We are approaching the final month of the inaugural Executive IQ program, sponsored by Money Management Institute (MMI) and led by Darden Executive Education & Lifelong Learning with our educational partners at Microsoft and PwC. This 15-month innovation accelerator, designed and developed for senior leaders in the financial services industry, has included 61 participants from 30 firms. Building on the experience of these executive leaders, the program focused on developing agility and embracing a growth mindset to enhance decision making with incomplete data, be a positive sponsor or advocate for your employees, and lead more effectively through disruption and change.
As we prepare to wrap-up the first program and welcome a second cohort, we want to reflect on key moments and learnings from the first program that made it such a success.
Multiple Modes of Learning
With a focus on hands-on learning through Darden’s acclaimed case study method, Microsoft and PwC’s real-world insights, and project-based workshopping, participants have been able to explore different scenarios, learn from diverse perspectives and test new ideas. The extended learning journey, featuring in-person and online sessions, individual coaching and personal assessments has allowed participants to have immediate impact with real-time application of learning on the job.
Participant Perspectives
“I’ve already incorporated change within my teams because of the Reflected Best Self exercise.”
“I really like that the group is all from our industry-helpful to have a similar lens into financial services/asset management, but also different perspectives at the same time.”
Engaging Experiences
Executive IQ has also included special opportunities to dig deeper into specific topics and experiment with new approaches. A few highlights include:
- Innovation Prototype Workshop – this design lab included group brainstorming and business case presentation to develop innovation prototype model as the basis for their upcoming capstone innovation project.
- UVA Basketball Experience – participants relived the UVA Cavaliers 2019 NCAA championship run after a year of setbacks and adversity, acknowledging the leadership and teamwork it took to become champions.
- Innovating for Growth Panel Discussion – Industry experts from Vestmark, Red Rock Strategic Partners LLC and Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. discussed growth in the asset management and wealth management industry.
There is also an optional Bot Design Class offered from Microsoft during this final term of the program.
Participant Perspectives
“This was a great panel of experts…Great questions, very engaging. Everyone was really into the discussion and that makes you listen more intently.”
“This [innovation prototype workshop] was my favorite! The opportunity to map out an idea from its infancy to something real through the storyboard format was awesome. I loved the teamwork and the collaboration of ideas everyone came up with.”
Vibrant, Motivated Participants
Of course, the best part of the program are the engaged participants! Building connections between the participants has opened up the opportunity to share best practices and build a network of mutual support that participants can build on through ongoing events and collaborations.
Hear from several of the participants on their own experience in the program:
Stanley Toussaint of Mobility Capital Finance explains how Executive IQ can expand your professional network
Margaret Leung of Nuveen explains Executive IQ’s unique learning approach, and how it can make an immediate impact within your organization.
Austin Fitch of Horizon Investments details his Executive IQ experience, and how the unique, hands-on curriculum prepared him to turn challenges into opportunities.
Watch additional participant testimonials and learn more about the Executive IQ program and our partnership with MMI.
