Real Estate Investing concludes, we will offer Intro to Real Estate Law, beginning October 15, 2024. This six-week course will be taught by Deanne Stodden, a teaching assistant professor of finance at Leeds who brings a background in law and real estate as the managing editor of the Colorado Bar Association/CLE Colorado Real Estate Practice books. Intro to Real Estate Law will offer a comprehensive understanding of contract law, titles and closings, and other legal issues that pertain to real estate.

Stodden describes the course by saying “non-lawyers in the real estate industry need to be familiar with the laws that guide leases, contracts, conveyances, and financing. This class aims to provide students with the basics of real estate law that will allow them to navigate successful real estate transactions while staying within the bounds of the law.”

Each of the introductory courses is eligible for CE credits through the state of Colorado. It is highly recommended to complete the Fundamentals of Commercial Real Estate course as a prerequisite, unless you already have a good understanding of commercial real estate fundamentals.

If you are interested in investing in real estate or building pathways and career opportunities in commercial real estate, we encourage you to register for these courses at only $750 per course. Through interactive coursework and rigorous discussion with your peers, you will build your network of emerging business professionals and real estate investors.

Two Leeds faculty members set to take over instruction in the Commercial Real Estate Certificate programs. Instructors are set to teach a class real estate investing and real estate law.

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Advancing Your Career with ESG

Justin Michael Forbis — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 19:22:06 +0000

Advancing Your Career with ESG Justin Michael… Fri, 07/12/2024 - 13:22

Developing new ESG skills and refining the ones you have helps align your values with your job.

Naisa Beaumont’s heart has always been in sustainability.

Beaumont, who has a background in environmental science and spent years in compliance and policy, is the Impact Manager at BarkleyOKRP, an advertising firm that works with purpose-driven clients.

Beaumont completed the Certificate in ESG Strategy from Leeds with the desire to shift careers to be more involved in strategic planning around ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance). She wanted to upskill and add a certification to her toolkit to increase opportunities and job advancement in roles more aligned with values, impact, sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

“I love this field. It’s a field that requires constant upskilling and relearning,” Beaumont said. “It is always shifting and changing, so it’s important to stay on top of things. I enjoy all aspects of the field and bringing everything together. I love this world of ESG and got so much personal and professional fulfillment in the discussions I had with other students.”

Upskilling and advancing with ESG

Beaumont, who vetted a few other similar programs, appreciated how the timing, topics and schedule of the Leeds ESG program fit with her life. Having the certificate and new experience carried her through the interview process as she explored opportunities.

“Just being able to talk the talk and use industry speak—it felt very familiar and comfortable to me and the role I wanted. The program also helped narrow my focus on roles and responsibilities as I applied for new jobs.”

Career pivots to social impact

Beaumont appreciates that everyone in the ESG certificate program comes from different backgrounds and brings different skills and perspectives. Understanding how to create valuable, transferable skills is important. Her advice to professionals seeking ESG opportunities is to make a running list of their strongest skills and remain knowledgeable about how those skills can be applied to a variety of roles. “One of the topics we talked about in the program is reading job descriptions and understanding their required experiences, exploring how to develop the expertise to meet those qualifications. One thing that is understated is that while young professionals need to add skills to their toolkit, later-career professionals also benefit from upskilling and developing transferable skills.”

Learn more about the Certificate in ESG Strategy

The Certificate in ESG strategy program attracts professionals interested in expanding their knowledge and making career changes that align with their personal values related to social impact and sustainability. Learn how to build a plan to ask for employer financial support or consider scholarships and discounts to help you in your professional development journey. If you would like to discuss your professional development goals and how this certificate can build your skillset, we encourage you to schedule a 1:1 with our certificate instructor, Jennifer Forman.

Learn all about Naisa Beaumont advanced her career by learning critical ESG skills that align with her values and in her career

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Measuring Business in Dollars and Values

Anonymous — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 18:04:36 +0000

Measuring Business in Dollars and Values Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 07/01/2024 - 12:04

More and more, ESG is shaping business to align profitability with social responsibility

Nobody understands what a community needs more than the people who live and work there.

Every community has its own rhythm, heartbeat and needs. In Colorado and communities everywhere, city officials work closely with nonprofit partners to solve complex issues and co-create thriving places to be.

Adeeb Khan, executive director of Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO), oversees economic and workforce development for the city, including bringing in new programs, promoting general business growth, supporting entrepreneurs and developing small businesses.

Khan, who has more than a decade of experience building programs and working with nonprofit leadership communities, also helps connect job seekers with opportunities. He works with city leaders to look at Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles holistically: governance to provide accountability for appointed positions; a social focus to create the right programs for people who need them; and an environmental lens to address complex issues like climate change.

Nonprofits driving corporate social responsibility

Khan sees nonprofits as integral, trusted partners in the city’s work who drive economic growth and corporate social responsibility. He emphasizes that nonprofits are leaders when it comes to engaging with important populations such as youth, homeless and veterans. Listening to nonprofit experts is vital because they are much more in touch with the needs of the most vulnerable and are already set up to serve.

“Nonprofit communities and leaders understand the needs of community better than most,” Khan said. “They create solutions and impacts that start with the deep knowledge of living and working in the communities they serve. Nonprofits are community-first and community-led. You can’t solve social impact issues without investments and partnership with local nonprofits.”

Social responsibility is always in fashion

Kyle Copp is one of Denver’s nonprofit leaders using ESG education to create progress and forge the type of impactful community partnerships that Khan promotes.

Copp, the operations and sustainability manager for the nonprofit Project Angel Heart, studied fashion merchandising in college and always had an interest in renewable materials and sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Copp’s interest in sustainability and diverting waste from landfills led to networking and volunteering time with groups that are passionate about corporate and environmental responsibility.

He earned a certificate in ESG Strategy through the program at Leeds. He invested in the program because it resonated with his commitment to sustainable practices and aligns with his organization’s values.

“I was interested in creating a materiality report for my organization and thought I could use more education,” Copp said. “I want to create a stronger commitment to improvements and work with our board of directors to foster involvement. There needs to be a larger commitment to sustainability – not just one person.”

Using ESG strategy in the nonprofit sector

Copp said the marketing sections of the ESG Strategy program especially resonated with him as a nonprofit professional. He plans to use the skills he acquired to promote storytelling and sharing the impact of sustainability initiatives.

“One thing I am finding is that volunteers love being involved and working with nonprofits dedicated to sustainability,” he said. “Having volunteers participate in some of our green days and recycling initiatives resonates with them and is something we want to continue to build.”

Copp appreciates that the instructors and guest speakers for the ESG certificate program are working professionals who can draw from personal and professional experiences. Breakout sessions with peers during class were one of the biggest benefits. Copp found that class discussions came to life when others shared their perspectives and experiences. He believes large corporations must lead the way in investing in the future through environmental efforts.

“Nonprofits are a great way to show innovation and creativity when funding ESG initiatives,” Copp said. “With most fundraising going to advance missions, there is little money for ESG and sustainability. You must be creative and innovative to advance these areas.”

The Certificate in ESG strategy attracts nonprofit professionals and those interested in social impact and sustainability. For many nonprofit professionals, we recognize that there may be a need for financial support. Learn about our discounts and scholarships to help fund your path in ESG.

He adds, “We don’t allow lack of funding to stop us from trying to find grants and make changes to the organization to make us as sustainable as possible. There is always something more you can be doing. Showing that commitment to sustainability shows your commitment to the community.”

Khan echoes Copp’s thoughts about the value of the Certificate in ESG Strategy from Leeds. He notes that ESG fundamentals and skills can be implemented at any career stage and are transferrable across sectors.

“It is a great opportunity to learn key components of the ESG world,” Khan said. “ESG is shaping how business operates and how we measure overall value that a company and nonprofit brings. For nonprofits, it’s great for building knowledge on how to collect corporate dollars and identifying mission-aligned businesses that will invest in your nonprofit. Younger people are more likely to invest in values-driven businesses, and it’s an area that’s going to continue to grow."

More and more, ESG is shaping business to align profitability with social responsibility

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Learning to LEED

Justin Michael Forbis — Wed, 29 May 2024 20:24:11 +0000

Learning to LEED Justin Michael… Wed, 05/29/2024 - 14:24

Empowering professionals to handle tough leadership challenges

In May 2024, we welcomed 10 participants in the annual Leadership, Ethics, Executive Decision-Making (LEED): Executive Leadership Program, a weeklong, in-person initiative designed to elevate essential leadership skills. Created in partnership between the Leeds School of Business and the Center for Leadership at the �鶹ӰԺ, the program brings together mid-career and senior professionals looking to gain new perspectives, learn from other leaders, manage uncertainty, navigate change and encourage collaboration.

“Multiple classes pushed me out of my comfort zone (in a positive way), which will have a fundamental impact on the way I lead." - Grant Wilson, area manager at Archrock

Each day of the program featured two modules on core functions of leadership and communication, facilitated by Leeds and the Center for Leadership faculty. Throughout the week, participants explored such themes as crisis management, ethical leadership and emotional intelligence. Faculty led discussions in a Socratic method, guiding conversations while encouraging participants to share ideas and perspectives. The small, intimate group settings fostered deep discussions and built trust, creating a psychologically safe environment for participants to be their authentic selves.

“I took concrete actions away from these classes that I can use daily in my leadership role,” said Grant Wilson, area manager at Archrock. “Multiple classes pushed me out of my comfort zone (in a positive way), which will have a fundamental impact on the way I lead.”

Participants in this year’s LEED: Executive Leadership Program came from across Colorado including the western slope, and from a variety of industries, including technology and health care. Four Leeds staff members were awarded full scholarships funded by the Leeds dean’s cabinet to attend the program. “This is such a wonderful opportunity, and I am so thankful for the school’s continuous support to help me grow and be the best leader I can be for my team,” said Camille Colquitt, faculty services support manager.

“This course was extremely [well] put together and provided me with an exceptional amount of information I will be able to use in my professional and personal development,” said Jessica Menu, director of the emergency department at Grand River Hospital District. “The instructors were very passionate about each topic, which allowed me to remain engaged. I feel this course has changed me as a person and leader.”

The program concluded with coaching sessions that addressed key problem statements provided by participants, such as managing up, managing down, integrating inherited teams and addressing peer conflicts. Leeds faculty members Salma Shukri, Joshua Nunziato and Tony Kong coached small groups helping participants identify practical, real-world solutions.

The LEED: Executive Leadership program is set to return for open enrollment in May 2025. Leeds also offers custom programs in executive leadership. Learn how Leeds incorporated executive leadership into training with the Graduate School of Banking and contact us on exploring a custom program that is right for your organization.

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When business meets passion meets opportunity

Justin Michael Forbis — Tue, 14 May 2024 20:34:30 +0000

When business meets passion meets opportunity Justin Michael… Tue, 05/14/2024 - 14:34

One conversation can be a catalyst for career development.

Stephanie Ly met Leeds School of Business instructor Jennifer Forman at a United Nations sustainability event about a year ago. That meeting gave Ly the initial information she needed to know that earning a certificate in Environmental, Social and Governance Strategy (ESG) aligned with her learning preferences, career goals and where she’s at in life.

It’s just one example of the power of sharing what we’re passionate about through networking.

Ly, who now is earning her certificate in ESG through the Leeds program, was head of impact for a clean tech startup where she helped mitigate risks and identify trends in the ESG space before seeking a career shift that would help her focus on diversity in ESG leadership and corporate sustainability.

"We need leaders and businesses to continue to pioneer the path forward in ESG"

“Right now, I am networking with professionals to make a transition into venture capital,” Ly said. “The hope would be to work in VC as a platform lead, supporting the missions of founders and helping with things like building brands, tech stacks, networking and to take my experience in impact and ESG in the startup space and apply it to the founder space. I want to learn how to navigate headwinds in the industry and stay resilient. We need leaders and businesses to continue to pioneer the path forward in ESG.”

“My classmates are doing incredible things in different industries,” she said. “I have been impressed with the depth of my classmates and what they’re doing and learning alongside and from them. They carry incredible expertise and passion in what they do. Being able to connect with them outside of structured class times through coffee chats in-person and via Zoom have been a very important and valuable part of the course.”

Opportunity for continuing education

Ly went to UCLA for her undergraduate degrees in environmental science and geography. One constant in her education has been scholarships.

“As a first-generation student, it was so helpful to be able to pursue the opportunities that I wanted without being weighed down by financial implications and how to afford to advance my education,” Ly said. “I would not have felt as empowered to pursue mission- and purpose-driven career opportunities without the impact of scholarships. Scholarships help with the means and experience to shepherd students in the process.”

Ly is enrolled in the ESG certificate program through a scholarship partnership program with B:CIVIC, an affiliate of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, B:CIVIC provides a community where you can access connections, expertise, and education on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG.

“Our ability to provide scholarships for this certification is integral to our mission, to elevate business for good,” said Jess Welser, director of B:CIVIC and CSR at B:CIVIC. “At B:CIVIC, we are thrilled to increase access for community leaders like Stephanie to share their experience and make the business case to advance ESG throughout their careers. We look forward to following Stephanie’s journey and how she will continue to lead with ESG.”

“As a minority woman in startup/vc there are additional challenges,” said Ly. “I have been energized and ready for the ESG course and gained tremendous networking benefits. Not everyone has the financial means or employer support to pursue these kinds of opportunities, so thank you to CU and B:CIVIC for sponsoring continued education.”

Why an ESG certificate is worth it

Ly said the ESG program might be a good fit for anyone who is looking for holistic and engaging experiences built on practical knowledge, noting that the format of the course is helpful and beneficial for working professionals.

“The content is relevant, and the materials are fun and engaging to learn,” said Ly. “Every class features a guest speaker from well-known companies who are impactful in their industry. Being able to hear from practical experience and getting access to industry professionals is very beneficial. The hands-on practical workshops and interactive nature in class are fun ways to practice what we learn through mini business case studies.”

Ly notes that ESG can be broad and cover a lot of different things, so it helps to be very intentional about what you’re hoping to accomplish and take away from the experience.

For Ly, she wants to inspire more good.

“Forcing the function that enables business to do more good in the world is necessary,” Ly said. “It’s important to do more good. ESG is a good way to measure profitability and financial performance, reputation and branding. Businesses have the capacity to do more good, so why not?"

Learn more about the ESG Certificate

For those looking to pursue a path in ESG and need financial support, learn more about our scholarship opportunities and discounts to help with affordability. If your organization is interested in sponsoring education in ESG, please connect with us and we can help set up scholarships in your organization’s name. The Fall 2024 cohorts in ESG Strategy are open for registration.

A fortuitous meeting at a sustainability event led Stephanie Ly to know that the certificate in Environmental, Social and Governance Strategy (ESG) aligned with her learning preferences, career goals and where she’s at in life.

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Leeds invests in top-performing staff members

Justin Michael Forbis — Fri, 10 May 2024 20:41:50 +0000

Leeds invests in top-performing staff members Justin Michael… Fri, 05/10/2024 - 14:41

Four high-performing staff members receive full scholarships into executive leadership program.

Nurturing leadership is a skill that requires investment and commitment starting from the top. One of Dean Khatri’s top priorities is investing in professional development for staff members at the Leeds School of Business. Developing talent from within is important in the commitment to professional development. To further that goal, Leeds offered four full scholarships for Leeds staff members to participate in the LEED (Leadership, Ethics, Executive Decision-making): Executive Leadership Program.

The LEED: Executive Leadership Program, developed in collaboration the University of Colorado’s Center for Leadership equips participants with essential leadership skills. This week-long leadership intensive features modules on different leadership topics from faculty members from Leeds. The curriculum offers a blend of theoretical insights and practical application built around experiential learning and immersive experiences. The holistic learning experience gives time for participants to reflect on learnings and navigate ethical dilemmas toward the progress of unlocking their leadership potential.

“Dean Khatri is invested in our staff’s professional development and asked us to think creatively when considering potential opportunities for high-performing staff,” said Stephanie Gillin, associate dean of administration and finance at Leeds. “Past program participants have been so thrilled with their experiences, we wanted to provide the opportunity for more of our staff to participate in the LEED: Executive Leadership Program.”

Get to know the LEED: Executive Leadership program scholarship recipients.

Camille Colquitt
Faculty Support Services Manager

Neeha Patel
Business Analyst and Reporting Specialist

Angie Vermillion
Assistant Director, Employer Relations

Julie Waggoner
Director of Operations, CESR

The scholarships, each valued at $5,000, is more than just a financial benefit, but a symbol of the investment in human capital. The scholarships are reserved for high-performing staff members with unwavering dedication to both personal growth and the advancement of Leeds’ mission. These scholarships serve as a recognition of excellence and dedication to continued achievement.

“I am so grateful to be able to join the cohort this year,” said Camille Colquitt, faculty support services manager and one of the four scholarship recipients. “This is such a wonderful opportunity, and I am so thankful for the school’s continuous support to help me grow and be the best leader I can be for my team.”

To be eligible, candidates had to meet a stringent criterion, including a demonstrable track record of excellence, high-performance evaluations, active involvement in professional development and supervisor endorsement. Staff had to apply with a one-page essay on their aspirations and how the program aligns with their professional goals and how the Leeds’ values have underpinned their success at Leeds. Scholarship recipients were chosen by members of the Leeds cabinet.

The LEED: Executive Leadership Program takes place on the �鶹ӰԺ, CO campus May 13-17.

Leeds offered four full scholarships for Leeds staff members to participate in the LEED (Leadership, Ethics, Executive Decision-making): Executive Leadership Program.

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