Executive Development Institute Programs
A major change fast approaching is the change in our nation’s work force. The first wave of the baby boomer exodus has begun and70% of people entering the work force are people of color and women. America and especially in light of the current economy needs diverse leaders who are trained and ready to step into leadership roles to inspire, innovate and transform this great nation. We believe that now, more than ever in this atmosphere of fear and scarcity, companies and organizations need strong, bold and diverse leaders to:
- demonstrate and model a steady and solid presence and poise amidst turmoil, lead with confidence, grace and compassion,
- take risks and stretch beyond their comfort zones to deal with expanding pressures,
- utilize skills and tools to navigate their way effectively through the rough waters, and
- cultivate resilience for themselves and their teams with a view to the long-term vision.
Leadership Discovery
In a safe learning environment the Leadership Discovery program addresses the career goals of aspiring Asian Pacific and Hispanic junior executives, first helping them fully understand cultural values and differences, then how they can be used or reconciled to the benefit of the modern organization. It is a powerful program of self-discovery where individuals become more aware of the unique cultural values of their broader ethnic family, and how those values best translate into the corporate business environment.
Leadership Navigation
EDI’s annual Leadership Navigation program for high potential mid-to-senior level Asian Pacific managers provides a dynamic curriculum that addresses evolving issues in modern management. The program is designed to strengthen leadership skills, focusing on intentional, authentic and effective leadership in the face of emerging challenges, and specifically trains on the “hows” of executive leadership, within a safe learning environment of peers from a variety of companies.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
As part of the annual curriculum, EDI participants help Asian and Hispanic-based non-profit agencies become more efficient in serving their diverse constituencies. EDI plants the notion that community involvement is not an option for future leaders but a duty to improve community health. As more senior executives from diverse ethnicities join the ranks of Puget Sound area businesses and non-profit organizations, the region as a whole will benefit from a wider range of viewpoints and backgrounds being brought to bear in critical decisions that affect social change and a vital local economy. As of 2011, EDI participants have assisted more than 90 not-for-profit agencies.
A want of EDI is a full overhaul of community projects to ensure positive impact for nonprofits served and participants' learning. A first step would be a comprehensive survey with focus groups of the nonprofits we have served.