Testimonials
"As I evaluated a number of programs, the deciding factor for choosing Wharton’s EDP was the combination of a business simulation model coupled with coaching. Having my coach observe the simulation and then give feedback on my performance in real time was a top priority. The simulation is designed to let you apply knowledge you just learned under pressure in a highly charged environment. That sequence makes for much better retention — the lessons really get cemented in. Having my coach watch me and then give me feedback on my performance was really important. My Wharton executive coach challenged my thinking and assumptions about myself and how others might perceive me as a leader. The coaching is incredibly valuable and I will continue to meet with her during the coming year. EDP is absolutely worth the time and investment. What appealed to me was the breadth of material covered within a two-week period. I wasn’t looking for a longer program since I already have an MBA. I just needed to dust it off and rejuvenate my skills. Two weeks is the perfect amount of time. It’s long enough to truly break away from your day-to-day responsibilities — which I had not done in more than a decade — and get immersed in a trusting environment of collaboration and camaraderie. Not only did I accomplish my academic objectives, I came away with new lifelong friendships and a network of colleagues that span the globe."
Diane Denton
VP, State Energy Policy, Duke Energy
"When I read about how uniquely the Executive Development Program was structured, with so many touch points outside the classroom over the two weeks, I knew I would get so much out of it. It’s not about lectures and taking notes, or just sitting next to people from different cultures and disciplines. You work with them on projects that get you out of the classroom and out of your comfort zone. The simulation and the coaching component make it a true 360˚ program."
John Hosey
Vice President, Chief Appraiser, First Republic Bank
"I chose the Executive Development Program because of the curriculum. It covered a broader range of topics compared to other executive programs. But it was the executive coaching that was truly instrumental for me. During coaching sessions, which I received throughout the program, I managed to gain a much deeper understanding of myself and the barriers that I needed to overcome to further advance my career. The coaching experience was truly transformational. One of my biggest challenges that I wanted to overcome by enrolling in the EDP was my dependence on my subject matter expertise to build my confidence level in decision making. This occasionally prevented me from making quick business decisions where I wasn’t the expert in the subject area. This was made more apparent to me during an invaluable exercise, which included a two-week business simulation where we need to make quick business decisions that I had very little knowledge about, while under immense pressure to meet deadlines. No one in my group was a subject matter expert — we were all starting on equal footing. I was quieter at the beginning while I assessed and became more familiar with the business. My coach and peers helped by encouraging me and others to make decisions with very little information and to benefit from taking risks and challenging one another in a safe environment. It was a great opportunity to fully engage, without any downside. Since the program, I find myself being able to lean on other members’ expertise more and combine that with my own past experiences in being able to make well-informed quick decisions. It also allows me to take more informed risks and free myself from the need to delve into too much detail. EDP has helped me become a better leader, as it gave me the opportunity to self-reflect and understand how to navigate my own self-imposed barriers. At this stage in my career, I value the opportunity to interact with other global leaders who face similar challenges. Building a global network is helpful, as it really allows you to see things from different perspectives and learn from one another. Having a forum where we can speak freely and constructively about what we are dealing with and coach one another on how to navigate certain situations is truly invaluable. The relationships established during the program are very valuable and beneficial. We are all tackling similar challenges and it’s nice to have a broader support group to lean into when necessary."
Dianne Fox
Chief Operating Officer, North America Life and Annuity, Foresters Financial
"My experience with Wharton’s Executive Development Program was by far one of the best professional decisions I’ve made in a very long time. Between the world-class professors, the lectures, the business simulation, and executive coaching, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The content was really current — you learn things you can apply and start benefiting from very quickly. It was a very beneficial experience that I was able to start applying very quickly when I got back to work. I’ve never had a coach before, so I didn’t know what to expect. I had self-awareness on areas I wanted to focus on to continue my professional growth, and my Wharton coach helped connect the dots into how I could make a greater impact. He was amazing, really helping me dig deep and open up. There was so much growth in such a short amount of time, and I feel like I came out on the other side a better version of myself."
Odelya Arnold
Chief of Staff, WW Customer Success, Citrix
"The learning we experienced during the two intense weeks of EDP was immense. The program was well defined, covering all major facets of management in an industry context, and supported with case studies. One especially outstanding facet of the program was the opportunity to form a virtual company and to play the role of an expert from a specific discipline, contributing the appropriate strategy to the company’s success. Thanks for the superb hospitality and for memories that I will cherish for years to come."
Kevin Patrick
VP, Energy Company
"The Executive Development Program (EDP) was the only program I looked at that addresses soft skills along with the hard ones, and it was the soft skills that I knew would help me perform better. To be a leader, you need to engage with employees, build a strong team, do cross-border business, report to a board, and communicate your vision and strategy to your team. You can read theories about how to do that in a book, but to really learn you need to practice. Wharton’s EDP is the only program that teaches you how, and then gives you the time and space to practice. It was by far the best executive education program I have done."
Vijay Batra
Managing Director, Teva API India, Ltd
"The Wharton EDP experience exceeded my expectations. The instructors, team simulation, programming, and facilities were all world-class and at the leading edge of business education. Importantly, the truly international and cross-industry make-up of the class enriched the diversity of thinking, requiring a global approach to problem solving. I was able to implement the new learning on day one when I returned to my job."
Geraldine Ekkers
Marketing & Communications, Manufacturing Company, Italy
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Tim Aelen
Senior Vice President, ABN AMRO, The Netherlands
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Andrew Ellis
Executive VP, Supply Chain & Logistics
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Roy Halliday
CEO, Insurance Company
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Matthew V. Petronio
EVP and Chief Operating Office, Just Born, Inc., Bethlehem, PA – US
