Influence and motivate your team

Valery Brennan, Registrar of Canadian Citizenship and Director of Citizenship Program Delivery at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, describes how the Ivey Leadership Program allowed her to understand her leadership style so that she could determine how to effectively influence and motivate her team. 

What led you to take the Ivey Leadership Program (ILP)?

I was offered this training as part of an executive developmental program that we have in my organization. I was given the choice between a few programs but The Ivey Academy caught my interest because of its dynamic offering and its applied learning. I am so happy with my decision to choose The Ivey Academy and would highly recommend this program to others.

How did the program compare to your expectations?

The program definitely exceeded my expectations from beginning to end. Everything was so well organized and we were so well taken care of by the staff. From the quality of the material, the teachers, the practical workshops to the excellent care and services received during our entire stay, everything was thought through and diligently planned.

What are the biggest challenges facing you/your organization, and how has the program helped you meet them?

Where to begin? My organization faces many challenges from the heavy workload to the critical need to modernize our operations. The Ivey Leadership Program helped me reflect on how I could better contribute to these goals by being more deliberate in my leadership style and by applying some of the skills that I learned, including my ability to influence others and motivate teams.

What was the highlight of the program?

Without a doubt, the highlight of the week was the Thursday night party! Hehe! Joking aside, it's really hard to pick one thing in particular. In terms of learning, for me, the workshops with real actors was definitely a memorable experience.

How has ILP changed your approach to leadership?

I have become more mindful of my leadership style. The Ivey Academy allowed me to take a step back and reflect on the type of leader that I aspire to be and as a result, I am now more aware of the various tools that are available to me as a leader: feedback, influence, negotiation skills, etc. This allows me to better plan my interactions and be more effective.

How would you describe the program’s impact?

I think the program allowed me to reflect on my leadership style and on organizational culture in general. It inspired me to thrive towards continuous improvements and reflect on my own leadership challenges. I now feel better equipped to serve my organization.

Have you found peers that you can continue to use as sounding boards, referrals and lifelong friends?

Most definitely. I have already been in touch with a number of them!