My time at Yale: Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders
Having completed my undergrad at Parsons in the heart of New York City, I always quietly craved the opposite: the traditional, old-school, ivy-covered campus experience. I loved Parsons and would choose it again without hesitation, but Yale gave me something I had always wondered about, and it did not disappoint.
Beyond the prestige and history of the institution, the quality of faculty was exceptional. In my short time in New Haven, I learned an enormous amount. The program was led by faculty director Rodrigo Canales, joined by James Baron, Daylian Cain, Zoe Chance, and Emma Seppälä.
A few insights for anyone coming from a design background looking to expand their leadership and management skills:
The curriculum is built around two goals: equipping creative leaders to meet the challenges of management, and giving participants the skills and perspective needed to reach the next level in their careers.
Rather than teaching management topics in isolated single-subject courses, Yale's faculty deliver an integrated curriculum that grounds business frameworks and concepts in real-world context.
The program is designed specifically for design industry professionals looking to complement their creative abilities with stronger management skills and become more well-rounded senior leaders.
Coursework goes deep on strategic thinking, driving innovation in large-scale organizations, and influencing and negotiating with teams and clients. The softer skills that inform real organizational change, including motivation, empathy, and managing through uncertainty, are woven throughout.
The people are a highlight. While many participants came from design backgrounds, a solid proportion did not, which made for a richer experience. The hybrid format, courtesy of COVID, meant connections stretched across the entire country in a way a purely in-person program might not have allowed.
Although I enjoyed several parts of the program, a big highlight for me was Emma Seppälä’s lectures on emotional intelligence as well as Daylian Cain’s sessions on behavioral economics and corporate governance.
For More: Yale Executive Education
