Lauren Shifflett, associate director of lifelong learning for UVA Darden Executive Education & Lifelong Learning, enjoys building relationships with clients, getting to know them on a personal level and keeping in touch beyond their Darden experience. Leaning into her in-depth knowledge of our open-enrollment programs and faculty, she helps individual and organizations build personalized learning journeys to meet developmental and career goals. Shifflett has been with Darden for five years and has 10 years of experience working in sales management, serving as a district manager for Frito Lay before coming to Darden. She specializes in the areas of Leadership, Design Thinking, Corporate Aviation Management and Certificates.
Get to know Lauren and how she works with learners.
How does your approach to concierge service help Darden stand out?
I believe that concierge service goes above and beyond your typical customer service. It is highly personalized and unique to each individual or client. In my initial conversations with our learners, I ask them a variety of questions regarding their background and next career steps to determine what they are really hoping to gain from the experience. It’s a very hands-on approach from the beginning. We are with them each step of the way, from choosing their programs to registration to attending the program. We always put the needs of our learners first and I believe that simple act shapes their entire experience.
How do you personalize the learning journey for each learner?
My engagement with our clients starts with a one-on-one appointment to discuss their background, their overall career goals, and what they are hoping to achieve through lifelong learning. I then help them find the program or build a certificate path that best suits their development needs.
How do you maintain relationships with your customers?
I love connecting with our participants after programs to hear how they are implementing what they learned at Darden within their organization and how it is helping them in their careers. This is also a great opportunity to discuss certificates, if they are not on that path already, and set them up for their next program. I also like to connect with them on LinkedIn to see how their Darden experience affects their growth as well as keep them up to date with the new opportunities and events happening here at Darden.
What is your favorite Darden Executive Education & Lifelong Learning program and why?
Leading Teams for Growth and Change is one of my favorite programs that we offer. This is one of our truly unique programs in that we get the participants out of the classroom practicing what they have just learned by participating in daily sweep rowing experiences. I love seeing how the rowing portion of the program really deepens the learning for our participants. It is so rewarding to see the learning come to life and to see the connections these teams form throughout the week.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love meeting people, speaking with them about their goals, and making new connections. It is really rewarding to feel as though I have helped people further their career and personal development. It is amazing to follow up with our participants and hear how beneficial their experience was and the impact it has had on their lives and careers.
Looking to advance in your career? Contact Lauren (ShifflettL@darden.virginia.edu) to discuss your professional development needs and goals.
