How Business Leaders Get Involved

Many successful business leaders reach a stage in their careers when they want to help tomorrow’s leaders. Here are ways they give back through UNC Kenan-Flagler's Leadership Initiative.

Lessons of Experience Guest Speakers

• Format: The guest speaker shares personal career experiences with a small group of MBA students (typically 15). The focus is on lessons learned through experience, both successful and unsuccessful, and how these experiences made him or her a better leader. The session lasts about 1.25 hours, with at least half the time dedicated to answering student questions.
• Speaker profile: Speakers are culturally sensitive and successful in their career, typically executives at the VP-level or higher. They are good communicators who are comfortable sharing personal stories about career successes and recovery from set-backs. Prior speakers include:
• John Moellering, Board Chairman, USAA, and former CEO, Lear Siegler Services, Inc.
• Fred McCoy, Vice Chairman, Synecor and former President, Guidant Cardiac Rhythm Management
• Brent Callinicos, VP and Treasurer, Google and former Corporate VP, Microsoft
• Paula Sims, SVP of Power Operations Group, Progress Energy
• Hugh McColl Jr., Chairman, McColl Partners LLC and former Chairman and CEO, Bank of America Corporation

Leadership Coaching:

• Coaching format: Executive coaches work with MBA students one-on-one to provide feedback and guidance as the students create and implement their leadership development action plans. They may work with first-year students by reviewing and providing feedback on the student’s personal assessments, development plans and resume. Or they may work with second-year students to reflect on their summer internship experience and provide guidance on developing skills prior to graduation.
• Coach profile: Coaches are successful professionals with industry experience who have a track record of mentoring others. They have excellent communication skills, cultural sensitivity and the ability to provide constructive feedback, incorporating class teaching and research when appropriate. Coaches are flexible, willing to donate their time and participate in periodic training.
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