Wharton Fellows: Taking the Next Step
Fellows at Chicago Forum Set New Program Design, Future Forums

Wharton Fellows from as far away as Germany gathered in Chicago in October to continue the learning from their initial Fellows sessions in Philadelphia, California, and Europe this past year. On the agenda was their input on the design and curriculum of the program. These changes — including a two-track design — which were detailed in last month’s E-Buzz — will be reflected in the next Fellows cohort session beginning in March 2002.

"Because this program is a lifelong learning platform, we plan to continue this sort of engagement for the long term," said Neil Neveras, Program Director. "We’re trying to bridge the gap between an ongoing consultative relationship with clients and traditional executive education."

Threefold Agenda

The forum began with Fellows sharing how their companies were affected by the events of September 11, as well as their own personal stories from that day. Fellows then discussed the details of their own progress with the transformation process at their companies and finally addressed the program’s design and curriculum.

The physical and virtual decision-support network conceptualized by Fellows Academic Director Jerry Wind is a living entity, as several people attended the Chicago forum virtually from as far away as Mexico City and New York City. Through a special conference call that was set up, Fellows could simultaneously access the forum as well as download presentation materials from the website.

What’s Next

Starting in January 2002, Fellows will have access to an online conference center; and as the community of Fellows expands, monthly regional forums will be added. The next 2-day forum will be in May 2002 in Munich, during which site visits to Philips or Siemens are expected to help illustrate examples of large corporate transformations. Another 1-day session will explore nanotechnology and biotechnology. In fall 2002, the Fellows expect to hold sessions in Tokyo.

The next session of the program begins on March 17, 2002, and there are additional informational sessions planned for those interested in the program. For more information, see The Wharton Fellows website.

    

This month's articles:

  • Thought Leaders: Leading Up
    Acting as If You Were in Charge: What do you do when your boss is making a bad decision? Wharton Professor Michael Useem examines the consequences of keeping quiet.
  • Laughter From the Front Lines: We learn how important it is to pay attention to the little nuances of conversations — even if you think you’re speaking the same language.
  • Wharton West: Vice Dean Helps A.L.S. Association: When a teaching sabbatical, a relative’s diagnosis with a crippling disease, and a passion for bicycling all came together for Len and Susan Lodish.
  • Wharton Fellows: Fellows at Chicago Regional Forum Set New Program Design Transformation.
  • In the Classroom: The Leadership Journey: What’s Your Story? Your own story can become your leadership map.
  • Out of the Classroom: Wharton Leadership Ventures: A new Wharton program helps you to walk the walk — across mountains and valleys — in search of new perspectives on leadership.
  • The Last Word: Wharton and The New Business Reality: Taking Stock of the Future. Vice Dean Bob Mittelstaedt discusses Wharton scenarios for the future and a new program on "the new business realities."