Since arriving at the University of Miami, President Julio Frenk has not missed a single Module 1, a cornerstone event that welcomes a new cohort of University leaders to the Essentials of Leadership (EOL) program. Organized by Human Resources’ Talent and Organizational Development (TOD) team, the event includes a panel discussion with a handful of University senior leaders as well as small group breakout sessions where EOL participants can connect one-on-one with individual leaders, while EOL sponsors can network with one another and gain tools to support their participants’ development.
“This module marks the beginning of a transformational experience for both sponsors and participants in the Essentials of Leadership Program,” said Frenk. “This program has been intentionally designed to help leaders identify their blind spots—and we all have them,” he said to participants at the event. He explained how the program helps leaders enhance their strengths and develop growth areas. “This program develops you as a whole person: focusing on how you lead yourself, lead through others, and lead for organizational impact.”
This year’s leaders included Frenk; Jeffrey Duerk, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost; David Reis, vice president of UHealth IT; Dr. Joan E. St. Onge, senior associate dean of faculty affairs at the Miller School of Medicine; Karen Stimmell, interim chief human resources officer; and Brandon Gilliland, vice president and chief financial officer. In a panel moderated by Greg Brenner, assistant vice president of TOD, the panelists provided insights on leadership based on their experiences. Topics included the University’s strategic priorities, financial organization, expectations of leaders, and strategies to attract and retain top talent.
“I've attended many professional development events, and the TOD team manages to keep them engaging and fresh,” said Kassandra Lage, executive director of patient access at UHealth. “I always leave having learned something new.”
Held at the Shalala Student Center for the first time since 2020, a total of 86 leaders—including EOL participants and their sponsors—attended the in-person event on Friday, March 11. This spring the program welcomed 49 participants in Series 15 who will, by the end of the five-month program, join more than 800 leaders who have graduated from EOL. As part of new changes to the program, TOD hosted a virtual orientation session with participants and their sponsors and have incorporated webinars as supplemental resources. Series 15 is intentionally small, with only two cohorts, because TOD is transitioning back to in-person programs.
The U is committed to developing our leaders and staff. Get more information about professional development opportunities available to University employees.
