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HomeAchieversCenter for Executive Education Hosts 'Historical' Session on Strategic Thinking

Center for Executive Education Hosts ‘Historical’ Session on Strategic Thinking

The Center for Executive Education provided an unusual lesson in both history and leadership recently to participants of the Executive Leadership Experience program.  Program participants, area executives, met on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the Belmont Mansion with a couple of historical figures who provided insights on the topic of business intelligence and strategic thinking. 

The evening program was presented by “Ulysses S. Grant,” lieutenant general and commander of all Union armies, and “Robert E. Lee,” commander of the Army of Northern Virginia. The Belmont Mansion was chosen based on its role as a military headquarters during the Civil War. Drawing upon their experiences in the Battle of the Wilderness in May 1864, Grant and Lee shared insights about the role of intelligence gathering and strategic decision making in their actions on the battlefield. 

They also shared how lessons learned from this campaign could be applied to modern business leadership decisions for the Executive Leadership Experience participants. Following a spirited discussion of the battle, the two shook hands and entertained questions from the audience. General Grant was portrayed by Dr. Curt Fields, and General Lee by William Lee Stofel.

The Center for Executive Education at Belmont University hosts a 10-month executive leadership development program called the Executive Leadership Experience. The program begins with a four-day retreat and is followed by a series of eight monthly learning modules. The Executive Leadership Experience equips high-potential executives to be ready-to-lead at the highest levels in complex, dynamic business environments.

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