THE WALTER ISSUE NO.1 | SPRING 2019
Student Spotlight Check out Emerging Leader Taylor Cremeans’ journey at Ohio University and where he plans to go next. P9
ALSO INSIDE
Find Your Leadership Identity P6
The Cardinal Health Leadership Legacy P12
Connecting with Former Business Bobcats P22
SPRING 2019 | 1
Table of Contents
Letter from the Director Research New Strides in Leadership Research Undergraduate Programs Select Leaders Emerging Leaders OHIO Women in Business Where It All Started Bob Walter and Cardinal Health: A Leadership Legacy Program Statistics Certificates Collegiate Leadership Challenge in Oxford, OH Human Resources Management Networking Graduate Programs Signature Events Being Good is Good Business Executive Education Making a Global Impact Alumni Spotlight Get Involved
The Walter Center Areas of Impact
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The Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership has a local, national, and global impact through (1) leadership development at the professional, graduate, and undergraduate levels; (2) executive and alumni collaboration and engagement; and (3) community service. Since the inception of the center, participation in existing leadership development programs has increased exponentially, and many new programs have been created. As a result, thousands of business professionals, MBA students, and high-potential undergraduates have been directly impacted by the Center during its short history. Further, the very nature of our programs generates a ripple effect as we train students and professionals to inspire, encourage, empower, and serve others in their organizations and communities. Our Strategic Leadership Certificate opens the door for non-business majors to have this impact as well; 80 students representing 18 majors in eight colleges are working on or have completed this certificate.
THE ROBERT D. WALTER CENTER FOR STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP MISSION STATEMENT We develop leaders who earn leadership by creating value, inspiring others to follow, and doing business with integrity.
The Walter Center student employees. *Not pictured: Kayley Walker
The Walter Center faculty and staff.
THE WALTER MAGAZINE TEAM Tim Reynolds
Amy Toth
Executive Director
Executive Editor
Joshua Casto
Spencer Haught
Editor
Communication Specialist
Michael O’Brien Videographer
Amy Taylor-Bianco Academic Director
Davawnna Clark
Kim Jordan
Tammy Reynolds
Kelly Thaxton
Content Coordinator
SL Certificate Director
HR Certificate Director
Special Projects Coordinator
Sam Glaser
Patrick Kelley
Rachel Seaman
Kayley Walker
Marketing Strategist
Communication Specialist
Communication Specialist
Social Media Director
Alex Mason
Michael Snider
Dava Greenlee Writing Specialist
Creative Director
Photographer
Laura Wilt
Communication Specialist
ON THE COVER Emerging Leader Taylor Cremeans presenting at the 2018 Robert L. Föehl Ethical Leadership Case Competition.
FOLLOW US
TWITTER @ouwaltercenter
FACEBOOK @ohiouwaltercenter
LINKEDIN /ohiouwaltercenter
WEBSITE business.ohio.edu/leadership SPRING 2019 | 3
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
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s spring transforms our beautiful Athens campus once again with cherry trees in full bloom along the Hocking River, there is something magical about the start of a new season and the closing of the current academic year. In the spirit of the coming season, the Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership is proud to share a new publication, The Walter, with alumni and friends to expand the conversation about our purposeful endeavor to develop future leaders. At the heart of this publication are stories of countless individuals who arrived at OHIO’s campus not fully aware of their potential to lead and of the world of possibility that awaits them. Fortunately, the Walter Center was here to greet them thanks to the transformative gift by Cardinal Health Corporation in the honor of the company’s founder and CEO, Mr. Bob Walter. This one leadership act has changed the trajectory of many lives. As this academic year closes, the Walter Center completes its seventh year of operation in the College of Business, and it has been an epic year. This edition of The Walter covers just some of the highlights. Members of Select and Emerging Leaders started careers at Microsoft, Cardinal Health, Accenture, Dell, Procter & Gamble, Owens Corning, Barclays, and many more. International executive education partnerships delivered the 109th program of Sogeti Netherlands Young Professionals Program with more than 2,600 graduates witnessed tremendous growth as the Latin American
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Institute of Business (LAIOB) experience brought over 500 members to OHIO for leadership and business development. Approximately 400 online MBA students attended signature leadership development conferences. Nearly 75 students competed in the fourth annual Robert L. Föehl Ethical Leadership Case Competition, and 65 engaged in the fourth ECO Challenge with Dan Squiller to improve university sustainability. Eleven students graduated from the Strategic Leadership Certificate, and 21 from the brand new HR Certificate. Finally, we continue to work toward the advancement and publication of our unique Strategic Leadership Model. We are proud of what the Walter Center has become and the difference we are making for Bobcats! We have energy and excitement for the future. We stand ready to meet talented students, extend the reach of executive education programs both domestically and internationally, support the launch of a new Master’s of Science in Management degree, offer more oncampus and virtual experiential learning opportunities, and expand the Walter Center’s impact, prominence, and longevity.
Enjoy The Walter and lead well! Tim
RESEARCH
Amy Taylor-Bianco
David Boss
Tim Reynolds
Janna Chimeli
Ellen Gordon
Kim Jordan
Andrew Pueschel
Mary Tucker
Ikenna Uzuegbunam
Dava Greenlee
The Walter Center research team.
New Strides in Leadership Research Research team continues to refine the Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership Process Model for expanded use in leadership development, academic research, and consulting BY DAVA GREENLEE
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he Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership continually strives to increase its impact on leader training and advancement at the undergraduate, MBA, and executive levels. In keeping with this goal, the center's research team continues to refine the model that is used in the center’s leadership development programs and throughout the Department of Management. The original model was first presented in 2016 by Amy Taylor-Bianco, David Boss, and Tim Reynolds as the Strategic Leadership Competency Model. This model proposed three categories of leader attributes and reflected the iterative leadership development process used in the Walter Center: Recognize (fundamental skills and knowledge), Mobilize (positively challenge others), and Execute (deliver observable outcomes). The expansion of the model began with
the realization that “Recognize-MobilizeExecute” could be applied much more broadly than to categories of core leadership competencies and the sequence in which they can be taught. In 2018, Boss, TaylorBianco, and Janna Chimeli drew parallels between the center’s model and Sirmon et al’s (2007) Resource-Based Theory, which outlines a process by which organizations structure, bundle, and leverage resources in order to add value and gain competitive advantage. With input from other research team members Ellen Gordon, Kim Jordan, Andrew Pueschel, and Dava Greenlee, the model was restructured as the multi-dimensional Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership Process Model. The first dimension illustrates a new, more comprehensive process: Recognize issues and opportunities, Mobilize resources (including human resources), and
Execute strategic plans. Another dimension of the model acknowledges the fact that this process can happen at the organizational, group or team, and/or individual levels. Finally, a third dimension illustrates the many opportunities for research and practical application within this structure. For example, the way teams mobilize resources could be examined through the lenses of psychology, cultural anthropology, organization change, organizational behavior, and organizational strategy, among others. As the model evolves and expands, so does its potential to influence not only leadership development programs, but also academic research and consulting practices. With the continued collaboration of team members with diverse skills, backgrounds, and research interests, the model is one of many ways the Walter Center will have an increasing impact on strategic leadership. SPRING 2019 | 5
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
SELECT LEADERS Select Leaders is one of the College of Business’ competitive programs for students who want to differentiate themselves, students who are hungry to embark on a journey of self-discovery, coaching and experiences, and students who are ready to develop into future leaders with integrity and the highest ethical standards. 2018-2019 STATS
44 CURRENT MEMBERS 3 NETWORKING TRIPS 18 PROGRAM EVENTS
2018-2019 Select Leaders group photo.
NETWORKING
Select Leaders Senior Students Take on Southern Florida
Select Leaders seniors meet at Jupiter Country Club with Bob and Ginny Patrella.
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The Select Leadership Development Program senior members took a trip to Southern Florida to network with notable alumni who now reside in the area. Each engagement the Select Leaders attended gave perspective into how to leave a legacy at Ohio University and the importance of giving back and maintaining those connections. These notable alumni have gone on to become leaders within their respective industries as well as shaping the College of Business at Ohio University. The Select Leaders reflected on the week with inspiration to succeed during their transition into their careers and admiration of the opportunities Ohio University’s College of Business has provided to the alumni. Read more at business.ohio.edu/sl-florida
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
LAURA WILT
Status: Senior Major(s): Marketing and Data Analytics Certificate: Human Resources Management
Experience: Student Participant | Global Consulting Program Summer 2017 in Thessaloniki, Greece Marketing Intern | Dendreon Pharmaceuticals Summer 2017 in Seal Beach, California Involvement: President | Select Leaders HR Immersion Intern | Whirlpool Corporation Director of Personal & Professional Development | Chi Omega Summer 2018 in Benton Harbor, Michigan Member | Ralph & Luci Schey Sales Centre What’s Next: Azure Solution Specialist | Microsoft Seattle, Washington | Starting full-time after graduation
The Walter Center and Select Leaders have been the most impactful aspectof my college career. I have been provided with countless opportunities that pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow emotionally and professionally – not only as a leader but as an individual.” SPRING 2019 | 7
EMERGING LEADERS Like other selective leadership development programs in the college, Emerging Leaders explores The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Emerging Leaders also explore authentic leadership through a study of True North. Peer mentors facilitate small groups of approximately five students to discuss teachings and discover principled-center leadership. 2018-2019 STATS
37 CURRENT MEMBERS 1 NETWORKING TRIP 21 PROGRAM EVENTS
2018-2019 Emerging Leaders group photo.
NETWORKING
Emerging Leaders Visit Atlanta, Georgia Early in February 2019, Emerging Leaders had the privilege to visit alumni in Atlanta, Georgia. Leaders met with Automation Direct, PwC, Google, Coca Cola Corporate and Coca Cola Freestyle. They also had the opportunity to network with alumni in Atlanta during a night of networking. Over the course of the visit they interacted with alumni including Chris Hellman '87, Chris Finley '81, Jeff Raw '96, Julie Howard '99, Kevin Campbell '92, Ryan Ellis '03, and Greg Nist '02.
Emerging Leaders students visiting Coca Cola headquarters.
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During these visits the companies not only taught students about leadership styles and strategies, but also contributed to the future curriculum of the program by providing suggestions of topics that tomorrow’s leaders must know. Read more at business.ohio.edu/el-atlanta
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
TAYLOR CREMEANS Status: Senior Major(s): Management Information Systems and Data Analytics Certificate: Professional Leadership Involvement: Peer Mentor | Emerging Leaders Member | Alpha Kappa Psi Member | Ralph & Luci Schey Sales Centre
Experience: Administrative Assistant | Bank of America Summer 2016 in Westerville, Ohio Problem Solver | Amazon Summer 2017 in Etna, Ohio Customer Solutions Consulting Intern | Infoverity Summer 2018 in Dublin, Ohio Employer Relations | OHIO College of Business 2018-2019 in Athens, Ohio What’s Next: Consultant | Infoverity Dublin, Ohio | Starting full-time in August 2019
The Walter Center has had a profound impact on my college experience and my future as a business professional. Through the Emerging Leaders program, I have been exposed to corporate executives, sharpened my public speaking skills, and now embody ethical and strategic decision making skills.� SPRING 2019 | 9
OHIO WOMEN IN BUSINESS The mission is to attract high potential young women to the field of business through targeted outreach and events. They develop women interested in the field of business by hosting speakers, leadership development processes, professionalism workshops, mentoring programs, social gatherings, and parterships with other organizations. They launch women into the workplace after preparing them with networking sessions and other opportunities to gain a competitive position. 2018-2019 STATS
94 CURRENT MEMBERS 1 NETWORKING TRIPS 20 PROGRAM EVENTS
2018-2019 Ohio Women in Business group photo.
NETWORKING
OHIO Women in Business Visits Cleveland OHIO Women in Business had the opportunity to network in Cleveland, Ohio with four amazing companies. Members visited PwC, Arthur J. Gallagher, Hyland Software, and American Greetings. They were exposed to various industries and business professionals including technology-based solutions, consulting, and risk management.
OHIO Women in Business visit American Greetings.
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Each company's panels focused on the same message: transitioning. Panelists sharing personal experiences of transitioning from Ohio University to their first jobs truly resonated with the group, as many of the members will be experiencing this in just a couple short months. Read more at business.ohio.edu/owib-cle
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
SADIE HICKLE
Status: Master of Accountancy Graduate Student Major(s): Management Information Systems and Data Analytics *During undergraduate
Involvement: Previous President | Ohio Women in Business Previous President | College of Business Honors Program Vice President of Pledge Education | Delta Sigma Pi Previous Vice President of Accounting Club | Beta Alpha Psi
Experience: Intern | Seneca County Juvenile Court Summer 2016 in Tiffin, Ohio Accounting Intern | Global Cooling Summer 2017 in Athens, Ohio IIS Audit Intern | Cohen & Company Summer 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio What’s Next: IIS Audit Staff | Cohen & Company Cleveland, Ohio | Starting full-time after graduation
One of my favorite parts about the center is having the opportunity to partner with other amazing programs such as Select and Emerging Leaders. This has allowed me to make more connections and share experiences with a larger group of students.� SPRING 2019 | 11
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
Bob Walter and Cardinal Health: A Leadership Legacy World-class leadership training for hundreds of students like Lauren Krause made possible because of a generous gift by Cardinal Health in Bob Walter’s honor BY DAVA GREENLEE
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hen founder and long-time CEO Robert (Bob) D. Walter retired in 2008, his successors at Cardinal Health wanted to honor him in a truly meaningful way. Recognizing his devotion to his alma mater and his reputation as a gifted strategic leader, the organization made a $2 million gift to Ohio University for the creation of a leadership development center. The Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership, housed in the OHIO College of Business, was formally dedicated in 2010 and officially launched during the 2012-13 academic year. In the Center’s short history, thousands of students and professionals have been directly impacted through its many endeavors, which include three undergraduate leadership development programs: Select Leaders, Emerging Leaders, and Ohio Women in Business (OWIB). Lauren Krause, a spring 2019 graduate with degrees in marketing and management information systems, is the product of two of those programs. According to OWIB founder Tammy Reynolds, the organization’s mission is to “attract women into the field of business, provide development during their on-campus experience, and launch them into great careers,” and Lauren is proof that this mission is being accomplished. She joined OWIB as a freshman and was selected the following year as the organization’s vice president of membership. As the liaison between OWIB members and the executive board, she gained experience that she was able to apply directly and successfully to her summer internships. As a junior, Lauren continued in her executive position with OWIB and was elected senior vice president (and later, president) of her business fraternity. Additionally, she was accepted into Emerging Leaders (EL), a oneyear intensive experience where students gain skills to differentiate themselves as business professionals and leaders. From among 50 members, Lauren was selected to receive one of eight VP positions. 12 | THE WALTER
Select Leaders visit Cardinal Health, making the important connection to the company responsible for the growth of their program.
“Being the vice president of marketing and alumni engagement really allowed me to take my marketing skill-set to the next level,” she said, describing her involvement with several projects, which included developing EL’s brand and spearheading its social networking sites. In addition to the practical experience she gained in this position, Lauren listed numerous aspects of the EL program that contributed to her growth, including Vautier Communication’s “Speak as Well as You Think” training and a networking trip to Chicago. “The confidence that Lauren gained through her OWIB and Emerging Leader experiences is dramatic,” Tammy Reynolds said. “I believe that she is naturally grounded and makes principle-centered decisions, but her involvement in those organizations reinforced those qualities and allowed her to flourish as a high-integrity leader.” Lauren also credits the skills and confidence she gained through OWIB and EL for her success in the internship she completed prior to her senior year. The
greatest evidence of her success is that, upon her graduation, she will return to the same organization—this time as a fulltime senior marketing analyst. Fittingly, the organization that will benefit from Lauren’s leadership training is the same one that made her professional development possible: Cardinal Health. She was also offered a position with a consulting firm in Chicago, a city she fell in love with on the EL networking trip, but Lauren says the decision to return to Cardinal Health was easy. Among the many reasons for her choice is the company’s commitment to employee development: “They really support learning,” she said, “and they are great at helping employees advance in the company and achieve their career goals.” Having spent four years in the supportive environment of the Walter Center, it is not surprising that Lauren is drawn to a company with this value. The fact that her new employer also funded the Center is a true testament to the spirit of the gift made in Bob Walter’s honor.
Bob Walter graduated from Ohio University in 1967 and after working as an engineer for several years, went on to earn his MBA at Harvard University. He was only 26 when he founded Cardinal Health, which began as a regional midwestern food wholesaler. Now a worldwide provider of medical products and services, Cardinal Health helps pharmacies, physician’s offices, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, and hospitals focus on patient care while reducing costs. After more than 50 merger and acquisition transactions and decades of sustained internal growth, Cardinal Health now ranks among the top 25 of the Fortune 500 and employs approximately 50,000 people in 48 countries. None of the programs in this magazine would exist without Bob Walter and Cardinal Health. It's because of Bob’s legacy and the generosity of his successors that hundreds of undergraduate students like Lauren—and thousands of students and business professionals like her—have access to the multiple opportunities offered through the center.
Lauren was an incredible asset to our team during the 2018 summer semester. She demonstrated strong work ethic and professionalism, and she always showed up with a positive attitude. Lauren went above and beyond all expectations and I know she will do great things in her future.” Erin Wright, Senior Product Manager Genetic Pharmaceuticals at Cardinal Health
LAUREN KRAUSE Status: Senior Major(s): Marketing and Management Information Systems Involvement: President | Delta SIgma Pi Professional Business Fraternity Senior Vice President | Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity Vice President of Marketing & Alumni Engagement | Emerging Leaders Vice President of Membership | OHIO Women in Business Experience: Marketing Intern | Engel & Völkers Summer 2017 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Marketing Intern | Cardinal Health Summer 2018 in Dublin, Ohio What’s Next: Senior Marketing Analyst | Cardinal Health Dublin, Ohio | Starting full-time after graduation
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PROGRAM STATISTICS At the end of each year, we stay in touch with our alumni. These statistics were collected from alumni of Select Leaders, Emerging Leaders, OHIO Women in Business, Strategic Leadership Certificate and Human Resources Management Certificate.
MS
ed
tar R
S HIP PR
EMPLOYED UPON GRADUATION
RA
D
ER
-S
62%
at
Five
LEA
5
STUDY ABROAD
OG
AVERAGE GRADUATING GPA
3.8
AVERAGE STARTING SALARY
97%
$52,579
STUDENT ORG INVOLVEMENT
65%
Next Adventures for the Class of 2019 AKRON, OH
CHICAGO, IL
ATLANTA, GA
CINCINNATI, OH
GOODYEAR
CONVERSANT WEST MONROE
ACCENTURE
PwC SALESCORE
AUSTIN, TX
CLEVELAND, OH
DELL
CHARLOTTE, NC MICROSOFT 14 | THE WALTER
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS COHEN & CO HIGHLAND SOFTWARE INSIGHT2PROFIT KEY BANK
COLUMBUS, OH
CARDINAL HEALTH DELOITTE ERNST & YOUNG (EY) INFOVERITY JP MORGAN CHASE KPMG
NEW YORK BARCLAYS CITI BANK
SAN FRANCISCO, CA SUMOLOGIC
FINDLAY, OH
SEATTLE, WA
COOPER TIRE
MICROSOFT
GRAND RAPIDS, MI
WASHINGTON D.C.
PROCTOR & GAMBLE
MICROSOFT
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
MATTHEW WALDECK
Status: Senior Major(s): Management and Strategic Leadership Certificate: Human Resources Management
Experience: Commisioner | Dan Beard Council, Boy Scouts of America Summer 2018 and 2019 in Loveland, Ohio Assistant Resident Director | Housing and Residence Life 2018-2019 in Athens, Ohio
Involvement: Student Lead | HR Certificate Program What’s Next: Commisioner | Dan Beard Council, Boy Scouts of America Starting after graduation and seeking full-time employment after Summer 2019
The Human Resources Management (HRM) Certificate program has been a great opportunity for me to develop my knowledge of the HR field, and to be involved in engagements outside the classroom. With seminars that have enhanced my knowledge of the industry and networking opportunities, this is truly my favorite academic program to be a part of.� SPRING 2019 | 15
CERTIFICATES
Collegiate Leadership Challenge in Oxford, OH After hosting a local strategic leadership challenge, certificate program director, Kim Jordan, leads the winning OHIO team to the National Collegiate Leadership Challenge BY LAURA WILT
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n Saturday, April 13th two faculty coaches and seven students traveled to Oxford, Ohio to compete in the Collegiate Leadership Challenge (CLC). Ohio University faculty Kim Jordan and Shawnee Meek led the students through CLC’s experiential curriculum for over 10 weeks prior to the competition in learning and preparation activities. The topics covered in these preparations include ethical leadership, conflict resolution, problem solving, effective team building, influencing others, and stressors. Each week during the 10-week preparation time period, the students and coaches went through team leadership challenges that tested their knowledge and application on these leadership topics. The Collegiate Leadership Challenge was composed of 11 other universities from across the midwest competing in a series of six, 45-minute team challenges. Each team member had an opportunity to lead one challenge and was able to receive real-time feedback from CLC
First collegiate leadership team in Oxford, OH.
judges. The Ohio University team comprised seven students including Morgan Parker, Alisa Heckscher, Austin Anderson, Brian Hirschl, Laura Wilt, Nader Afyouni, and Sierra Smith. Finance and Business Analytics junior Sierra
Smith reflected on the competition saying, “The experience was very challenging but rewarding. I was able to work in stressful conditions and solidify the importance of a positive attitude and active listening.”
Human Resources Management Networking HRM Certificate students traveled to local cities to network and meet OHIO alumni BY DAVAWNNA CLARK
T
his year the College of Business launched a new Human Resources Management (HRM) Certificate which is operated out of the Walter Center. It provides students with the skills and knowledge to determine resource management strategies, build top talent, and improve organizations. In February, HRM students went to Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio for a two-day networking trip, where they learned about opportunities and advancements in the HR field and how to best prepare for a career in HR. Their first visit was with Great American Insurance in Cincinnati, Ohio where senior HR business partner Ashlee Wert discussed the breakdown of the organization’s HR structure. The students then had a panel discussion with 16 | THE WALTER
four employees about the benefits of working in Human Resources. This was followed by lunch at LaRosa’s with alumnus Steve Browne, the restaurant’s vice president of HR. Over lunch, Browne shared about working in the HR field and the similarities and differences among different industries. The next day, the students traveled to Columbus. They first visited Scott’s Miracle Gro, where they interacted with multiple company executives. Then at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, they met with senior HR consultant Kelly Pifer and engaged in a panel discussion with other women in the department. The final engagement of the trip was dinner with Ohio Health executive Victoria Matlack, who discussed her specific position and upcoming advancements in the HR field, specifically in the healthcare industry.
HRM Certificate students visit Nationwide Children’s in Columbus. Ohio.
The students met with several other OHIO alumni on the trip: Julian Stapleton '14: G Suite Administrator Allison Travis '11: Integrated Marketing Analyst David Erdman '04: Director, Strategy Laura Davis '04: Manager, HR Service Center Chris Collins '09: Finance Manager Jessie Space '11: Senior Financial Analyst
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
MATT BRADY
Status: Senior Major(s): Marketing and Business Analytics Certificate: Strategic Leadership
Involvement: Peer Mentor | Emerging Leaders Head of Recruitment | Alpha Kappa Psi Vice President of Marketing | The MESS Media
Experience: Operations Intern | The National Museum of U.S. Air Force 2015-2017 in Dayton, Ohio Consultant | Global Consulting Program Summer 2018 in Managua, Nicaragua Facilitator and Ambassador | Walter Leadership Center 2016-2019 in Athens, Ohio Consultant/Customer Strategy Activation | 84.51° Summer 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio What's Next: Business Analyst | Insight2Profit Cleveland, Ohio | Starting full-time after graduation
The Strategic Leadership Certificate has really given back to me over my years at Ohio University and helped develop me into a better leader. It doesn’t matter what level or what kind of leader you are when you enter, the faculty will help to bring you to your leadership potential.” SPRING 2019 | 17
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Full-time graduate students during their networking trip to Seattle, Washington.
Preparing Graduate Students to Lead at the Next Level The MBA Leadership Seminar, one of many Walter Center offerings, helps MBA students take it to the next level in their leadership journey BY TAMMY REYNOLDS
E
ach year the Walter Center partners with the MBA/MSA program through the spring semester leadership seminar. The majority of offerings through the center are for undergraduate students, so this program is particularly interesting in its challenge to meet the needs of students with a broad base of educational and career experiences. Like many Walter Center offerings, the MBA Leadership Seminar is designed to help guide students down a path of selfdiscovery, involving thoughtful assessments, reflections, and sharing. Principle-based leadership is at the core of all discussions. The recent case competition, led by Dr. Andrew Pueschel, used a crowd-source approach to address the needs of local community. Students competed under a compressed timeline to generate key concepts, conduct research, develop a presentation, and deliver the presentation 18 | THE WALTER
using recently acquired presentation skills. The results were so impressive that two of the teams went on to compete in the Robert L. FĂśehl Annual Ethical Leadership Case Competition (see pg. 19). Many of the MBA students intend to start their own business at some point in their career. A trip to the Innovation Center was a unique opportunity to learn more about ideation, barriers to achieving their dreams, and day-to-day leadership of a start-up. And what could be better than ending the workshop than a visit to Little Fish Brewing, where Owner and Operator Sean White and Taproom Manager Beau Nishimura described the inspiration behind Little Fish, the brewing process, and their commitment to sustainably supporting local economies. The signature experience of the semester is, without a doubt, a trip to Seattle, Washington. Thanks to support of dedicated alumni in the Seattle area, the
students were privileged to visit the likes of the Seattle Mariners, Microsoft, Amazon and Starbucks. Tom Ferguson, Senior Vice President of Starbuck’s International Operations graciously shared his personal story of his leadership journey from Caldwell, OH to Seattle, Washington, offering nuggets of wisdom throughout his engagement. Tom, with the help of his colleagues, also provided a first-hand look at the TRYER Innovation Center. Students reflected on the humility and generosity of all the Bobcat alumni they met along the trip, and particularly enjoyed the networking event where over 20 dedicated Bobcat grads met with current students, sharing stories and offering career advice. The Walter Center will continue to assess opportunities to offer graduate level leadership development at the University in an effort to impact a community of working professionals and soon-to-be business leaders.
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Being Good is Good Business
In the annual Robert L. Föehl Annual Ethical Leadership Case Competition, students inside and outside the College of Business learn to recognize and address ethical issues in business BY DAVA GREENLEE
A
n organizational law and ethics professional for many years, Robert (Rob) Föehl, J.D., knows the importance of teaching students about business ethics. “All you have to do is look at any news outlet to know that when you’re in business, the opportunities not to live up to your ethical intentions abound,” he said. “If we’re not training students to one, recognize ethical issues when they come up, and, two, equip them with the tools and information they need to cope with those issues, we are doing them a great disservice.” He goes on to emphasize that, although there are many well-publicized examples of ethical failures, this is not the norm. In general, he says large corporations are increasingly recognizing the importance of ethics in business decisions and practices. Most organizations that students want to work for expect their employees to embody this value. This is why Föehl, OHIO executive-inresidence for business law and ethics and a COB alumnus, decided to provide funding in support of organizational ethics programming for COB students. For the past four years, this gift has been used to sponsor the Robert J. Föehl Annual Ethical Leadership Case Competition. This event is open to the campus student community including, for the first time in 2019, MBA students. According to Emerging Leaders director and Event Coordinator Dr. Andrew Pueschel, participants choose their own teams of four
to research and prepare a case study in the context of that year’s topic or approach to organizational ethics. After submitting their executive summaries, the teams have approximately two weeks to prepare for the competition. Pueschel observes the teams’ preliminary presentations, and participants use the feedback to prepare and submit their final slideshows. Then, 24 hours before the actual competition, the top five entries are chosen to present their projects to a panel of expert judges. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three teams, and individual awards are presented to one member of each team. This process, Föehl says, allows students to “step outside their coursework and look at a case or scenario not with just a business eye but a critical ethics eye as well. It allows them to put together a course of action that aligns good business with being good.” In addition to exposing the students to business ethics, it challenges them in other ways as well. “It is a simulation of what business practitioners do in real life,” Pueschel said, “and it gives the students a chance to work on their teamwork, time management, research, critical thinking, analytical, and presentation skills.” For the first two years of the competition, Föehl and others created a scenario based on real-world events, and competitors analyzed that year’s case from a business ethics perspective. In 2018, each team chose its own real world case to analyze. This year, there was a single topic—food insecurity in Athens County—and each team was given a
different stakeholder perspective from which to approach the topic. Watching other teams’ presentations allowed each student to see the issue of food insecurity through multiple lenses, Foehl noted, broadening their perspective of the underlying issue. Another extremely valuable component of the competition was the Q&A session that followed each presentation and participants were fortunate to have ethics expert Föehl along with two local food insecurity experts as judges. Dr. Theresa Moran is the director of the food studies curricular theme at Ohio University and is involved with several community food initiatives in Athens County. Keith Wasserman is an OHIO alumnus and the founder and executive director of Good Works, Inc., which has been serving people struggling with poverty for more than 38 years. Everyone present benefited from the judges’ insightful and challenging questions, especially, according to Föehl, the students who had to think on their feet and maintain composure when contemplating a question that they hadn’t anticipated. Overall, Föehl was pleased with the students’ ability to step into various stakeholders’ shoes to analyze the issue of food insecurity in Athens County. “It’s my pleasure to be able to continue sponsoring organizational ethics based programming for students inside and outside the College of Business,” he said. “It’s the whole reason for my gift, and I’m happy the team has been able to put together such great events.” Left: Students attend 2019 Ethics Case Challenge. Right: 2019 Ethics Case Challenge Winners.
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EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
Students from Instituto Brasileiro de Coaching (ICB) celebrating the completion of their one week leadership consulting program (September 2018).
A STORY FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Making a Global Impact BY AMY TOTH
C
ustomized programming with industry experienced faculty is how the College of Business got its start in corporate training and development. We develop and run interactive training sessions in Strategic communication, front line management, and strategic leadership for early-career to seniorlevel professionals. Because of our corporate experience, educational training, and refined leadership model, we are able to provide an action-based, applied learning approach in our executive sessions. We ask critical questions to uncover root issues and design programs based on organizational needs. We want to see you succeed. We base our reputation on your success. Executive Education does 20 | THE WALTER
not stop here for us. We are proud to have offered international leadership programs for many years, and we continue to grow on all fronts. WHY OHIO UNIVERSITY? We have been bringing international executives to our Athens Campus for more than 18 years, developing their skills in leadership and business. Some may wonder, “Why Ohio University?� The answer, WE ARE BUSINESS BOBCATS! Our commitment, mission, and ethical values combined with our Bobcat grit provides extraordinary learning. Above all, the essential reason for choosing Ohio University is our faculty.
We value the relationships with all of our partners. They become part of our Bobcat family, and most times have a larger impact on us than we ever could have on them. It is our purpose to develop leaders who earn leadership by creating value, inspiring others to follow, and doing business with integrity. This year has been rewarding in so many ways. The Walter Center welcomed over 800 international business professionals to our Athens Campus, all with differing backgrounds, career paths, and professional goals. Our center is committed and passionate in our efforts to develop and deliver personalized, cutting edge programming built to suit the educational and leadership needs of each and
every group. Our programs are designed to place students in a real-life setting, requiring real teamwork while developing leadership skills. In addition, students also gain specialized business skills from marketing, management, project management, corporate finance, sales, entrepreneurship, agile teaming and scrum guidelines, business analysis techniques and business communication. Although academics are the main focus while these international business professionals are on campus, they truly get
to experience all that Athens has to offer and get a sense of what it is like to be a Bobcat: attending basketball and baseball games, eating in the dining halls for lunch, exploring Court Street, and immersing themselves in the culture of Athens. For some, it is their first time seeing snow, and if you have never been to a college basketball game with 125 Brazilians, it is a must-see experience. We are proud of the long-lasting relationships we have built with our partners. We keep raising the bar, improving our programs, and looking forward to future
growth with each of our partnerships. Running these elite programs would not be possible without an elite leader. I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to work with Tim Reynolds, Executive Director of the center. His unwavering, authentic leadership has single-handedly changed the lives of hundreds of students, and our executive education program has soared because of his leadership. The confidence and appreciation he has for his staff is life-changing and, when blended with the best faculty in the business, creates an incredible winning combination.
LAIOB students from Brazil rooting the Bobcats to victory (February 2019).
Young professionals from Sogeti Netherlands preparing their finals projects March 2019).
FGV/IBS Brazeil students working on a team challenge (October 2018).
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
RILEY SWARTZ Graduation: Spring 2018 Current Position: IT Risk Assurance Associate at KPMG | San Francisco, California Major at Ohio University: Management Information Systems and Finance The Select Leadership Program helped me further develop many crucial soft skills that were not covered in other courses. I consistently find myself thinking back to Select’s lessons on leadership styles, communication, and feedback to continue being the best team member I can be in a fast-paced and demanding work environment. The way that I work and lead others is a direct result of the ways that Select Leaders refines individuals, and has made me a better business professional.�
TRENT DRESSEL Graduation: Spring 2018 Current Position: Sales Development Representative II at Qualtrics | Dallas, Texas Major at Ohio University: Management and Strategic Leadership with a Sales Certificate Once accepted into Emerging Leaders, my entire college experience changed for the better. I had many unique opportunities such as going on networking trips to Atlanta, leading recruiting efforts, becoming a peer mentor, and most importantly, learning valuable lessons from former industry executive, Tammy Reynolds. Exposure to the Walter Center is valuable if one has interest to further build self-esteem, increase personal market value, and build leadership traits. None of these incredible opportunities would be possible for students without the organizational work of Amy Toth. Thanks again for everything!
RACHEL NIESE Graduation: Spring 2016 Current Position: Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) at Amazon | Austin, Texas Major at Ohio University: International Business and Management & Strategic Leadership I wanted to get more involved on campus and OWIB was the obvious choice for me. It allowed me to network, build my professional skill set and gave me a support system of talented women. Taking on the additional responsibility on the leadership board helped to prepare me to lead in my new role at Amazon after graduation. I have since been promoted to a management role and could draw on my experience leading in college to take on the challenge more confidently. Overall, this organization helped set me up for success and I believe helped me get my role with Amazon. 22 | THE WALTER
GET INVOLVED
Visit Us Coming to Athens for Homecoming or dropping your kids off at school? Let us know when you are on campus, and we can identify opportunities for you to meet faculty members, speak to current leadership students, or otherwise engage with the Walter Center.
GIVE BACK TO THE WALTER CENTER
The Walter Center is growing every day. We can not run many of these programs without the generosity of our alumni. No matter the reason for giving, we want you to be able to contribute the initiatives that mean the most to you.
Former College of Business Dean, Glenn Corlett, and Tiffany Horvath, 07, the current Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at Cardinal Health.
Tim Holt, 97 Alumnus visiting our leaders for an empowering Executive Engagement Session.
Host Students in Your City Every year our Select and Emerging Leader groups visit cities across the country to network with alumni and businesses in the area. We are always looking for alumni to host us at their organization so students can learn about new industries and business. During these trips we also plan a College of Business Alumni Happy Hour so you can engage with other alumni from the college.
OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT Share a Job Opportunity Is there an opening on your team or within you department? Share a job opportunity with us so we can send more Bobcats your way! We actively promote business job opportunities from our alumni to our students and faculty. Share Your Leadership Story We want to hear about your leadership successes! Let us know how your engagement with the Walter Center prepared you for your current leadership position. Stay Connected Hear about the Walter Center’s growth, networking trips, other alumni, and events by following our social media channels. Update Your Info Keep us informed on your current location and contact information so we can include you in the Walter Center news.
Select Leader Seniors in St. Pete Beach, Florida, meeting with former Dairy Queen CEO and Alumnus John Gainer and his wife.
FOLLOW US
TWITTER @ouwaltercenter
Visit business.ohio.edu/leadership to stay in touch.
FACEBOOK @ohiouwaltercenter
LINKEDIN /ohiouwaltercenter
WEBSITE business.ohio.edu/leadership SPRING 2019 | 23
Tim Reynolds, Executive Director 401 Copeland Hall Athens, OH 45701 T: 740.593.2026 E: centerforleadership@ohio.edu
BELOW | Andrew’s Avengers are united as a College in support of Andrew Bianco, son of Joe and Amy Taylor-Bianco, as he continues his brave fight against Rhabdomyosarcomal cancer. To join our efforts, please visit, https://andrewrowanbianco7.wixsite.com/mysite/how-to-help
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