Executive Development Program

As I evaluated a number of programs, the deciding factor for choosing Wharton’s EDP was the combination of a business simulation model coupled with coaching. Having my coach observe the simulation and then give feedback on my performance in real time was a top priority.

The simulation is designed to let you apply knowledge you just learned under pressure in a highly charged environment. That sequence makes for much better retention — the lessons really get cemented in. Having my coach watch me and then give me feedback on my performance was really important. My Wharton executive coach challenged my thinking and assumptions about myself and how others might perceive me as a leader. The coaching is incredibly valuable and I will continue to meet with her during the coming year.

EDP is absolutely worth the time and investment. What appealed to me was the breadth of material covered within a two-week period. I wasn’t looking for a longer program since I already have an MBA. I just needed to dust it off and rejuvenate my skills. Two weeks is the perfect amount of time. It’s long enough to truly break away from your day-to-day responsibilities — which I had not done in more than a decade — and get immersed in a trusting environment of collaboration and camaraderie. Not only did I accomplish my academic objectives, I came away with new lifelong friendships and a network of colleagues that span the globe.”

Diane Denton  VP, State Energy Policy, Duke Energy

When I read about how uniquely the Executive Development Program was structured, with so many touch points outside the classroom over the two weeks, I knew I would get so much out of it. It’s not about lectures and taking notes, or just sitting next to people from different cultures and disciplines. You work with them on projects that get you out of the classroom and out of your comfort zone. The simulation and the coaching component make it a true 360˚ program.”

John Hosey Vice President, Chief Appraiser, First Republic Bank

I chose the Executive Development Program because of the curriculum. It covered a broader range of topics compared to other executive programs. But it was the executive coaching that was truly instrumental for me. During coaching sessions, which I received throughout the program, I managed to gain a much deeper understanding of myself and the barriers that I needed to overcome to further advance my career. The coaching experience was truly transformational.

One of my biggest challenges that I wanted to overcome by enrolling in the EDP was my dependence on my subject matter expertise to build my confidence level in decision making. This occasionally prevented me from making quick business decisions where I wasn’t the expert in the subject area. This was made more apparent to me during an invaluable exercise, which included a two-week business simulation where we need to make quick business decisions that I had very little knowledge about, while under immense pressure to meet deadlines. No one in my group was a subject matter expert — we were all starting on equal footing. I was quieter at the beginning while I assessed and became more familiar with the business. My coach and peers helped by encouraging me and others to make decisions with very little information and to benefit from taking risks and challenging one another in a safe environment. It was a great opportunity to fully engage, without any downside.

Since the program, I find myself being able to lean on other members’ expertise more and combine that with my own past experiences in being able to make well-informed quick decisions. It also allows me to take more informed risks and free myself from the need to delve into too much detail. EDP has helped me become a better leader, as it gave me the opportunity to self-reflect and understand how to navigate my own self-imposed barriers.

At this stage in my career, I value the opportunity to interact with other global leaders who face similar challenges. Building a global network is helpful, as it really allows you to see things from different perspectives and learn from one another. Having a forum where we can speak freely and constructively about what we are dealing with and coach one another on how to navigate certain situations is truly invaluable. The relationships established during the program are very valuable and beneficial. We are all tackling similar challenges and it’s nice to have a broader support group to lean into when necessary.”

Dianne Fox Chief Operating Officer, North America Life and Annuity, Foresters Financial

My experience with Wharton’s Executive Development Program was by far one of the best professional decisions I’ve made in a very long time. Between the world-class professors, the lectures, the business simulation, and executive coaching, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The content was really current — you learn things you can apply and start benefiting from very quickly. It was a very beneficial experience that I was able to start applying very quickly when I got back to work.

I’ve never had a coach before, so I didn’t know what to expect. I had self-awareness on areas I wanted to focus on to continue my professional growth, and my Wharton coach helped connect the dots into how I could make a greater impact. He was amazing, really helping me dig deep and open up. There was so much growth in such a short amount of time, and I feel like I came out on the other side a better version of myself.”

Odelya Arnold Chief of Staff, WW Customer Success, Citrix