Institution: Harvard Business School, USA
Course: Disruptive Innovation: Strategies for a Successful Enterprise
I was immensely excited to continue my leadership journey through the Industry Leaders Fund. With many years of training and development through the military, government and business behind me this opportunity was an amazing experience to not only continue my professional development, but also set the foundation for the next phase of my career.
Having been a thankful recipient of sage guidance from several key ILF Board Members, I chose Harvard Business School’s ‘Disruptive Innovation’ course to complete. My course selection rationale centred on the need to exploit a global executive education mecca, subject uniqueness, and opportunities for continued learning through a robust Australian alumni network. My week of learning fulfilled these objectives and more.
Harvard Business School did not disappoint. From application through to course closure, the institute’s professionalism and support was exceptional. The course was conducted within their bespoke Executive Education campus, and offered an amazing ‘live-in’ experience which ensured the development of new global networks and friendships.
The course content followed the Disruptive Innovation theory of the late Clay Christenson, a renowned businessman and academic who was a long time HBS Professor. Opening with an unapologetic theme that business should be the relentless pursuit of growth, and ultimately profit, the course explored over 15 theories and associated case studies across the 6 days. The model of learning was unique, but simple and allowed for an immense amount of information to be rapidly absorbed. The continued use of blackboards was a nostalgic touch!
With 81 peers representing 31 other countries, the diversity was somewhat overwhelming, but epitomises the HBS global approach. As always, the Aussies on the course had no trouble making new friends, exploring the local area and finding the best places to quench a thirst after a big day amongst the books.
The overall experience is not one which is easily forgotten and I’m glad to report the learnings were immediately applicable within my workplace. I’m extremely humbled to have been able to take advantage of this opportunity and look forward to supporting the ILF, it objectives, and alumni well into the future.
