Testimonials
Testimonials
DeAnne Dupont
"It was a real eye opener," said DeAnne Dupont, Treasurer, Controller and Managing Director of Babson Capital. That' s how she described her Executive Education experience at Simmons. Commenting on the 360° evaluation tool used in all Strategic Leadership programs, DeAnne said, "I learned some things about myself that I'm applying on the job right now."
One exercise on comparative leadership styles was particularly revealing. Participants broke into groups all possessing the same knowledge about a particular scenario. Unbeknownst to DeAnne and the other participants, however, each group leader was play-acting a different leadership role. "It reinforced how people can come to such different conclusions based on varied approaches to leadership." This is the hallmark of Simmons' approach to teaching leadership in the real world of business, government and the nonprofit sector.
Like many participants in Executive Education programs at Simmons, DeAnne appreciated the way in which her seminar was developed and managed. "I like that it was a residential program. Programs went into the evenings, so staying in the hotel enabled us to concentrate and not get distracted," she said. "Simmons also made it easy to establish rapport with the other participants. They really helped us get over the initial hurdle and right into the work," she added.
DeAnne truly felt the energy that builds when a group of women convene to discuss, analyze and resolve business challenges. "You knew that participants were at different levels in their organizations, but nobody put on airs. We respected each other and that put us all on a level playing field," she said. "I'm not sure we could have achieved that same rapport in a male-female environment."
"I left the program really energized and with tremendous focus returning to work. I felt like I left the workshop ready to conquer the world and things very quickly took shape for me. I was promoted in late October. This came after some conversations with my management based on the guidance I had received at the workshop and my action plan."
Ami Mehr, PhaseForward
"Since the program last fall, I decided that the one important thing for me to do in my career is to find a mentor. I asked one of the female managers I know here at work, and I have been meeting with her to discuss career strategies and career management. As a direct result of the mentoring we have done, I am getting ready to begin a new assignment and am excited for the new challenges this opportunity will bring. I couldn't have done this without the mentoring relationship we developed, and I wouldn't have pursued that relationship had I not attended the Simmons program."
Trudy Kortes, NASA
"The program helped me to understand my personal leadership style and also gave me insights into the leadership styles of my colleagues. Using the skills from the workshop has assisted me to step out of my comfort zone and try new challenges. I was particularly impressed with the amazing women who attended the workshop. It was a privilege to get to know them and work with them. We have continued to collaborate with each other's progress."
Maureen Hearn, CRICO Risk Management Foundation