Stanford LEAD: Meet a LEADer November, 2024

Introduction and Program Overview

• A panel discussion is being held with three past and current Stanford LEAD program participants, Adrian, Sunny, and Tiffany, who will share their program experiences and outcomes 17s.
• The discussion is moderated by Marina, the Director of Stanford LEAD, who will also share stories and feedback from participants 42s.
• Stanford LEAD is the university's flagship online business program, taught by the same faculty who teach the Stanford MBA, and runs over a period of one year 1m13s.
• The program is fully online and has provided a transformative learning experience for thousands of individuals from different parts of the world, functions, and industries for nearly ten years 1m24s.
• The program aims to help individuals upskill, spike the trajectory of their careers, and elevate their impact within their organizations, industries, and communities 1m42s.
• The discussion will begin with questions about the panelists' experiences and outcomes, followed by a Q&A session where participants can ask questions 2m8s.
• Participants are encouraged to enter their questions in the chat, and can also react to questions they want to hear about with a thumbs up or emoji 2m38s.
• The LEAD team, including Jeff, Justina, and Lebanon, are also available to answer administrative questions about the program requirements, application process, and more 3m18s.
• The live conversation time will be used for a discussion with the panelists and their experience, while written questions will be responded to in writing 3m36s.

Panelist Introductions

• Adrian, a panelist, is the Chief Technology Officer at Silencia, a cyber prevention company, and is also a lieutenant firefighter in a small municipality 4m8s.
• Adrian's background includes being a sea level leader, and he joined the LEAD program after listening to "Think Fast, Talk Smart" and becoming a fan of Matt Abrahams 4m23s.
• Sunny Dua, another panelist, was part of the LEAD program from 2020 to 2022 and also completed the Distinguished Scholar program, and is currently a Director of Product Management at Splunk, which is part of Cisco 4m59s.
• Sunny chose the LEAD program because he hit a career ceiling and was looking for something more, having previously worked as a consultant and individual contributor in various locations 5m36s.
• Tiffany, the third panelist, is currently at an AI startup called Wayfound, leading design and marketing, and was previously at Pendo and Salesforce, where she fell in love with management and leadership 6m25s.
• Tiffany was part of the Trailblazer cohort in the LEAD program and has a background in product design, brand, and research, having worked at IDEO on various projects 6m40s.

Participant Experiences and Program Outcomes

• A LEAD participant shares their experience, stating they learned a lot on the job but wanted a more fundamental understanding of budgeting and financial numbers to effectively communicate with their CFO and C-suite, which led them to join the LEAD program 7m37s.
• The participant also chose LEAD due to its proximity to their home in San Mateo, allowing them to easily attend events and sessions 8m22s.
• The LEAD program's motto is to "change lives, change organizations, and change the world" by delivering impact through its programs 9m4s.
• The program's outcomes are designed to have a personal and professional impact on participants, as well as on their organizations 9m23s.
• Sunny, a LEAD participant, shares that the program has helped them uncover their "superpowers" and become more self-aware, allowing them to apply what they learned on a daily basis 10m3s.
• Sunny uses the analogy of a prism to describe the LEAD program, stating that it helps participants see different aspects of themselves and their work, much like a prism disperses light into different colors 9m47s.
• The program has helped Sunny develop a strategic mindset, using frameworks like the park framework to craft and present strategies to leadership, and has transformed their communication style from that of an employee to a business owner 10m28s.
• Sunny shared an example of how the LEAD program helped change the lens of how they were perceived in their organization, by giving them the concepts and talking points to present in front of their leadership, ultimately leading to a role and scope beyond their current position 11m28s.

Personal and Professional Impact of LEAD

• The LEAD program impacted Tiffany both professionally and personally, giving her the tools to connect the dots between her past and her current leadership style, and helping her reflect on her accomplishments and purpose 12m12s.
• Through the LEAD program, Tiffany gained a deeper understanding of her past experiences and how they shape her current leadership, and developed a greater sense of purpose in helping others gain skills and knowledge to move forward in their careers 13m10s.
• Tiffany emphasized the importance of keeping humanity in the AI space and ensuring that technology advancements do not replace human value, and how the LEAD program helped her think critically about these issues 13m33s.
• The LEAD program helped Tiffany become a more reflective leader, stronger critical thinker, and someone who is not afraid to speak up and bring her voice into every decision 14m19s.
• Tiffany noticed a difference in how she reacts to situations, being more likely to bring up important issues and speak up, and others have also noticed this change in her 14m49s.
• Adrian also took the same courses as Tiffany and had a similar experience, finding that the LEAD program helped him connect his life experiences and think about how they relate to his current career and goals 15m13s.
• Adrian's experience as a firefighter was an example of how the LEAD program helped him combine his past experiences and think about how they relate to his current career in prevention services and security 15m24s.
• The LEAD program helped Adrian think about his career and goals in a more holistic way, and how his past experiences can inform and accelerate his professional growth 15m38s.

Program Structure and Community

• The Stanford LEAD program helped one participant create a life of consequence, be purpose-driven, and find the right job by providing a decision-making framework and building power to lead, allowing them to reflect on their life, boost confidence, and realize their skills 15m48s.
• The program offers a unique learning environment that is different from typical online programs, with a focus on accessibility, world-class professors, and a network of peers from various industries 16m50s.
• Participants have access to a support network of peers who are willing to help with struggles, and the program provides opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds and industries 17m22s.
• The program's orientation groups provide a sense of community and support, with participants often forming close relationships with their group members 17m56s.
• Each course in the program groups participants with a different set of people, providing opportunities to meet new people and potentially form professional or personal connections 18m24s.
• The program helps participants break out of their usual professional bubbles and gain new perspectives from people all over the world 18m43s.
• The Me to We aspect of the program, which involves in-person connections, is a valuable experience that allows participants to form lasting friendships and professional connections 19m6s.
• The LEAD program is delivered fully online, but participants take the initiative to translate online connections into in-person connections, which can take place at any time of the year in different parts of the world 19m33s.
• The LEAD program has an annual tradition called "Me to We," an on-campus reunion celebration event that all leaders are welcome to participate in, which was started by the pioneer cohort in 2016 19m56s.
• The event is created by and for the participant community, and the 10th one is expected to be hosted in 2025 20m16s.

Accessibility and Global Reach

• Adrian found the accessibility of the LEAD program surprising, as he was able to have exchanges with experienced people and even talk to Matt Abrahams on the phone 20m34s.
• Sunny was surprised to see that people in the cohort were from around 60 different countries, and she found that remote participants were often more successful and involved in the program 21m48s.
• Sunny also noted that the passion of the people in the program was inspiring, and it created a neural network of smart and supportive individuals who were passionate about their work 22m43s.
• The LEAD program also provides opportunities to interact with Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) professors, who are approachable and happy to talk to participants 23m28s.

Curriculum and Faculty

• The growth mindset is not just for students, but also for professors, as they need to change their minds and adapt to new information and opinions, and this mindset is essential for evolving and improving the curriculum and use cases in an MBA course 23m48s.
• The LEAD program is designed to be current and relevant, with use cases and topics that are updated based on feedback from students and current events in the market, such as the COVID pandemic and the Silicon Valley bank crisis 24m7s.
• The program allows participants to connect with people who are doing business and industry work on a daily basis, which is valuable for learning and growth 24m28s.
• Despite being an online program, LEAD offers opportunities for participants to connect with peers and faculty, and to get feedback and support 24m50s.

Time Management and Commitment

• The participants in LEAD are typically mid to senior career professionals who are leading busy lives, but the program is designed to offer flexibility to accommodate their schedules and commitments 25m29s.
• Participants have to be intentional and disciplined in making time for the program, and some strategies for success include planning out time weekly, sticking to plans, and getting accountability from peers 26m19s.
• As participants invest more time and effort into the program, they often find it becomes more enjoyable and energizing, and they want to spend more time learning and engaging with the material and their peers 26m50s.
• The program is designed to be flexible and adaptable to individual circumstances, and participants have to find their own way of making it work based on their own context and commitments 25m55s.
• Completing the LEAD program requires a deliberate decision and can be something to be proud of after 12 months 27m16s.
• Setting expectations with family is crucial, as the program demands time and support, especially on weekends 27m34s.
• Having family support can make a significant difference, as seen in Sunny's experience with his wife going through the LEAD program 27m45s.
• The concept of being "busy" can be reevaluated, and it's essential to find a balance between work and personal life, as emphasized by Professor Baba Shiv's course on neuroscience and leadership 28m15s.
• The LEAD program can help individuals find their purpose and meaning in life, rather than just focusing on career advancement 29m21s.
• The program requires a significant time commitment, with around 6-12 hours per week for startups, but it's possible to extend the completion time to two years if needed 29m38s.
• Sunny took one and a half years to complete the program, taking a single course per quarter in some periods, which can be a helpful tip for those who need more time 29m45s.

Balancing LEAD with Other Commitments

• Tiffany's life before LEAD was full, with a career, family, and personal projects, including launching a YouTube channel and writing a children's book, but she still managed to find time for the program 30m21s.
• Tiffany had a packed schedule and managed to balance multiple tasks by multitasking, such as listening to case studies on 2x speed while hiking, and utilizing technology to take notes and highlight important information in one place 31m3s.
• To maximize her time, Tiffany would often do two things at once, and if needed, she would reach out to the course facilitators (CFs) for a break or extension on assignments 32m5s.
• Prioritizing tasks, sleep, and exercise was crucial for Tiffany, although she admits that these aspects of her life suffered during the program, and she is now focusing on them more after completing LEAD 32m56s.
• Tiffany felt privileged to have a supportive family and peers, which helped her throughout the program, and she is considering pursuing the distinguished scholar title in the future 33m25s.

Program Value and Return on Investment

• When asked if the LEAD program was worth the investment, Tiffany replied with a resounding "yes," stating that the insights and tools gained from the program are invaluable and have changed the trajectory of her career 34m6s.
• Tiffany wishes she had known about the LEAD program earlier, as the insights gained from the courses have been worth the course fee, and she now uses these insights as tools and narratives in different areas of her life 34m21s.
• Sunny believes that the LEAD program provides tools and narratives that can be applied in various situations to help individuals shine and make a positive impact on others 35m8s.
• Tiffany feels privileged to have spent a year focusing on herself and leadership, and she believes that the program is a worthwhile investment of time and money, leading to valuable friendships, networks, and exposure to different industries 35m30s.
• Tiffany also mentions that the program has helped her become a more well-rounded leader and has given her tools to embrace her authenticity, which she finds invaluable 36m21s.
• Adrian utilized the last quarter of the program to land his dream job, and he credits the program with helping him connect his potential and find his purpose 37m29s.
• Adrian also expresses his passion for the program's curriculum and his desire to continue learning from it 38m7s.

Advice for Future Participants

• The panelists are asked to offer one tip or piece of advice to someone who enrolls in the LEAD program to make the most of their experience, with the goal of providing useful insights for the next cohort starting in March 38m59s.
• Tiffany suggests being intentional about forming groups and managing them in the LEAD program, as most courses require creating own groups, and recommends posting expectations to attract like-minded people with similar goals and work styles 39m12s.
• She also emphasizes the importance of developing trust quickly, using icebreakers, and utilizing unique abilities to help the team succeed, and shares her own experience of using her design background to push team success 40m1s.
• Adrian provides a practical tip, advising to plan and submit assignments ahead of time, specifically aiming to be done with assignments on Friday, allowing for polishing over the weekend and relaxation during the week 41m45s.
• Sunny shares her experience of having her organization sponsor her LEAD program, and advises leveraging executive sponsors in one's organization to not only cover program costs but also create valuable relationships 42m38s.
• Three key takeaways from the LEAD program experience are: connecting with leadership in the organization, applying learnings to current situations, and managing time effectively by doing organizational work while finishing assignments 43m2s.

Long-Term Benefits and Community

• The more one invests in the program, the more they get out of it, as it is a lifelong relationship that creates a network and different communities 43m42s.
• The LEAD program is suitable for individuals at various stages of their careers, including entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and managers, as long as they are passionate about learning and applying their knowledge 44m54s.
• It is recommended to be a little later in one's career to get the most out of the program, as it offers different courses for various interests and career goals 45m7s.
• The program should not be thought of as a one-year commitment, but rather a lifelong relationship that provides opportunities for growth and connection in the future 45m52s.
• The LEAD program offers a network that creates different communities and initiatives, allowing participants to connect with others and drive new ideas 46m19s.
• The program provides various perspectives, making it beneficial for individuals at any stage of their life, as long as they are open to applying what they learn 46m40s.
• The LEAD program provides a diverse network of peers from various sectors, allowing for connections and learning opportunities that can help individuals excel in their current roles 46m48s.

Networking and Community Building

• The program's networking aspect has sparked curiosity, with questions from participants such as Sanjana, Frederick, and Louise about how the networking happens and how to leverage the community 47m16s.
• The program utilizes various communication frameworks and tools, including Workplace, Workplace Chat, Google Docs, and Google tools, to facilitate collaboration and connection among participants 48m16s.
• Offline communities are also built using platforms like WhatsApp, allowing participants to connect and create groups around shared interests or goals 48m40s.
• The LEAD community is thriving and organically growing, providing a foundation for participants to connect, share ideas, and grow in different directions 49m0s.
• There are various communities within the LEAD program, catering to different interests, such as improv, hiking, business strategy, and AI, and participants can create their own communities if they don't find one that aligns with their passions 49m28s.
• The program encourages in-person connections, with local meetups and opportunities to meet with leaders in different areas, and LinkedIn is also used as a way to connect with others 50m1s.
• The LEAD community is open and welcoming, with participants willing to connect and meet with one another, as exemplified by Tiffany's experience meeting up with Harold, a CF and former leader 50m25s.
• The Stanford LEAD community is thriving and accessible, with opportunities for connections and discussions through LinkedIn and discussion boards, which can sometimes lead to real-life interactions 50m45s.

Course Facilitators and Support

• The courses in LEAD are taught by GSB faculty members and supported by course facilitators who offer one-on-one and personalized support and feedback to participants 51m32s.
• The course facilitators are great and provide straight feedback, pushing participants to improve, and are always available for support 52m4s.
• They are also active on discussion boards and Google Docs, making the experience more enjoyable and helping participants connect with peers and facilitators 52m50s.
• The course facilitators are accessible and willing to help with any problems, even after the program is over, and become part of the participant's network 53m12s.
• Many course facilitators are former leaders, providing participants with opportunities to learn from and be taught by experienced individuals 53m43s.
• The program offers opportunities for participants to become course facilitators themselves, which can be a surreal but rewarding experience 53m58s.
• The course facilitators understand the participants' journeys and provide full support throughout the process, making the experience more enjoyable and helpful 54m7s.

Accommodating Different Time Zones

• For students from Europe or other time zones, the program is still accessible, and participants can share their experiences and advice on managing time zone differences 54m22s.
• The LEAD program's submission deadlines are at 6 PM Central European Time, allowing participants to complete tasks throughout the day and submit before the deadline 54m54s.
• The program accommodates different time zones, with live courses available at various times to cater to leaders worldwide, including those in Europe, Nigeria, Ghana, England, and Poland 55m15s.
• Participants appreciate the flexibility in scheduling, as it allows them to balance their work and personal life, and some find it more convenient than having a 9 AM deadline in San Francisco 55m41s.
• The program's time zone flexibility is beneficial for participants in different regions, including Europe, Asia Pacific, and others, as they can work on LEAD at times that suit their schedules 56m19s.
• The program organizers share dates and times for live sessions in advance and vary them throughout the day to accommodate different time zones 56m30s.

Application Process and Requirements

• The application process for the LEAD program includes a motivation letter, video questions, and other requirements, which can be found on the program's website 56m54s.
• One participant found the video questions to be the most challenging part of the application process but ultimately submitted their application and was accepted 57m13s.
• The interview process is designed to assess a candidate's coachability rather than perfection, and it reflects some of the skills and knowledge that will be learned during the program 57m47s.
• Securing executive support from one's organization is a valuable step in the application process, as it demonstrates investment in personal and professional growth 58m1s.
• The application process for the Stanford LEAD program involves writing a one-pager that outlines what you want to change in your life, organization, and the world, and answering questions from professors through a recorded video, with the goal of showcasing your coachability and potential for growth 58m25s.
• The recorded video answers are an opportunity to demonstrate your skills and preparation, and even if you fumble, you can still get into the program if you show that you are coachable 58m55s.
• The program helps you develop skills that make any other interview a breeze, and comparing your performance at the start and end of the program would show a significant difference 59m17s.

Next Cohort and Contact Information

• The next cohort of the program will begin in March of next year, and applications are currently being accepted until February 5th, with early applications reviewed on a rolling basis 59m50s.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply early to have more time to prepare and plan before the program begins, and can reach out to the LEAD team with any questions or concerns 1h0m2s.
• The LEAD team can be contacted through email at LEADadmissions@stanford.edu, and they are happy to help with any questions or concerns 1h0m28s.