Choosing to expand assignments beyond a typical essay, a group of enterprising Master of Management students in the Foundations of Leadership class at Trent University Durham GTA decided to produce the Leadership Six Podcast this summer.   

“Our goal was to engage in meaningful discussion about leadership challenges, practices, and issues,” reflects Rachelle Provost, a Master of Management candidate. “We conducted in-depth interviews with guests around the country who are doing phenomenal work as leaders and managers.”

“These students embraced creativity in a high pressure context and produced something of excellence,” said Dr. Rob Elkington, professor of the Master of Management program. “To produce a podcast of this quality within four weeks speaks volumes to the initiative, creativity, and dedication of the students.”

Drawing from theories, concepts and models learned in class, the students conducted research, wrote questions, and secured a variety of guests including: Dan Carter, mayor of Oshawa; Marie Fiedler, public health researcher and community organizer; Carolyn Temple, residence manager at Brescia University College, Canada’s only women’s university; and Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, a professor who studies multidisciplinary research and development, impact investment, and leadership development.

Through the podcasts, the guests discussed communication, leadership styles and traits, building relationships and teamwork.  They also stressed self-awareness, integrity, compassion, attentive listening and perseverance.

 “It was exciting to hear how our guests intuitively and strategically applied many of the concepts and frameworks that we discussed throughout our graduate courses,” stated Ms. Provost. “The project allowed our group to take learning outside of the classroom, see it in practice, and reflect on how we’d like to move forward as leaders and managers in our careers.”

The project offered networking opportunities with leaders in different industries. As it had to be produced remotely, it fittingly demonstrated leadership during a pandemic.

Ms. Provost said, “It provided us with a better understanding of current and ongoing challenges leaders and managers face, which had only been intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

According to Professor Elkington, the rewards for trying something new can be exponential. 

“I am extremely proud of all of the Master of Management students,” summarizes Prof. Elkington. “They exude confidence and are hungry to learn and develop. They will go on to achieve great things, partially because of the impact of this program upon their capacity, and partly because of their optimism, hope, and courage.”

The Leadership Six Podcast was developed by Master of Management students: Precious Bode-Disu, Gurpreet Dhaliwal, Jatinder Dhaliwal, Shannon Fiedler, Amanda MacDonald, Rachelle Provost and Rehnuma Tabassum