Truist gift leads to Emerging Leader Experience
A $15,000 gift from Truist Center for Leadership Development led to the inaugural Emerging Leader Experience, a two-day deep dive focused on personal and professional development centered on leadership.
More than 20 MBA students participated in the inaugural Emerging Leader Experience, a weekend focused on approaches to leadership development.
More than 20 MBA students in the Thomas D. Arthur Graduate School of Business visited ECU’s campus May 17-19 and immersed themselves in campus life, from tailgating for a baseball game to building their professional network and tackling concepts and approaches designed to help their leadership capabilities.
“As part of the weekend, we wanted this experience to give attendees a taste, or in some instances a reminder, of what it’s like to be on our campus, including dorm life and a baseball game,” said Linda Quick, assistant dean, Arthur School. “Importantly, they had a chance to build on their leadership acumen, which they can immediately apply to their professional careers.”
That knowledge-building started with learning about ECU’s College of Business’ Leadership Seven capabilities.
Leadership Seven
Developed by COB faculty and supported by empirical and anecdotal evidence, the Leadership Seven capabilities – integrity, competence, communication, growth, empathy, vision and courage – were recently introduced in the COB’s leadership and professional development curriculum. Experience participants received a detailed overview of the capabilities with the hopes that they could incorporate them into their leadership journey.
Truist Emerging Leaders Certification
Attendees closed the weekend by completing the Truist Emerging Leaders Certification interactive program focused on self-awareness to lead others more effectively. Students learned about the beliefs driving their leadership behaviors – both positive and negative – and developed a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. The curriculum also highlighted the relationships between beliefs, motivation, and behaviors.
What’s next
Kate Upshaw currently works for IQVIA as a clinical nurse educator and educates patients and nurses on innovations and technologies like medical devices and medications. She participated in the weekend event, hoping to gain professional connections and boost her leadership skills.
“The weekend exceeded my expectations,” said Upshaw. “I built strong relationships with fellow MBA students, professors and staff. As a distance education student, it was a wonderful opportunity to meet people in person and engage in meaningful discussions.”
“I aim to apply what I’ve learned by embracing new challenges and seeking opportunities for further learning,” added Upshaw.
After the event, Imran Jadoon was able to “assess my leadership style, recognize my strengths and weaknesses, and identify specific areas for improvement.
“Moving forward, I plan to work on the identified areas of improvement and adapt my leadership style to fit different scenarios effectively,” said Jadoon. “I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills I gained to my professional goals.”
“The diverse group of students who participated in this year’s cohort left feeling connected to one another and, like true Pirates, they established a bond that will stay with them forever,” said Quick.
As a part of their commitment to this program, all participants will meet virtually each month for the following six months. In those online conversations, they will continue learning the Leadership Seven capabilities and how they will impact their future leadership trajectory.
In addition, students will learn the importance of partnering with a mentor as they grow their leadership skills.