Executive Education Participant Spotlights

Read stories about the people who participate in Executive Education programs and the transformational experience Stanford GSB had on their careers.

School Stories & News Opensearch
September 11, 2024
Written

Driving the Global Growth of a Ukrainian Tech Company

Anna Kurylenko, Head of Finance at Readdle, is achieving her goal of becoming a strategic financial leader, thanks to skills and insights gained from The Emerging CFO program.
Anna Kurylenko
June 24, 2024
Written

Breaking New Ground for the Future of Farming

John Deere Manager Nathan DeFord came to the Mergers and Acquisitions program to learn how to forge successful business alliances – and make farmers’ work easier.
Nathan DeFord
June 13, 2024
Written

Executive Lays the Groundwork to Becoming a Chief Operating Officer

Joseph Appert was seeking the skills to drive innovation, operational excellence, and value creation when he discovered The Emerging COO program.
Joseph Appert
May 14, 2024
Written

HR Leader Brings Innovative Mindset to Established Network of Animal Hospitals

Magdalena Bugallo learned new skills and ways of thinking to improve employee compensation and benefits with the People, Culture, and Performance program.
Magdalena Bugallo
April 05, 2024
Written

Executive Finds Benefit in Leading with Compassion – For Herself and Others

The Interpersonal Dynamics for High-Performance Executives program gave corporate attorney Carolyn Baker skills and confidence to grow as a transformational leader.
Carolyn Baker
January 16, 2024
Written

Technology Leader Prepares for the Future of AI

Justyna Bak was asked to create messaging for emerging technologies at Google. The Innovative Technology Leader program gave her the tools to rise to the challenge.
Justyna Bak
December 05, 2023
Written

Prison Service Leader Prepares for New Era of Rehabilitation for Ex-Offenders

After 25 years in corrections, Matthew Wee Yik Keong wanted to reinvigorate his leadership skills. The Stanford Executive Program inspired him in unexpected ways.
Matthew Wee Yik Keong
November 27, 2023
Written

A Houston-Based Consulting Executive Levels Up on AI

A conversation with Rani Tiwari about her career and experience in the Harnessing AI for Breakthrough Innovation and Strategic Impact program
Rani Tiwari
October 11, 2023
Written

In a World Full of Alphas, a Director Learns to Own His Authentic Leadership Style

A conversation with Leo Saldana about his experience in the Asian Leadership Program
Leo Saldana
September 26, 2023
Written

A Board Member Embraces Strategies for Dealing with Global Risks

A conversation with Catherine (Cathy) Echeozo about her experience in the Managing Risk and Reputation in a Complex World program
Catherine (Cathy) Echeozo
August 22, 2023
Written

Public Relations Leader Shares Her Take on the Industry and Social Issues

The Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders gave Tina McCorkindale the insights to lead the 60-year-old Institute for Public Relations into the future.
Tina McCorkindale
August 04, 2023
Written

Ready to Move Up: A Director Gains Key Insights into the Dynamics of Power

A conversation with Kristina Alvarez about her experience in the Executive Program in Women’s Leadership
Kristina Alvarez
June 13, 2023
Written

An Innovator Embraces the Need to Think Bigger

A conversation with Tiago Aguiar about his career and experience in the Driving Innovation and New Ventures in Established Organizations program
Tiago Aguiar
May 23, 2023
Written

A Manager Gains Confidence and Inspiration for Her Day Job and Her “Gay” Job

A conversation with Deepthi Rao, a Meta product manager and global product advocacy lead for Pride@Facebook and participant in the LGBTQ Executive Leadership program.
Deepthi Rao
May 11, 2023
Written

LGBTQ Executive Works to “Close the Gap” in Business DEI Practices

Marina de la Torre completed Stanford’s first-ever LGBTQ Executive Leadership Program. She now advocates for inclusive hiring practices and a corporate culture that welcomes all.
Marina de la Torre
May 10, 2023
Written

Human and Environmental Rights Changemaker Takes Foundation into the Future

The Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders helped Maria Clara Tucci complete her evolution from finance executive to nonprofit leader.
Maria Clara Tucci
April 21, 2023
Written

Founder of Maternity and Postpartum Brand Ready for Next Big Steps

Ingrid Carney, CEO of Ingrid + Isabel, needed financial insights to take her brand into the future. Finance and Accounting for the Nonfinancial Executive is helping her get there.
Ingrid Carney
April 20, 2023
Written

An HR Business Partner and Learning Manager Boosts Her Own Negotiation and Leadership Skills

A conversation with Ghina Filiana about her experience in the High-Potential Women Leaders Program
Ghina Filiana
April 17, 2023
Written

Finance Executive Expands His Perspective, Steps Up to the Role of CFO

The Stanford Executive Program broadened Chris Garber’s worldview and community, and helped prepare him for his role as CFO at Guild
Chris Garber
March 29, 2023
Written

An Architect Turned CEO Boosts Her Skills in Sealing the Deal and Embracing the Win-Win

A conversation with Kate Thompson about her experience in the Influence and Negotiation Strategies Program
Kate Thompson
March 29, 2023
Written

Partner at Global Business Advisory Firm Renews Himself as a Leader

The Executive Program in Leadership: The Effective Use of Power gave Nick Donkar new insights to elevate his leadership skills — inside and outside his company.
Nick Donkar
March 24, 2023
Written

Giving Ukrainians Maimed by War a Second Chance at Life

Andrey Stavnitser shifted his focus from running his businesses to establishing a rehab clinic for people who lost limbs in the war. He calls it the Superhumans Center.
Andrey Stavnitser
March 06, 2023
Written

Energy Industry Veteran Prepares for New Role on Board of Directors

Ellen DeSanctis was senior VP at a multinational corporation when she retired. But her work wasn’t done. The Directors’ Consortium helped her prepare for the next chapter.
Ellen DeSanctis
March 02, 2023
Written

CEO Leads 100-Year-Old Waste Management Company Into the Future

The Leading Change and Organizational Renewal program gave Salvatore Coniglio the knowledge and frameworks to modernize a company built on tradition.
Sal Coniglio