The Power of a Global Business Leadership Network

Booth’s Advanced Management Program helped Deepa Sethi, business development lead at Elevo Global, build a diverse global network and further grow as an emotionally intelligent, mindful leader — something she sees as critical in these complex times. She shares some of her key takeaways from the program.

Why Booth’s Advanced Management Program?

My background is technical. I’m a food scientist by education, but for the past thirteen years I’ve done commercialization.

I had already taken Booth classes in negotiation, decision-making, and strategy. The quality of those professors made me decide to pursue the whole Advanced Management Program.

So far, the Booth AMP has helped me learn from existing case studies as well as discussions with the faculty and cohort. It’s all great practice for navigating real world problems and situations.

My Experience

I'm sure there will be many more great AMP cohorts, but I feel l may have gotten the best. I'm very passionate about the people I was in class with.

My cohort was C-suite heavy, but overall diverse in the educational and career backgrounds that got them to that level. Our industries ranged across automotive, private equity, food, and IT services. They came from many different places, including Dubai, India, Germany, Mexico and Brazil. The variety of experiences we shared was very enriching.

We formed a very close bond. Outside of class, we went for dinners in different groups. Once we went to a piano bar to sing and dance together. In the three years since we’ve remained very much in touch and have a lot of respect for each other. This was one of the major benefits of the program for me. Beyond the Booth brand name and the network with the faculty I can take with me, I have those close relationships with the class and the memories.

As for the faculty and classes, Booth is known globally for finance. Even though my own background is very different, the professors for negotiation, decision-making, and strategy have helped me dial in to those different subject matters. In fact, they tied these together to make them relevant to everyone in the cohort.

Career Takeaway

I've actually started wearing a jean jacket regularly because I want to be more connective, versus maintaining a big difference or hierarchy between myself and people who are junior to me.

This is part of being a better, mindful listener, staying curious, and considering how I can learn more. That’s the biggest thing I’m taking along in my career.

What’s Next

As leaders, we’re working in a complex time right now. The future may be even more so.

We’re engaging with a rising generation who aren’t motivated in the same ways as seasoned professionals. There are many different political situations going on, such as tariffs, inflation, and wars. Technology like AI is growing at an infinite rate.

Something that stands out from my AMP experience is that at a time like ours, being an emotionally intelligent, mindful leader is critical. Now is the time to build businesses not only for financial reasons, but to develop the people. That will make the difference between a business excelling or not. Throughout all my courses, that’s the message that’s sticking with me.

Advice to Others

While Booth is renowned for finance, anyone from a different space who’s interested in entering the program shouldn’t worry that they won’t fit in or won’t retain the value. I’ve personally found this program extremely helpful, beneficial, and relevant. In fact, it was up to me, I would not stop coming to school here.

I would give this an A plus as a course and I’m more than happy to share my experience with others.