Deepak Chopra Seminar at Kellogg

Hello friend,

I was in Chicago for three days last week to attend a Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management Executive Education class/seminar called The Soul of Leadership.  Deepak Chopra, M.D. and Professor Michelle Buck taught the course developed by Deepak Chopra.  The Soul of Leadership falls under the Kellogg Leadership & Strategy Programs heading.

There were multiple reasons that led me to spend $3,300 to attend this class. First: I have been thinking about pursuing my EMBA (or other Executive Education program) and I was interested in the offerings of Kellogg School of Management.  I wanted to participate in a seminar to truly immerse myself in the Allen Center Executive Education campus environment and see if it appealed to me.  Second: Having participated in sales, marketing and management for so long, I am always interested in leadership development topics and I wanted to see what Deepak Chopra had to say about leadership.  Third: I was really curious to see who would attend a leadership class offered by one of the top five business schools in the country that was taught by Deepak Chopra.

What very interesting experience.  I would wholeheartedly encourage applicable professional women (and men) to attend Kellogg Executive Education Programs.  Kellogg does a first rate job of creating an ideal environment for seasoned professionals to participate in executive education.  The Allen Center is comfortable and well appointed and houses all accommodations (sleeping, dining and classes) in one building.  The entire experience was extraordinarily convenient.  The food was impressive and Kellogg does a nice job of keeping “students” together between and after classes with group meal seating in the plush dining room as well as evening “social time.”  Also known as free Happy Hour in the business community. 

I was initially surprised to find that TVs are not installed in the private bedroom accommodations. However, it made sense to me when it was explained that the lack of TVs in bedrooms encourages students/participants to network and collaborate in the center’s common areas.  In case you were wondering, TVs are located in the common areas.  Truthfully, it was nice to be TV-free for a few days.  Wireless internet was available everywhere throughout the Allen Center, so I was able use my laptop for all of my information requirements.

I really liked Professor Michelle Buck.  Her lectures were engaging and informative.  Professor Buck is the Director of Leadership Initiatives at the Kellogg School of Management.  It was an educational delight to hear her speak on the topic of leadership.  Unfortunately, I cannot the same of Deepak Chopra.  I am not sure if he was tired, bored, distracted by his current book tour of the recently released Buddha or it is just Deepak’s style, but I did not find him to be a terribly charasmatic speaker.  Deepak Chopra was only OK.

After reading much of Deepak Chopra’s material, I arrived at this class anticipating a charismatic and dynamic speaker.  I expected to feel inspired, energized and motivated.  I was expecting to be impressed.  Instead, I found Deepak to be an affable gentleman who has some interesting ideas with an emphasis on peace.  The casualness of his demeanor made me wonder again and again if he was bored or distracted.  Deepak spent the first day introducing the class to his now famous Deepak ideology and corresponding trademarked vernacular.  This was important to do because the it is Deepak’s ideological platform was is the basis for much of this leadership seminar (IMHO).  Deepak made some interesting comments on topics of introspection, creativity, storytelling, personal and group motivation, relationships, branding, effective communication, behavior and archetypes.  After our abbreviated introduction to Deepak dogma, we then focused on Deepak’s definition and development of our leadership “soul.”  On day three we wrapped up the with a hurried explanation of Deepak’s kitchy acronym L.E.A.D.E.R.S.  We were instructed to use L.E.A.D.E.R.S to apply Deepak’s leasdership skill concepts for use as a leader.  Now, I know you that you are just waiting for me to spill the beans and define the acronym L.E.A.D.E.R.S.  Nope.  Can’t do it.  Wouldn’t be fair.  You gotta take the class.

In my opinion, this class was a lot more about one’s individual spiritual, ideological and creative development.  The class rightly suggests that when you improve yourself, those you lead will benefit as well.  OK.  That makes sense.  However, I remain somewhat puzzled about the motivation of offering this class in this format at Kellogg.  The Kellogg School of Management is one of the premier business schools in the country.  I am surprised that this class didn’t offer much in the way of “business branding.”  This class never got around to the practical application of L.E.A.D.E.R.S. and how it specifically benefits the bottom line.  You know, the whole concept of measurable ROI (return on investment) of the class.

Upon reflection, I believe that I left this seminar with new applicable skills in marketing, branding, communication and group dynamics.  As a result, I now have improved my leadership abilities.  I also left this seminar with a signed copy of Deepak’s book Power Freedom and Grace!  LOL.

Most importantly, I left this seminar reminded how refreshing it is to be in the company of diverse and interesting professionals in an educational environment.  These classes are a bit like mini-mental rehabs for the stressed executive adult.  These classes provide a guilt-free break from your personal and professional environments to spend a little bit of time reflecting, learning and recharging.

An ideal alternative to a week at Canyon Ranch – and less expensive too!

Be Well!

Expecting Executive