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Former Harvard faculty to lead unique Executive Leadership Course at Florida Polytechnic University

June 7, 2018

LAKELAND, Fla. – Business executives from all over Florida are invited to participate in a one-of-a-kind leadership course developed by former Harvard professors and taught at Florida Polytechnic University from August 5-10.

The immersive week-long Florida Poly Executive Leadership Course is designed for mid-career professionals looking to improve their leadership skills. Attendees will learn how to better understand their market, execute creative change, and grow their organizations through flexible and adaptive leadership.

The course is led by Harvard professors emeritus Drs. Paul Marshall and Earl Sasser to provide participants with the most advanced leadership strategies through hands-on activities, real-world case studies, group break-outs, and self-reflection. Both Marshall and Sasser are leaders in the field of management and executive education, each having over 40 years of experience in the classroom.

“What makes this course unique is that it is led by Harvard faculty and modeled by what people can find at Harvard,” said Florida Poly president, Dr. Randy K. Avent. “It’s also a resident program which brings the opportunity to build valuable relationships with leaders from other companies.”

Marshall and Sassar created the program drawing from their experience with the Harvard Business School case study method, which helps participants gain insider perspective, decision-making skills, and increased confidence through small-group discussion and engaging lecture.

Participants will also learn from Florida Poly faculty members who will emphasize the role technology and innovation play in the skills needed for success in today’s business world.

Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to explore Florida Poly’s campus and will spend time in the iconic Innovation, Science & Technology (IST) Building, designed by famed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The IST is home to a supercomputer, 3D printing lab, media lab, big data lab, and the university’s bookless library.

Attendees will spend their evenings in a residence hall and are invited to take advantage of the on-campus fitness center.

Seating in this unique program is limited and the registration deadline is July 22. For more information, contactexecutiveeducation@floridapoly.edu or 863-874-8614.

Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Assistant Director of Communications
863.874.8557

Session Details

This session will demonstrate that practical risk management is for everyone, regardless of a formal program. Attendees will learn actionable and simple strategies that are easy to implement, enabling them to start immediately by focusing on their top risks to build greater operational resilience and ensure the sustained success of their auxiliary enterprises.

Presenter Profile

Michelle Powell serves as the pioneering Risk Manager at Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s sole 100% STEM-dedicated institution. Having been with the university for nearly 11 years, Michelle transitioned from a leadership role in Admissions in October 2023 to establish and evolve the risk management function from the ground up. In this solo capacity, Michelle builds robust frameworks for our dynamic, young university, overseeing our insurance portfolio, consulting on third-party and event risks, and developing critical campus-wide training programs. Michelle has obtained the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Enterprise Risk Management certificate and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Her distinct background in mathematics and engineering, combined with extensive higher education leadership, brings an analytical and strategic approach enhancing the institution’s resilience.