Alumni Testimonials
Lifelong learning is the cornerstone of UCD Smurfit Executive Development’s approach. No matter how far you have advanced in your career, there are always new insights to uncover, different mind-sets to explore and more opportunities for growth. Smurfit Executive Development’s transformational experience has made an impact on executives around the globe. Here are a few stories from participants who embraced their Diploma in Strategy Development & Innovation journeys and emerged equipped to grow themselves, their teams and their organisations.
Business Owner, Elevate Consulting
“The Diploma in Strategy Development & Innovation was absolutely life changing for me. It was fantastic in terms of using the practical tools and models to suit everyday strategic application as well as long term planning. For me it was important that I came away with the confidence and tools to create a real strategic plan and also to become a successful change agent."
Richard Warner, Head of Strategy and Performance - Ireland and Europe at John Sisk and Son Ltd
“Over the years I progressed from engineering/technical roles into project management, and I now work with the business unit Managing Directors and COO for Ireland and Europe. I help them and their teams formulate the annual strategy and then execute it. By its nature, this also takes me into the change management arena. I felt I needed to be able to advise and guide these people strategically in an effective way. I needed the skills and capacity to give the right advice, coaching and mentoring and so on.”
Ciara Leonard, Public Affairs Manager, Research and Innovation, UCD Research & Innovation
"The Diploma in Strategy Development and Innovation provided me with the skills, tools and confidence to support strategic decision-making within my organisation. I felt the variety of learning methods including expert lecturers and case studies as well as from fellow executive programme participants provided me with a holistic understanding of all elements of strategy and innovation. Importantly the module sessions were informative, interesting and enjoyable, enhancing my learning and my network."
Cormac Mannion, Services Segment Manager at Bord Gáis Energy
"I found the assignments really interesting and it was very easy to bring what I had learned back to work and apply it. I thoroughly enjoyed doing them. It was great to get the perspectives of my classmates. It was fantastic to get a fresh perspective on things. I believe I am analyzing things better and making more informed decisions. The diploma has allowed me to put a structure on what may have been a vague concept; to develop a strategy, plan and implement it."
Orla McAleer, Chief Marketing Officer at Alltech
“The diploma was case study driven with a big focus on industry examples, looking at change in organisations, how strategy impacts the direction of organisations and how innovation helps propel them forward. It was intense and we had a very good class dynamic, interaction and network. The teaching style was very good.”
Alicia O'Connor, Head of Agency Sales Transformation, Volkswagen Group Ireland
"I found the Diploma in Strategy Development and Innovation a really enjoyable learning environment and I would highly recommend it. From the minute I commenced the course I felt it had a really positive impact on my strategic thinking. There is a high level of focus on learning through case studies. I found this really beneficial as through this I developed a real world understanding to the theoretical aspects of strategy development which enabled me to apply learnings to my own current role. The teaching style was really interactive and provides a great opportunity to expand your professional network through interaction with fellow pupils."
Brian Kirkpatrick, Head of International Corporate Security & IT Oversight Elavon Financial Services
"The Diploma in Strategy Development and Innovation allowed me to obtain a sound understanding of developing and managing all elements of strategy. Working in small groups with fellow executives allowed for great exchanges in knowledge and experience from diverse industries and backgrounds and was one of the most rewarding and insightful parts of the course. The frameworks taught on the course assisted with more structured analysis, allowing for a better finished product. The fact that the assignments were based on the current initiatives being faced at work was also a fantastic opportunity to apply learnings based on best practice in real time."
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