Leadership Essentials with Clara Tang and Michelle Gregory

Recently, UVAFinance’s Clara Tang and Michelle Gregory finished the Leadership Essentials (LE) program, presented through UVAHR. This was no small feat. LE is an interactive 12-week program designed to educate, inspire, and stretch one’s leadership thinking and abilities to succeed at UVA.

Participants engage in this in-person class twice a week through dynamic discussions and activities to build relationships and learn from one another. However, not just anyone can join. Participants are required to complete an application supported by their supervisor and have at least three years of managerial experience.
Tang is a Senior Compliance Analyst and Gregory is a Manager in Financial Data and Analytics.

Both learned a lot in the class. Tang stated that their trainer, various guest speakers, cohort members, and a variety of self-assessments all played into her great experience. She remarked: "Leadership is personal. What kind of person we are plays an important part in what kind of leader we are." She emphasizes that leadership is all about people and knowing how to manage them. Intentionality and inclusivity are crucial when interacting with others, which makes people willing to trust and collaborate with you."

Gregory agrees. "'One of my favorite presenters spoke about the business case for inclusion," she says. "The most impactful thing was learning where my blind spots are and how I can improve in those areas."

After taking the course, their roles may not have changed, but their mindsets have: "One myth about being a leader is you have to have direct reports. No, you can be a leader and make a positive impact whether you lead a team or not," says Tang. Gregory says that there was so much that resonated with her, but she especially took away that it's okay to be vulnerable, and that understanding can help you to be a better leader.

Would they recommend the experience to others? Their answer is a resounding yes. Both of them reflected that the LE helped them gain a deeper understanding of self and provided them with several tools on how to handle situations in the future.

"The course curriculum can help participants succeed as an individual and team members as well," says Gregory. "This will help anyone lead, up or down."

3.