In June, participants and faculty from The Executive Program (TEP) spent three days in Washington, D.C., as part of their three-week learning journey. Their D.C. experience focused on leading through uncertainty and featured opportunities to meet with industry and political leaders to explore global economic challenges, disruptive change and the turbulent political environment.
Several organizations and leaders welcomed our TEP cohort, sharing their own insights as well as working with the TEP participants to discuss fresh ideas and perspectives. A few highlights from the D.C. residency included:
- Capital One — Tom Poole, managing vice president, hosted the TEP cohort for discussion around digital disruption and how Capital One has been changing its structure to meet the evolving needs of their workforce and customers. They also took part in a panel discussion with Capital One intrapreneurs about driving innovation from within a large organization.
- Aerospace Industry Association — President and CEO David Melcher shared insights into how the association represents and guides the participating organizations through the changing political and economic climate. There was also discussion about managing the various stakeholders within the association to lobby and work with policymakers.
- U.S. Capitol Tour — While at the Capitol, Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), met with the TEP cohort to discuss the polarization between the political parties, how he represents his state to work across the aisle, as well as implications of current trade discussions.
- Colombian Embassy — The staff engaged the TEP cohort in discussion around decisions facing Colombia in an uncertain global environment, including trade issues and working with the U.S. They also shared challenges facing their own country internally, such as fostering jobs and growth.
- Hogan & Levels — Robert Kyle, senior trade attorney, led practice negotiations with the TEP participants around renegotiating NAFTA. He also provided analysis on the global outlook for international trade and investment regulations.
Many participants found personal value in some of the specific visits and enjoyed learning in the nation’s capital. They provided feedback on how Darden could build on several hot topics and themes that came out of the D.C. residency, such as how to approach innovation within many types of organizations and how the global economy is affected by uncertainty and changing political climates.
We’re already developing the curriculum for TEP 2018. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program or would like to apply or nominate a colleague.
