What I've Learned: Wharton Professor Mike Useem Discusses Leadership with Dean Erika James
Episode Description
In a special interview with Dean Erika James, Professor Mike Useem dives into the history of Wharton’s innovative leadership curriculum and his part in shaping it.
When Professor Emeritus of Management Michael Useem was told to build a leadership course from the ground up at Wharton, he had to become an expert on the subject first. Through decades of in-depth research and developing innovative learning opportunities, Useem has done just that. Today, he is an award-winning teacher, a consultant for companies across the globe on leadership development and governance, and is the author of multiple books, including The Leader’s Checklist. In this insightful conversation with Wharton Dean Erika James, Useem discusses his unique journey through academia and why leadership skills are critical for all ages.
The talk is part of the series, “What I’ve Learned,” which puts the spotlight on Wharton faculty who have made a lasting impact on their fields. Watch the video for the full conversation.
Topics and questions covered: 00:00 - Introductions 1:06 - Professor Useem’s background in leadership 6:20 - The McNulty Leadership Program at Wharton 9:18 - Strategies for hiring leadership 12:20 - Leadership in crisis management 16:38 - Students who inspired Professor Useem 21:45 - Professor Useem’s legacy at Wharton
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Brief Summary
Mike Useem discusses leadership education, experiential learning, and succession planning, emphasizing the importance of effective leaders in crisis situations.
Key points
- The Accidental Leader. Mike shares how he became a leadership instructor by chance, emphasizing the importance of learning leadership skills.
- Lessons from the Battlefield. Experiential learning at Gettysburg teaches students about leadership under pressure.
- The Importance of Internal Leadership Development. Mike discusses the significance of internal leadership development in companies, citing a 90% internal hiring rate.
- Crisis Leadership. Mike reflects on the challenges of leading during crises and the impact of the right leadership.
- Legacy at Wharton. Mike expresses his desire to strengthen students' abilities to make a positive impact.
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Episode highlights
- The Accidental LeaderMike shares how he became a leadership instructor by chance, emphasizing the importance of learning leadership skills.“I guess you're going to have to do it.”1:48Jan 22, 2024
- Lessons from the BattlefieldExperiential learning at Gettysburg teaches students about leadership under pressure.“The Gettysburg battlefield proved a kind of an experiment.”5:56Jan 22, 2024
- The Importance of Internal Leadership DevelopmentMike discusses the significance of internal leadership development in companies, citing a 90% internal hiring rate.“90% of the cases they hire internally.”9:55Jan 22, 2024
- Crisis LeadershipMike reflects on the challenges of leading during crises and the impact of the right leadership.“The right person can make as much as 20 to 30% difference.”13:43Jan 22, 2024
- Legacy at WhartonMike expresses his desire to strengthen students' abilities to make a positive impact.“I’m going to try as hard as I can to help...”22:40Jan 22, 2024





