Participant Thoughts on Program Impact

"My goal for the Institute was to experience how an artist thinks and how this thinking could be applied to my research, teaching and organization's development.  The Institute has helped me achieve my goal and more.  It has broken down prior assumptions and made new connections for ideas I use at work.  I've been able to experience my world in novel or original ways and to express some unusual and highly practical ideas in my work.  For example, I've seen how artists "scratch around" to develop an idea and to use playfulness for serious ends.  Each artist has been able to demonstrate his or her art form, to discuss with us their thinking and then to help bridge the gap between art and business through our group discussions and facilitated individual reflection.  I'll never look at the world the same.  And, I have a long list of ideas that will improve the work that I do -- a list not possibly developed prior to the Institute."


"The Innovation Institute brought home the powers of reflection and observation as a means to unlocking creativity - both in me and in helping me to do so with others. There is no check list for "how" one does this, but the course lets the right brain - so underutilized in business - finally have its day!"

Laura Myer Welman, Executive Vice President
Foundation for the Carolinas



"Not only did the Innovation Institute give me invaluable insight into the creative process, but it also gave me great confidence in my own ability to be creative and innovative."

Jason Ward, Director, Interactive Design
Wachovia



"The program was very rewarding both professionally and personally.  As a country, we have to corner the world market on creativity and innovation. The Innovation Institute is well positioned to help in this endeavor."

Lisa Gary, Senior Vice President of Leadership Development
Wachovia



"The Innovation Institute gave me the rare opportunity to actually "be an artist" for 6 days!!!  I found creative abilities I had no idea were inside of me which has given me renewed courage to experiment in my organization and more importantly, to respect and encourage the creative abilities of my associates."

Barbara Spradling, Senior Vice President
Corporate Business Continuity Executive
Bank of America



"The Innovation Institute brought into focus the value of exploring innovation and creativity rather than hastily disregarding new ideas - from yourself or others. A valuable insight I've gained from participating in these sessions is that a new idea is quite delicate. Translating this learning into creating and sustaining an environment to recognize, influence and encourage new ideas can be a significant point of differentiation for individuals, teams and organizations."

Maristeve Bradley, Senior Vice-President & Marketing Executive
Access National Bank
Reston, Virginia



"Wow, what a terrific experience!  The program reinvigorated my own creativity and innovation.  It also provided me with a new appreciation for artists and modern art.  I would highly recommend the program to other leaders."

Jim Tillis, Senior Vice-President, Learning & Organization Effectiveness Executive
Bank of America



"The Innovation Institute provided me with effective methodology to critique and improve how I innovate.  This is quite a takeaway when you consider that "innovation" is the essence of problem solving and creation.  This is a thoughtfully designed course that is well instructed and complemented by talented classmates from various disciplines that creates an environment for self exploration, creativity exercises and fun.  This program is the most productive corporate training that I have participated in."

Michael Smith, President
Charlotte Center City Partners



"I understood generally that the Innovation Institute would link the creative process to leadership, but I had no idea that artists have so much to say about looking at problems in a different way, risk taking, finding the lessons in failure, and having the courage to address the things you struggle with.  We got all of that plus lessons on freedom to do something other than what's been done before and focusing on what makes each of us distinctive as leaders, not being cliche.  The Innovation Institute has radically changed the way I approach my job and my relationships."

Bill Parmelee, CFO
National Gypsum Company



"My experience in the Innovation Institute broadened my perspective on the process that goes into being creative. It gave me a much stronger appreciation for how creativity can be a learned skill and not just an innate trait born to a small population of artists. I have expanded my arsenal for tackling complicated challenges in my personal and professional life while building strong relationships with talented professionals from the Charlotte community."

Ghazale Johnston, Senior Manager
Accenture



"The lives and careers of our artists truly motivated my thinking, because their stories epitomized the creative struggle...ever searching, problem solving, experimenting, risking."

"Individual innovation, as described by the artists, was often the result of diligent and focused pursuit of an idea or form, over time."

Jean Greer, Vice President of Public Art
Arts & Science Council



"Some of my mistakes were my best creations. I can be spontaneous. My ritual of 'exercise' and engagement with others gives me the best results. I don't need to always be sequential in my thinking. Emotions can be a source of great inspiration. Rather than suppress the feelings, accept them and use them."

 "I'll be more disciplined in my approach. Each artist has given me an appreciation for the hard work that is critical to the process. Don't wait for the lightening bolt. People can be a great source of inspiration so take full advantage of the creative people around me. Keep exercise a part of my ritual. Be more courageous in developing and implementing new ideas. Effective execution is key and I'll work on recognizing the value of failure. Give myself time to evaluate the outcomes of my own work and the work of others."  

Nick Rodono, Vice President of Human Resources
National Gypsum Company



"Participating in the Innovation Institute was transformational; the experience provided a very healing and spiritual element while realigning my creative sources to create a better lens. The program involved amazing leaders as participants and who were a constant source of insight for me. I remain closely tied to many of them. I went away from the program feeling inspired by my own, seemingly, much larger creative capacity and empowered to have it make a difference."

Astrid Chirinos, Principal/Owner
Diverso Global Strategies



"The Innovation Institute brought into focus the value of exploring innovation and creativity rather than hastily disregarding new ideas - from yourself or others.  A valuable insight I've gained from participating in these sessions is that a new idea is quite delicate. Translating this learning into creating and sustaining an environment to recognize, influence and encourage new ideas can be a significant point of differentiation for individuals, teams and organizations."

Maristeve Bradley, Senior Vice President & Marketing Executive
Access National Bank
Reston, Virginia