EXECUTIVE EDUCATION Women’s Symposium
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Table of Contents Agenda ......................................................................................................................... 3 Sponsors ..................................................................................................................... 4 Women in Leadership Certificate ................................................................................. 5 Presenter Biographies ................................................................................................. 6 Fully Found: Owning Your Purpose, Passion, and Potential ........................................ 7 Sheridan Mordue
Let’s Talk Story: The Two Stories Every Female Leader Needs to Master ................... 11 Shari Levitin
Networking Activity ................................................................................................... 23 Own Your Leadership Story Workshop ...................................................................... 24 Rita Schwisow
Beyond the Four Walls: Expanding Your Influence Beyond Your Role ........................ 28 Telesa Via
Radical Authenticity In a World of AI: Leading with Wholeness, Impact, and Courage 31 Shawnna DelHierro
Additional Notes ........................................................................................................ 37 Executive Education and MBA Programs .................................................................. 40 Upcoming Events ...................................................................................................... 41 Executive Education Online Offerings ....................................................................... 42 Event Vendor Spotlight .............................................................................................. 43
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David Eccles School of Business
Agenda 9:30 a.m. 10 a.m. 10:10 a.m. . 10:50 a.m.
Breakfast and Networking Welcome Sheridan Mordue Fully Found: Owning Your Purpose, Passion, and Potential Q&A Session with Sheridan Mordue Shari Levitin Let’s Talk Story: The Two Stories Every Female Leader Needs to Master
. 11:50 a.m.
Break and Guided Networking
12:20 p.m.
Own Your Leadership Story Workshop with Rita Schwisow
12:50 p.m.
Lunch
1:35 p.m.
Telesa Via Beyond the Four Walls: Expanding Your Influence Beyond Your Role
. 2:15 p.m. .
Q&A Session with Telesa Via Shawnna DelHierro Radical Authenticity In a World of AI: Leading with Wholeness, Impact, and Courage Q&A Session with Shawnna DelHierro
2:55 p.m.
Closing Remarks
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Thank you to our sponsors Empower
Elevate
Inspire
Vendor Sponsors
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David Eccles School of Business
Booth Sponsor
Enroll Now: Women in Leadership Certificate $1,000 discount for the Women in Leadership 1 Fall Cohort with code WIL1000. Apply here: Eccles.Link/WILC You can also register through the symposium evaluation form. Valid through July 1, 2026.
This certificate is designed for women seeking to strengthen their leadership skills and for business leaders committed to supporting women in leadership. Through a seven-day cohort experience led by top faculty from the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business, you will focus on communication, leadership development, and research-backed strategies you can implement immediately. Open to individuals of all gender identities and aspiring allies, the program provides the expertise, credibility, and confidence to advance your career, better lead your organization more effectively, mentor others, and expand your network through engaging discussions and meaningful connections with peers and prominent business leaders.
Program Features •
Cohort-based program, providing networking opportunities with other business leaders
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Rigorous courses taught by women from the David Eccles School of Business faculty
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360° assessment, pre-work, post-work; includes lectures, activities, readings, and self-reflection
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Actionable items to implement immediately
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Seven in-person learning sessions
Classes Include: Leading with Emotional Intelligence | Jennifer Cummings, Ph.D. Power of Communication: Let’s Talk Negotiation | Katie Liljenquist, Ph.D. Being Assertive Without Being Aggressive | Jennifer Cummings, Ph.D. Understanding and Leveraging Your Conflict Style | Jennifer Cummings, Ph.D. Charting Your Path to Strategic Leadership | Ruchi Watson, Ed.D., MBA Mindfulness and Interpersonal Effectiveness | Georgi Rausch, Ph.D. Finding Your Authentic Voice | Kate Cañas, Ph.D. Develop Your Executive Presence: Express Your Authentic Voice | Kate Cañas, Ph.D.
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Presenters Sheridan Mordue | Founder and CEO of Hip & Humble Sheridan Mordue founded Hip & Humble with her sister after graduating from the University of Utah. Known as the “go-to” gift shop, Hip & Humble is recognized for its vibrant, meaningful curation of fashion, home décor, and one-of-a-kind gifts. What began in Salt Lake City’s artsy 9th & 9th District has grown into a nationally recognized brand with locations in major U.S. airports including Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, San Diego, and Salt Lake City. In 2025, she will launch her own collection of highend, travel-ready scents and gifts designed to bring a touch of luxury to everyday life.
Shari Levitin | CEO of Shari Levitin Group Shari Levitin is a global sales leader, keynote speaker, and bestselling author who helps organizations drive extraordinary growth by blending AI efficiency with authentic human connection. A former hospitality executive and the #1 salesperson at Marriott Worldwide, she founded the Shari Levitin Group, growing it into a multi-million-dollar firm serving Fortune 500 clients in 40 countries and generating over $1 billion in increased profit. Her book, Heart and Sell, is the official textbook for Harvard University’s Strategic Selling course, and she has been named a Top Ten Voice in Sales on LinkedIn, with over 500 million video views across platforms.
Rita Schwisow | Director of Professional Selling and Business Development Program at the University of Utah Rita Schwisow is a storyteller, educator, and sales leader who believes confidence begins with owning your story. With more than 20 years of experience across sales leadership, higher education, and career development, she helps individuals transform lived experience into clarity, credibility, and impact. An Associate Director of a university sales program and a Ph.D. candidate in Management, Rita bridges industry and academia by teaching students and professionals how to communicate with confidence in interviews, leadership moments, classrooms, and boardrooms.
Telesa Via | VP of Luxury & Leisure Sales at ALHI Telesa Via is a hospitality sales and leadership executive with more than 20 years of experience driving results while building meaningful relationships. As Vice President of Luxury Leisure & Business Travel Sales at Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), she leads the launch and growth of a new division focused on consortia, business travel, wholesale, and entertainment, partnering with luxury hotels to expand market presence and deliver measurable value. A passionate advocate and community leader, she is Co-Founder of the MLC Cancer Foundation and serves on multiple industry and nonprofit boards.
Shawnna DelHierro | Chief Information Officer at SoundHound AI Shawnna DelHierro is the Chief Information Officer at SoundHound AI, where she shapes technology strategy and leads innovation across cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and scalable AI systems. Known for transforming complex environments into resilient, future-ready enterprises, she champions ethical tech, radical inclusion, and authentic leadership. Her expertise spans AI and cloud architecture, enterprise and government compliance, and executive communication, making her a trusted voice at the intersection of technology and governance.
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FULLY FOUND: OWNING YOUR PURPOSE, PASSION, & POTENTIAL Sheridan Mordue
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“There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.” — Oprah Winfrey
Passion Exploration: What activities make you lose track of time?
When do you feel most energized and alive?
Joyful Moments: Recall a recent experience that brought you joy. What were you doing?
Who do you enjoy spending time with, and what do you do together?
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David Eccles School of Business
Self-Reflection: What do people often compliment you on?
In what situations do you feel most confident and capable?
Activities and Roles: What roles do you naturally take on in group settings? (Leader, Organizer, Mediator, etc.)
When working on a team, what do you find yourself doing most often?
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▶ Additional Notes:
“Your passion will reveal itself when you show up as your authentic self, not your perfect self.” Lori Milner - Author & Speaker
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LET’S TALK STORY: THE TWO STORIES EVERY FEMALE LEADER NEEDS TO MASTER Shari Levitin
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Session Overview Content - Learning Outcomes: ϐ Tell the customer’s story back to them with greater clarity than they told it themselves ϐ Build a trust story using the SERVE Process — drafted in the room, ready to use Monday morning
ϐ Apply the three questions to any high-stakes conversation, interview, or leadership moment ϐ Construct a five-part influence story that moves people to action without resistance ϐ Leave with one specific action: find someone, sit down with her, and tell her she has a rare talent
“Before people decide what they think of your message, they decide what they think of you. And what they think about you has everything to do with how you make them feel about themselves.”
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The Customer Story The first story you tell is never yours. It is theirs. Before you can build trust or create influence, you must first demonstrate that you have truly heard the other person. This means listening deeply enough to reflect their situation, their challenges, and their goals back to them — with greater clarity and insight than they expressed themselves. When someone hears their own story told back with that kind of precision, something shifts. They feel understood. And a person who feels understood is ready to trust.
“Talking story has nothing to do with telling your story. It has everything to do with creating the space and the trust so that they will tell you theirs.”
Empathy vs. Competency - In-Session Exercise If you could only choose one — knowing your COMPANY or knowing your PEOPLE — which would you choose, and why?
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The Trust Story The David Brooks Distinction
David Brooks identifies two types of virtues. Most leaders lead with only one.
Resume Virtues
Eulogy Virtues
Skills, credentials, achievements
What people say about you when you are gone
What you put on paper to prove competency.
Not what you accomplished — who you were.
What gets you in the door of a job interview.
What you stood for. What you fought for.
Examples: top salesperson, MBA, 10 years experience
What broke your heart. What you believed.
My Resume Virtues:
My Eulogy Virtues:
“Facts tell people what you do. Beliefs tell them why to trust you.”
What are YOUR eulogy virtues? What do the people who know you best say about who you are?
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Three Questions - Foundation of Your Trust Story Before you can build your trust story, answer these three questions. In this order.
Question 1 - What do THEY care about most? With whom are you building trust? What are their eulogy virtues — what kind of human are they looking for? Do your values align?
Question 2 - Where are the decision points in YOUR timeline? Identify 2–3 moments where a VALUE drove a transition. That is where you insert the WHY.
Question 3 - What do you want them to FEEL? Not what you want them to think about you — what do you want them to feel about THEMSELVES?
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The SERVE Process - Building Your Trust Story SERVE begins with THEM — not you. Work through each step.
S E R V E
Start With THEM
Know their eulogy virtues. What do they stand for? What are they looking for? Do your values align?
Extract Your Decision Points
Find 2–3 moments where a VALUE drove a transition. This is where the why enters your timeline.
Reveal the Belief
Complete: “Because of that experience, I believe...” This is the heart of your trust story.
Verbally Connect to How You Serve THEM
Bridge your belief to their specific need: “Because I believe X, today I help people like YOU do Y”.
Express It for Feeling
Draft your story: Moment > Meaning > Mission. Then ask Question 3: What do I want them to feel when I’m done?
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Your Trust Story - Moment > Meaning > Mission My audience/the person with whom I am earning trust
The Moment: Set up your decision point. What happened?
The Meaning: What value drove your decision? Complete: “Because of that, I believe...”
The Mission: How does your belief connect to THEIR needs? “Because I believe X, today I help people like YOU do Y...”
Question 3 Check: What do I want them to FEEL about themselves? Does my story answer that?
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The Influence Story Five-Part Problem/Solution Story Framework
In this story, you are NOT the hero. They are. Your job is to show them someone just like them who found a way through.
1 2 3 4 5
Context
Who, what, where, when. Specific enough to be believable — broad enough to be relatable.
The Problem - The Mirror
Name the problem clearly. Make sure it MIRRORS their problem exactly. This is the moment they lean in.
The Struggle - The Middle
Show the friction. The failed attempts. The human reality. Do not skip this — struggle makes the solution believable.
The Solution - The Turn
What changed? Your idea, advice, or approach enters here — as a supporting character, not the hero.
The Punchline - The Result
Specific and human. Not just numbers — how did it FEEL? What became possible that was not before?
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Your Influence Story My audience/the person with whom I am earning trust
My Five-Part Story
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Where Will You Use These Stories? τ With your boss: “I want to share something that happened on another team...” τ In mentoring: “I worked with someone in your exact situation...” τ In a meeting: “Before we decide — let me tell you about a time we tried something similar...” τ In a performance review: “I want to tell you about someone who had the same goal...” τ In a job interview: “There was a moment in my career where I had to make a choice...” τ Other:
Finding the Rare Talent “It did not matter whether I had a rare talent in the beginning. What mattered was that Greg had the rare ability to make me believe I did.” - Shari Levitin
Who is your Greg? Who believed in you more than you believed in yourself?
What did they do or say that changed something in you?
“Having influence — telling powerful stories — is not about making people feel better about you. It is about making them feel better about themselves.”
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Your Monday Morning Action Find one person. Sit her down, close the door, look her in the eye, and tell her she has a rare talent. Who will you tell? Write her name here:
What rare talent will you name in her?
▶ Additional Notes:
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About Shari Levitin Shari Levitin is an energetic, wickedly funny keynote speaker and sales trainer who helps leaders and teams bridge the gap between hitting their numbers and leading and selling with an authentic, heartfelt approach. As the founder of the Shari Levitin Group, Shari has helped create over $1 billion in increased revenue for companies in over 40 countries. Her clients include Microsoft, Humana, Dell, Harvard, and the US Army. Shari is the bestselling author of Heart and Sell: 10 Universal Truths Every Salesperson Needs to Know — the official textbook for Harvard’s Strategic Selling course — and a contributor to Forbes, CEO Magazine, Inc. Magazine, and the Huffington Post. Her social media videos have surpassed 118 million views.
Recent Accolades ϐ Top Ten Voices in Sales | LinkedIn ϐ Top 50 Keynote Speakers | Top Sales World ϐ Top 20 Global Sales Experts | Salesforce ϐ 1 of 15 Sales Experts featured in the Salesforce film The Story of Sales ϐ 35 Most Influential Women | Sales Hacker ϐ Starred in the reality TV show America’s Real Deal
Connect with Shari
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Guided Networking Activity What to Expect? •
Two rounds of networking
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10 minutes per round
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2 to 4 participants per breakout room
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Same questions in both rounds
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New breakout group in Round 2
How it Works? •
You will be placed into a breakout room with 2 to 4 other participants.
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Take a moment to introduce yourselves.
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Use the questions below to guide the conversation.
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After 10 minutes, you will return to the main room.
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You will then be placed into a new breakout group for Round 2.
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At the end of the second round, you will be brought back to the main room, where you can rejoin the live stream.
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Try to share the time evenly so everyone has a chance to speak. You are welcome to connect on LinkedIn using the chat.
Conversation Questions: Question 1: Professional ϐ What is something you’re currently passionate about at work? Question 2: Personal ϐ Outside of work, what is something that helps you recharge? Optional if time allows ϐ What is something you’re wanting to make more time for this year?
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OWN YOUR LEADERSHIP STORY Rita Schwisow
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Part 1: Find Your Moment Leadership stories are not about perfection. They are about defining decisions.
Start with 1–2 prompts that spark something for you: τ A moment I almost stayed quiet — but didn’t τ A time I was underestimated τ A risk I took before I felt ready τ A failure that changed how I lead τ A room where I didn’t think I belonged τ A boundary I finally set τ A time I chose integrity over approval τ A hard conversation I didn’t avoid τ A pivotal moment in my career τ A responsibility I stepped into voluntarily Quick Reflection (3-5 Minutes) Answer briefly: What happened?
Why did this moment matter?
What tension existed?
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Part 2: Build Your Story Context > Choice > Change Leadership is revealed through decisions. Use the framework below to structure your story.
1. Context What were you responsible for? Where were you? What was happening? When I was... I was facing...
2. Choice The defining decision. This is the power sentence. I had to decide whether to... or... I chose to...
3. Change Who did you become? What shifted? Because I chose... I became someone who...
Part 3: Define Your Leadership Pattern Your story is not the event. It’s the pattern it reveals.
Complete the sentence: The leader I am is someone who...
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Final Reflection What word describes your leadership after telling this story?
What part of this story do you need to own more boldly?
▶ Additional Notes:
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BEYOND THE FOUR WALLS: EXPANDING YOUR INFLUENCE BEYOND YOUR ROLE Telesa Via
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Who’s in My Corner?
Mentors help you grow.
Sponsors help you advance.
Both matter, but they play very different roles in your leadership journey.
Mentors
Sponsors
▶ Name:
▶ Name:
▶ How they help me:
▶ What rooms they’re
▶ How often we connect:
▶ When they’ve spoken my name (or could):
▶ An insight or pattern I’ve gained from them:
▶ Risk they take in advocating for me:
Advice & Perspective
Advocacy & Opportunity
in:
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Reality Check! If an opportunity opened tomorrow, who would bring my name into the room—without me asking? (If the answer feels unclear, that is the insight.)
Gap & Intentional Action Be specific. Visibility grows through intentional action, not vague intention.
One sponsor relationship I want to intentionally cultivate:
Why this relationship makes sense (mutual value, trust, alignment):
One specific step I will take in the next 30 days:
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RADICAL AUTHENTICITY IN A WORLD OF AI: LEADING WITH WHOLENESS, IMPACT, AND COURAGE Shawnna DelHierro
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My Leadership Reality Today What does leadership look like for me right now?
Where am I thriving?
Where am I struggling?
Redefining Resilience What does resilience mean to me?
Where have I been “pushing through” instead of healing?
What would wholeness look like in my leadership?
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Authenticity Audit Where in my leadership am I most authentic?
Where am I performing instead of leading?
What conversations am I avoiding?
Questions That Change Everything What do I need to feel whole?
Where am I performing instead of leading?
What am I avoiding because it requires vulnerability?
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Who am I becoming?
Mental Health + Wholeness Check-In How am I really doing — emotionally, mentally, physically?
What support do I need right now?
How can I model wholeness for others?
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My Practical Tools Values Audit:
Energy Map:
Alignment Check:
Micro-Bravery:
Language Shifts:
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My Commitments Moving Forward What will I commit to doing differently after today?
What support or accountability do I need?
nnect with me on Linkedin:
Thank you!
Thank you for joining me for this conversation on Radical Authenticity in a World of AI. Wishing you courage, wholeness, and impact on your leadership journey. Let’s stay connected: Shawnna DelHierro — CIO, SoundHound AI
Find me on
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Find me on
TechMaven.ai
Additional Notes
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Executive Education and MBA Programs Whether you are looking to build a foundation of fundamental business skills, take your career to the next level while balancing existing work and life commitments, or excel with a flexible program that works around your life – we have something for you. Executive Education
Professional and leadership development for individuals and organizations through short, skills-based classes • Average 2- to 3-day classes held on campus, online, or at client’s location • For mid- to senior-level professionals • Open enrollment classes, leadership certificates, and custom programs available
TOP
5
i n t h e n at i o n Financial Times | 2025
ExecEd.Eccles.Utah.edu - 801-587-7273 - ExecEd@Utah.edu
Professional Background Full-Time MBA
Professional MBA
MBA Online
Executive MBA
Schedule
Avg. Work Experience
Average Age
Rankings
For those seeking an immersive, experiential, and cohort-oriented program to connect to high-impact careers and networks
Immersion program with day and evening classes
4.6 years
30
Top 10 in the West, Top 40 in the U.S.
For early- to mid-career professionals seeking to achieve career advancement or to begin a new career track
Hybrid format with two evenings a week, one in person and online
6 years
30
#1 in Utah, Top 10 in the West
For working professionals seeking flexible online solutions to achieve career advancement or to begin a new career track
Online with weekly live sessions and deliverables
8 years
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Top 10 in the World
For experienced, senior-level professionals seeking to gain executive-level strategy and leadership skills
Every other week on Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
13-16 years
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#1 in Utah, Top 17 in the U.S.
MBA.Eccles.Utah.edu - 801-581-5577 - MBA@Utah.edu
To see our other graduate business programs, go to Eccles.Utah.edu/Programs/Graduate
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Upcoming Events
Women’s Symposium Wednesday, March 24, 2027
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR FUTURE SYMPOSIUMS HERE EXECUTIVE EDUCATION Women’s Symposium 39
Executive Education Online Offerings: Now more than ever, the world needs options for high-quality online learning. Through the University of Utah Executive Education’s online offerings, you have the opportunity to gain crucial business knowledge and skills from wherever you are – an internet connection is all you need. Learn from our world-renowned Eccles School of Business faculty and see immediate results as you apply what you learn to your career and organization. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate | Robert Valentino, Master Black Belt, MBA Building a Lean Enterprise | Robert Valentino, Master Black Belt, MBA Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate | Robert Valentino, Master Black Belt, MBA MBA Foundations Certificate | Various Faculty Finance for the Non-Financial Leader | JB Henriksen, MBA Inspiring Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence | Abe Bakhsheshy, Ph.D.
Download Full Class Calendar:
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Event Vendor Spotlight:
All of our vendors are women-owned businesses. 0 = Vendor Sponsors
Thank You! EXECUTIVE EDUCATION Women’s Symposium 41
ExecEd.Eccles.Utah.edu 801-587-7273 ExecEd@Utah.edu
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