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Theory and practice come together at CEO Institute.
(Pictured above: Participants of Spring CEO Institute I: Strategic Planning at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.)
Many of us consider ourselves lifelong learners, and this year, as part of my own lifelong learning, I attended the first of the three programs that make up CEO Institute—CEO Institute I: Strategic Planning. It did not disappoint!
How often do we busy executives get to take time away from our daily impact-making to learn at The University of Pennsylvania (aka Penn)? Did you know it is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the U.S. and one of the highest-ranked universities in the world? Benjamin Franklin founded it and was its first president. Franklin’s dream was to create an institution that trained leaders in academia, commerce and public service. How fitting for us credit union leaders still today!
The experience of learning from Wharton professors was an honor and truly energized me. These professionals have literally written books on such topics as member lifetime value, what it means to align your organization’s mission with margin and how to lead strategically during uncertainty. How timely is that last one?
A huge benefit of this program was that the material covered was immediately applicable. For example, the four disciplines of strategic execution are being applied at my credit union as we assess and prioritize our strategic initiatives.
One of my other favorite parts focused on using mindful listening to persuade and negotiate. This knowledge will forever shape my approach to problem-solving and leadership.
I left wanting more. I am deeply grateful to my CEO, CUES member Chad Graves, CSE, for recommending I attend. I await with great anticipation attending the second year, CEO Institute II: Organizational Effectiveness at Cornell University! cues icon
CUES member Mollie Bell is chief development officer for $8.9 billion Ent Credit Union, Colorado Springs.
