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People, People, People: Project Leadership in Washington D.C. & NY
International study trips are a central element of all WU Executive Academy Executive MBA programs. They offer students the opportunity to get to know different cultural and economic contexts and broaden their perspectives on global business fields. Through the direct exchange with industry experts and the analysis of international best practices, they acquire valuable skills that support them in their professional development. With this in mind, the participants of the Executive MBA Strategic Project Management embarked on a study trip to Washington D.C. and New York.
During the trip, participants attended sessions at George Washington University and explored NASA’s insights on managing knowledge, people, and projects. They also engaged with distinguished keynote speakers at the International Institute for Learning (IIL) on project practices and leadership in a changing world. Additionally, visits to renowned institutions like the Inter-American Development Bank, Google, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the NASA Air and Space Museum provided valuable insights into project practices and the implications of current topics such as AI and sustainability in project management.
Deepening Skills at George Washington University
The journey began in Washington D.C., where participants attended sessions at George Washington University. Young Hoon Kwak gave insights into gender representation on corporate boards in the project-driven sector and explored the potential roles and impact of A.I. in this aspect. Furthermore, Homayoun Khamooshi provided innovative approaches for addressing and managing risks and uncertainties in large-scale projects. These discussions provided a comprehensive look at emerging technologies and methodologies shaping the future of project management.
A true highlight was the lecture “The Smart Mission: NASA's Lessons for Managing Knowledge, People, and Projects,” where Ed Hoffman, former Chief Knowledge Officer at NASA and his successor, Moses Adoko, shared insights into managing complex, high-stakes projects. The workshop was an interactive experience based upon real cases, giving the participants the opportunity to learn from the essential capabilities for project success. On top of that, Ed Hoffman gave an exclusive tour through the NASA Air and Space Museum, providing a deeper understanding of technological milestones and the future of space exploration.
Additionally, a presentation on the topic of sustainability at the Inter-American Development Bank, complemented by a short tour, rounded off the Washington D.C. part of the International Immersion.
Innovative Leadership Approaches and Best Practices in New York
In New York, participants listened to keynote speeches at the International Institute for Learning (IIL), where they explored current leadership trends and global project management best practices. The keynotes were held by speakers E. LaVerne Johnson (IIL), Mary Palmieri (Amazon), Edivandro Conforto (Project Management Institute), Khrizya Gastelum (CBRE Global Workplace Solutions) and Christopher Gilchrist (Forrester Research), discussing the evolving demands on leaders in today’s fast-changing global landscape. Special focus was placed on adapting project management strategies to meet new challenges.
One of the standout moments was the visit to Google’s headquarters, where participants delved into how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of work and transforming project management practices. The discussions provided unique insights into the technological innovations driving change across industries. As an icing on the cake, the particpants also had a presentation about capital projects at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, including a museum tour.
Experiences that Connect: Cultural Highlights and Networking
The immersion trip also offered time for cultural experiences and informal networking opportunities. Additionally to all the museum visits during the academic and expert input sessions and the Washington Old Town Trolley Tour at the beginning of the International Immersion, a Welcome reception with guests and a Goodbye reception at the Austrian Consulate offered the participants the opportunitiy to network in an international environment. Additionally, a joint event at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt delivered stunning views on New York from above as a bonus. The students also had ample opportunity to explore the cities independently and experience the local culture at first hand.
