The triple win - execution, expansion, engagement

Debbie Hammond, Executive Director, Coalition for a Safer 63 & 881, is a self-proclaimed lifelong learner. Debbie says, “For the role I am in, it is good to sharpen the saw and keep up with current approaches and academic/expert best practices. For me, the challenge was finding a program that could teach me graduate level thinking without the overwhelming demand. Business Essentials was the ultimate choice.”

In her everyday role, Debbie focuses on how Coalition for a Safer 63 & 881 can make Alberta oil sand’s busiest routes incident free. “When I enrolled in Business Essentials, I knew our organization needed help. During the strategy portion of the program, I realized that strategy was our issue. I decided then that I would focus my Action Learning Project (ALP) on redefining our strategy. So much of what I learned in the program was applicable to my project. We are now working on executing this new strategy, and have also expanded our focus to creating a provincial coalition. Business Essentials prepared me to be able to handle and manage a project of this scale.”

Debbie notes that her professional growth was not the only benefit she received from Business Essentials, “The people I met in the program were amazing. The faculty were engaging experts and supportive resources as I completed my strategy project. As well, listening to and learning from other program participants was very helpful. You start to realize that we all have similar challenges across different industries and disciplines. The break-out exercises and meals was where a lot of the networking happened. It’s a like-minded environment and people are engaged and listen to one another. I learned a lot about other industries, and I created a new business support network. Most of the women in our program are now starting a business leadership group for women. It will be an informal setting where we can network and keep the discussions going even though the program is finished.”

Reflecting back on her experience in Business Essentials, Debbie is so satisfied with her return on investment that she is now pushing her husband to enrol; “The reason I think my husband, or any other high potential leader, should enrol  is because Business Essentials allows for fast learning with hands on application. It’s a real life, real time solution for people who want to keep themselves up to speed and meet like-minded people. The quality of the program is exceptional.”

“Business Essentials allows for fast learning with hands on application. It’s a real life, real time solution for people who want to keep themselves up to speed in business and meet like-minded people. The quality of the program is exceptional.”
Debbie Hammond, Executive Director, Coalition for a Safer 63 & 881

If you are interested in learning more about the Business Essentials program, please attend one of our upcoming information sessions.

To speak to an adviser, call 403.220.6600 or email execed@haskayne.ucalgary.ca