础贬滨笔鈥檚 Executive Leadership Program (ELP) is fostering leaders who can guide the system through positive change. The program has graduated hundreds of Fellows for more than 30 years who are driving the industry forward and looking to innovate and grow their organizations and their communities.
熊猫视频ELP Fellows enjoy guided mentoring throughout the year, including site visits with their mentors. During these visits to mentor organizations across the country, the ELP Fellows gain practical insights not found in any book or classroom.
熊猫视频connected with ELP mentor Maura McCaffrey, president and CEO of Health New England, a nonprofit health insurance provider serving members in Massachusetts and Connecticut. She shared with us how her experiences as an ELP mentor helped her grow and develop as a leader.
What got you involved in the ELP program?
McCaffrey: I was invited to participate in the program as a CEO-level mentor. I immediately accepted because I appreciate how valuable mentors have been in my life and my career progression, and I know it is an important and mutually beneficial opportunity to give back.
What were you hoping to learn from it?
McCaffrey: I believe that in an open and honest mentor/mentee relationship each individual can learn from the other. Mentoring allows me to strengthen my coaching and leadership skills by working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different expectations. Additionally, mentoring executives from around the country offers a variety of viewpoints and interesting business perspectives on regional and national industry topics.
How has the program changed you personally and professionally?
McCaffrey: No one becomes a CEO by luck alone. Everyone has had help, advice, and often personal investment from others. Earlier in my career, mentors offered me their guidance and experience and helped me define my professional goals. I continue to use mentorship as a way to stay ahead in my career today. I can say that I am a better leader because of the relationships, interactions, and information shared by the mentees. And I have enjoyed increasing my network both professionally and personally.
What would you say to your peers about this program?
McCaffrey: Mentoring gives you the extraordinary opportunity to facilitate a prot茅g茅鈥檚 personal and professional growth by sharing knowledge you learned through your years of experience. It is interesting and enlightening to challenge your mentee to think in new and different ways, and the mentee is not the only one who gains from the arrangement. It is definitely worth the time and investment!