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Directing Innovation

Directing Innovation empowers women senior business leaders in science, technology, and engineering to lead innovation and inspire teams. Guided by world-class faculty, participants dive into the real challenges that they and their companies face, from navigating uncertainty to strategic thinking, to leadership vitality and beyond.  

This program is a collaboration with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the world’s leading professional organization for women engineers. Learn more about SWE on their website.

  

  • The Program

    By the end of this course participants will be equipped to: 

    • Generate extraordinary outcomes using and creative problem-solving techniques 

    • Foster a sense of purpose in themselves and among their teams

    • Demonstrate executive presence and strategic communication skills that inspire others

    • Make critical strategic decisions in the face of insufficient information in complex work environments

    • Implement self-care techniques to maintain vitality 

    Ongoing Benefits

    All participants in the Directing Innovation Program receive a one-year membership to our partner organization, the Society of Women Engineers, as well as post-program access to networking and learning opportunities.

  • Curriculum

    Curriculum

    A rigorous curriculum delivers the core competencies for C-Suite success and addresses the specific challenges faced by women in STEM.  

    Curriculum may include: 

    • Purpose as the catalyst for innovation and extraordinary outcomes

    • Fostering a culture of innovation in your team at all levels 

    • Improving decision making in an environment of uncertainty

    • Understanding the effects of chronic stress, and techniques to improve health and vitality

    • Conquering uncertainty with predictive modeling

    • Improving short-term and long-term decision making

    • Cultivating executive presence

    • Recognizing and overcoming cognitive biases in order to create better outcomes

  • Who Attends

    Who Should Attend?

    Directing Innovation is for women senior executives in STEM who have a significant impact on setting the business direction of their organizations. Participants have a proven track record of success and are poised to reach top leadership roles. Women who attend this program have experience managing cost centers, generating revenue, driving innovation, and leading global, cross-functional teams.

    Sample Participant Titles

    • Senior Vice President

    • Vice President

    • Senior Director

    • Managing Director

    • General Manager

    A Network for Life

    Women who attend a Smith program build a network of what we refer to as true peers; other high-potential women to support them as they lead their companies in the midst of a volatile global economy. Participants learn alongside other women leaders from both their own and other companies in different industries from around the world.

    Directing Innovation participants receive a one-year membership in the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and are encouraged to join the wider SWE network.

  • Faculty

    A World-Class Faculty

    Smith College Executive Education draws its world-class faculty from top institutions, businesses, and consultancies around the globe. The result is a team of educators dedicated to developing the whole leader, covering topics like strategy, innovation, confidence, negotiation, leadership behaviors, health and well-being for leaders, hands-on business simulations, and more.

  • Accommodations/What to Bring

    Accommodations

    • The program takes place March 1-6, 2020, at the JW MARRIOTT LAS VEGAS  221 N Rampart Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89145 USA 1 702-869-7777
    • All participants are hosted at the hotel
    • Breakfast, lunch, and most dinners are provided on site with ample breaks throughout each day

    What to Bring

    • Business casual wear is appropriate for all sessions
    • Comfortable shoes
    • Layered clothing to adjust to changing temperatures both inside and outside
    • Medications
    • Laptop and other electronic devices

  • Enrollment

    Language

    Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.

    Deadline

    Space is limited; reserve seats now.

    Program Contact

    Have a question? Contact Meredith at 
    email: mcourtney@smith.edu
    Phone: +1-413-585-2586

Apply Now
Download the Program Brochure (1018.93 KB)