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).