Amy Van Beek’s Post

The Harvard Business School professors are not confined to the podium but moving energetically around the room. They provoke thought, ask compelling questions, and actively seek diverse viewpoints. This dynamic environment fosters a unique educational experience where every voice is heard, every opinion valued. The most striking aspect is how these professors expertly facilitate debates, encouraging students to spar intellectually, pushing them to defend their ideas, and learn from their peers. This isn't just a transfer of knowledge; it's a cultivation of critical thinking and analytical skills. The result? A classroom that buzzes with energy, ideas that spark in real-time, and students who are not just passive learners but active participants in their educational journey. Harvard Business School's teaching methodology is a testament to the power of passionate teaching. It's an environment where students are not just prepared academically but are also equipped to be thought leaders and innovators in their respective fields. This experience has profoundly impacted my perspective on what effective teaching can accomplish. It's a reminder that when educators are passionate, they don't just teach; they transform lives. #Innovation #Teaching #Education #Leadership #Learning This is a picture of Professor Ramon Casadesus-Masanell, from Dec'2017, clicked by a fellow #HBS alum Božidar Novak!

🎓Excited to Celebrate 8 Years of Teaching at Harvard University! 🏫 I'm immensely proud to teach such a #successful & #accomplished cohort, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for them. No doubt that all the #students featured here will succeed well. As I reflect on my journey as an economist working at Deutsche Bank, I can't help but be grateful for the incredible opportunity to also teach at Harvard Kennedy School for the past 8 years. Teaching has been an immensely #rewardingexperience that has enriched my professional life in countless ways: 1. #PassionForEducation: My love for teaching is driven by a genuine passion for #education & the #desire to inspire the #nextgeneration of leaders. Witnessing their growth and development as they engage with complex economic theories & real-world challenges has been truly fulfilling. 2. #KnowledgeExchange: Teaching at Harvard has provided a unique platform for #knowledge exchange. Engaging with bright and curious students, along with esteemed #colleagues, has exposed me to #diverseperspectives, fostering a dynamic intellectual environment that continuously pushes me to broaden my horizons. 3. #LeadershipDevelopment: Guiding and mentoring students has allowed me to play a role in nurturing future leaders. 4. Witnessing their #personal & #academic growth has been a source of immense pride. These future leaders hold the potential to #shapetheworld for the better, and I am humbled to contribute to their development. 4. #InnovativeResearch: Interacting with inquisitive minds challenges me to delve deeper into economic principles, discover #freshinsights, and develop #innovativeapproaches to complex & topical problems. 5. #LegacyOfImpact: The impact of education endures far beyond the classroom. As I see my former students excelling in their careers & making #positivecontributions to society, I am reminded of the #lastingimpact that teaching can have. Through my years of teaching, I've learned the importance of #adaptability, #patience, & fostering an #inclusivelearning environment. It has taught me the value of #lifelonglearning, as each interaction with students offers #valuablelessons & #newperspectives. I am truly grateful for the #support & #encouragement I've received from Deutsche Bank Research & the Harvard University community.

🎓 I had an awesome time at the Harvard Global Leader Program in Cologne during my first vacation week! 🌍🚀 🤓 I learned cool stuff from Harvard students about smart negotiating, design thinking, and real-life cases. 💼🧠 These methods showed me new ways to handle problems and find solutions, even in regular life. 🙌 The best part? Our group and others did our own projects where we tried to find solutions to world problems using design thinking and other methods we have learned. 📊📢 It was really cool to see everyone's ideas and hard work. 😔📚 But all of this got me thinking – why don't we learn these useful things in school? 🏫🤔 This made me see how important hands-on learning and creative learning are, not just books! 👏 Big thanks to the Harvard students and everyone who made this week awesome. I had a great time and learned a lot of valuable things. Thank you Harvard University, Joaquín Cortacáns Sosa, Yoel Hawa and Pratyush Mallick 🌟📚 #HarvardGlobalLeader #LearningByDoing #FutureSkills

Exactly a year ago, I participated in a research poster competition organized by the University of Northampton, led by the research team anchored by Danny Mirza FRSA, MSc, MA, MBA. The research initially aimed to examine the effect of humble leadership and personality traits in higher education (as presented in the poster) but took a different turn, focusing on humble leadership and co-creation of academic curriculum. According to the research, humble leaders leverage their talents, strength, and expertise to assist their subordinates in succeeding. A prominent example is AM Kilda, the VC of Northampton, who shared her journey from student to teacher and VC. The research identified six key themes, but I'll share two. The first is the "Skill Gap," a significant challenge for students in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The research suggests that bringing industry professionals into universities as lecturers can strike a balance. Another notable theme is "Student Needs." In curriculum design, the student voice is crucial. Academic institutions play a role by seeking feedback from students. However, questions should be structured in a way that encourages active participation and contribution. In the year 2023, my academic journey was notably successful, and I anticipate further advancement in my scholarly pursuits. Specifically, my focus lies in examining leadership styles and their impact on crisis management, drawing insights from both past failed and successful crisis scenarios.

As of today, I wrapped my first semester teaching at the Isenberg School of Management, UMass Amherst. This term also marks my 15th year as a professor. Admittedly, the last few years nearly broke me in higher ed, and I was starting to question my career path. After a short break, I returned to the classroom in an adjunct capacity and it was everything I needed to fall back in love with my craft. I had the honor of teaching an incredible group of smart, talented, hard-working #business majors who not only leveled up to meet my (admittedly high) expectations, but immersed themselves in research, writing, stats, and leadership practices to produce real-world projects that will impact how organizations communicate and thrive. More importantly, I think they all knew how much I cared. Not only about their academic and professional success, but about their personal development into flexible, adaptable, and advisable humans who will change the world. ------- A huge thanks to my 310 students for trusting me with your education and permitting me to push you to think and learn differently. Thank you for making such an imprint on my heart, too. And, a huge shout out to my amazing Business Communications Program colleagues. It takes a village, and you all make teamwork so much fun. ------ #teacherlife #highered #umassamherst #communications #business

A study was conducted at Yale University in 1952 : Graduates of one of the best universities in the world were surveyed; the graduating class was asked the question: - Do they have a goal? And we found out that: • 3% wrote down their goals • 14% kept goals in mind without writing them down • 83% had no goals at all 20 years later, we surveyed the same people and found out that: The 3% who wrote down their goals earned more at the beginning of their careers than all the others combined, than 97%. In financial terms, they earned more than the total earnings of 97% And this is the difference between the 3% of leaders and the remaining 97% It is confirmed by all the research that is being done today. #success #goals #life #focus

Thrilled to share my enrollment in Harvard Business School Online! 🌟 Investing in professional development is crucial for staying ahead in today's competitive landscape. Excited to enhance my skills and drive success in my career! #HarvardBusinessSchoolOnline #ProfessionalDevelopment 🚀

The reality of life is that there are often pros and cons to consider. Back in my school days, I witnessed some of my classmates who were perceived as 'nerdy' being bullied and ostracized, with few friends. Yet, the irony is that many of today's prominent leaders are those very same kind of people. Never underestimate the brilliance of those who have never set foot on a university campus. Sometimes, they are far more creative, innovative, and adaptable than those who merely excel at memorizing for academic degrees. Seek out colleagues or partners who can demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities, not just a 'stack of diplomas'. Because in the real world, entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability are worth far more than mere academic titles. #MoreThanJustADegree #OpenMinded #AdaptabilityMatters

Stepping off the plane at Leeds six months ago, I was a sea of mixed emotions, excitement, a bit of fear, and a definite struggle to understand the local slang! Now, as I complete my first semester in the MSc. Organizational Psychology and Business program at the University of Leeds, I'm filled with immense gratitude and excitement. The learning across the modules has been monumental. The Research Design and Analysis module honed my research skills, empowering me to navigate the intricate world of data and insights effectively, the Psychology of Effective Organizations course provided a profound understanding of the heart of organizations. The Selection and Training module imparted practical knowledge, equipping me with the tools to ensure the recruitment of top talent and, more importantly, to sustain and grow current talent's potential. In this dynamic environment of learning, one module that particularly intrigued me has been the Sociotechnical Systems Theory (STST). The intricate way it delves into the interdependencies of technology, people, and organizations within the business realm is nothing short of fascinating. STST has opened my eyes to the nuanced dynamics shaping modern businesses. It goes beyond the conventional view of technology and business processes, highlighting the critical role that social and human factors play in organizational success. The course beautifully unraveled the complexities inherent in today's interconnected world, providing a holistic perspective that is invaluable for anyone navigating the business landscape. I'm immensely grateful to the phenomenal professors who brought these subjects to life with their passion and expertise. With an overall distinction in the semester, I'm excited to apply this knowledge to solving real-world problems. As I continue my Master's journey, I'm eager to continue exploring the depths of organizational psychology, equipping myself with the skills and insights to drive positive change within organizations. #MSc #OrganizationalPsychology #Business #UniversityofLeeds #StudentLife #LearningAndDevelopment