TCU Neeley Executive Education introduces a unique, seven-week leadership program for busy professionals, delivered virtually by top-rated faculty.
August 05, 2021
By Hannah Green and Kayln McKittrick
In a day and age where leadership programs are around every corner, TCU Neeley Executive Education has launched a unique virtual program designed to accommodate the busy, more rigid schedules of new leaders through a “learn from where you are” format.
The Emerging Leaders program at the TCU Neeley School of Business is different from other offerings and designed to accommodate a modern evolution of learning formats, bringing a live virtual modality to the desks or home offices of eager professionals across the globe.
The program launched in 2020 when so many educational institutions were forced to transition to virtual-only platforms due to the pandemic.
“We identified a need to reach new leaders who would benefit from a more flexible schedule and format,” said Jim Roach, executive director of TCU Neeley Executive Education. “When large populations started working from home last year, we knew it was the right time to launch the program.”
Executive Education faculty and staff spearheading the Emerging Leaders program attest that the virtual format also has distinct benefits beyond flexibility.
“The virtual format allows us to connect with leaders far beyond Fort Worth,” said Brad Harris, associate professor of management and leadership and Emerging Leaders program instructor.
Furthermore, the program’s diverse participant base exposes new leaders to a varying set of scenarios by broadening their business perspective, introducing them to innovating solutions, and helping them prepare for challenges that could occur at their own company.
The seven-week program requires participants to partake in a live, interactive session virtually for two hours a day. TCU Neeley faculty, ranked No. 1 in faculty quality by The Economist, engage emerging and new-to-role leaders with various topics, including how to transition into a leadership role, design effective teams, navigate complex challenges, produce high-impact communications, and inspire a wide range of employees. And with some professionals working in the office and some working virtually, the program can help new leaders navigate complex challenges such as leading across generations and motivating hybrid teams.
Karla Toutlian, past participant of the Emerging Leaders Fall 2020 cohort, was impressed with the faculty interaction and one-on-one involvement in helping the participants. “I enjoyed knowing that every professor really cared about my success,” said Toutlian.
Part of the hands-on curriculum includes a faculty-participant, follow-up session a few months after the conclusion of the program to help new leaders apply the topics they’ve learned in the course to their everyday tasks.
The third cohort of the Emerging Leaders program runs from November 1 to December 20, 2021. It will conclude with The Adaptive Challenge Case Competition, a team-based competition paneled by TCU Neeley faculty and executive leaders.
To learn more about the Emerging Leaders program, visit neeley.tcu.edu/Emerging_Leaders.
