Testimonials

2020 LDE Executive Sponsor: 

I am thankful for partners like CAA. You help us advance and demonstrate that our values are real and we are committed to being better. We are grateful for all you do to help our associates learn and grow their careers. I appreciate your partnership these 9 years. LDE is a flagship program and a strategic HR initiative for our company. I have other programs I manage and I wish they took the initiative like CAA did to provide such a proactive, thoughtful and thorough approach to making LDE work seamlessly this year despite the many challenges 2020 brought. 

LDE 2020 Graduate Feedback:

Participant 1

From LDE I learned that “Working Smart” is more effective than just exerting “Brute Force”, which was my previous MO. I came to realize the importance of  managing energy and engagement by taking care of my body and health. I learned that when I knock out the Big Rocks first each day I actually do get more done and I have way less stress due to pending action items. I realized that relationships truly are everything. Prior to LDE, I focused a lot on “enforcing” policies and procedures. I found myself getting angry, and being stern when trying to drive improvement and compliance to protocol. And the Sole Focus of my job was just to Get things done. However, through LDE I came to make adjustments to the way I approach my work. I now see that anger is not productive, and that firmness and kindness are not mutually exclusive. Finally, I learned that it’s critical to be open about who I am and take time to get to know others.

Participant  2

Because of LDE I am now more effective at leading my team and delivering results through them, allowing me to focus on more complex and growth oriented priorities. I built the skills to become more agile and provide more accurate and timely business insights. I am taking on projects that better align with my skills, which also has made work more enjoyable. I expanded my network through meeting other LDE participants and power mentors, and am continuing that as a regular practice, working to build my brand as I go. 

I have committed to seeking opportunities that make me uncomfortable, which leads to growth and keeps me relevant. I have set more boundaries at work for a better work life balance because I have found during LDE that I am better at my job when I am taking care of myself and my personal life. 

Before LDE I tended to be more judging and put people into categories/types (probably to get things done quickly), and that stopped me from seeing and appreciating each person’s unique merits and character built by their unique life stories. Now I see my diverse team members as individuals, and that has helped greatly in leading them toward one goal effectively. I now intentionally coach, collaborate and communicate with each team member in a way that is customized for them. My team has become more productive. I have become more effective as a manager and team leader, and I am happier. 

Participants in earlier programs:

“I have had the privilege to participate in Peer Mentoring Circle programs designed and led by Cheryl Alexander & Associates at the Carlson School of Management, Boston Scientific and Medtronic.  Later this was renamed the Leadership Development Exchange). The lessons learned through the reading, peer discussions and reflection remain with me today, and have changed the way that I lead. CAA provides a powerful mechanism that creates a culture of women supporting each other in their career and leadership journeys.”

Sharon Rozzi, Ph.D., Senior Director Global Operations, Medtronic Spinal

“The coached leadership circles (CLC) facilitated by Cheryl Alexander & Associates improved my emotional intelligence to better connect with colleagues on a personal level. By embracing this new leadership model I have been able to continuously improve interpersonal relationships in a more balanced way including both mind (logical analytics) and heart (emotions and passion). CLC was a very rewarding experience I’d recommend without reservation to any motivated leader who wants to improve.”

Christopher Ringwald, Senior Supply Chain Manager, Covidien

“CAA was part of the development and delivery of the Women’s Leadership Exchange Program at Medtronic. CAA was the vendor of choice. The program was well designed, supported throughout the process, and executed with very positive results. The investment in women leaders remains critical for the health and top performance for so many organizations whether government, not -for- profit or commercial. It is worth the investment to have a balanced, effective team of leaders helping to shape the future of their organizations. Tami was involved in the content, the coaching, and follow-up with the VP Mentors. I have found her to be quite insightful about women’s leadership, mentoring /coaching best practices, and a delight to work with.”
Kim McEachron, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Genomic Health, Inc.