Diane Raymond,
Simmons College

Some things participants are saying about Leaders Take Flight® Workshop:

"There were a number of reasons why I wanted to do the program. First, I knew that many Simmons staff and students had done the original program; they had given it rave reviews and I wanted to share in the experience, especially if we were going to consider adopting it. Second, my friend and colleague, Sue Stafford, is a co-leader of the program and I typically find her ideas and her energy inspiring.

Third, Sue and I are both philosophers by training; I'm intrigued with the role philosophy plays in the program and was curious about how they would apply the philosophical concepts they use to actual experience. Finally, my job is, to a great extent, about taking risks--just accepting this job was a big risk for me and not something I ever imagined doing, given that I was comfortable and happy as a faculty member. The program gave me the opportunity to take a different kind of risk and explore more fully how I react to risk, how I work with a partner, and how I might take these lessons back to the workplace to become a better leader.

I do hope we'll be able to implement this at Simmons; I think it would inspire students in many ways. Given that part of Simmons's mission involves women and leadership, this program seems particularly appropriate for our students. The blend of theory and practice is fascinating and the group work, the partner exercises, and the individual activities are all beautifully integrated. I think our students would gain confidence and learn to work better in teams. I'm sure there would be many other benefits as well.

I have a friend who did the first program and she said that it's stayed with her, years later. It's a powerful experience."

-- Diane Raymond, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Simmons College in Boston

"It would be particularly helpful to women in business. A perfect kind of academy for say a VP stepping into the role of a president. I learned more in the two days of the Leaders Take FlightT Workshop about myself and my abilities as a leader than I did in many past full semester leadership programs."

-- Mary Rabadeau, former NJ Transit Chief of Police and current owner of Edcon Press

"You have aerodynamics, and I relate that to human nature. The plane has limitations; I'd relate that to the human psyche. Somewhere you've learned the right way to approach things...As human beings, we have to be constantly reinforced. It's empowering when you face a challenge you never dreamed you could do."

-- Nancy Palladino, Hunterdon County Freeholder