EMBA Leader Development Program Fosters Learning Through Personal Development

The EMBA leader development program, co-instructed by Professors Rick Gilkey and Peter Topping, guides students through comparative analyses of organizational culture and design, team structure and performance and the factors supporting or detracting from successful individual leadership. 

"We are focused on creating a classroom environment that provides a context to foster ‘learning' leadership through engagement in personal development," explains Professor Gilkey. "We, therefore, spend a good deal of time focusing on how students will use what they have learned when they re-enter their jobs and companies. Students address in very specific terms, the way they plan to add value to those around them in both their professional and personal lives."

As a student, Pam Tipton 08EMBA realized an immediate benefit to her organization. "My regionally-based company was acquired by a national company shortly after I began Goizueta's EMBA program. Serendipitously, the leadership component of the program provided the most immediate and direct impact on my performance at work." Tipton says the program "provided valuable frameworks that allowed me to help the new organization manage change and influence the creation of a melded culture."

Through the coursework's targeted self-assessment tools, small group case study discussions, and one-on-one coaching, Tipton says she gained self-awareness and was able to immediately modify her behavior and approach in leading/coaching her new "virtual" team, with direct reports throughout the U.S. "However, my most lasting impression of the EMBA leader development program is perhaps the most important - it is personal. Professors Gilkey and Topping take a personal interest in each and every student - not just in our instruction in leadership, but as people. They are generous with their time both inside and outside the classroom. They reach out to those who may need a little extra support; they are great encouragers."

About Emory University’s Goizueta Business School

Emory University’s Goizueta Business School is home to an Undergraduate degree program, a Two-Year Full-Time MBA, a One-Year MBA, an Evening MBA, the W. Cliff Oxford Executive MBA (Weekend and Modular formats), a Doctoral degree and a portfolio of non-degree Emory Executive Education courses.