Center for Leadership
Studies

Brian Vent has been involved with MAOL and Generative Leadership group for more than a decade. As a graduate of MAOL's precursor, GLG's Executive Excellence Program, Vent has used the principles and techniques he learned in the program in his two most recent roles as COO of Build a Bear Workshop and CEO of Waterworks.

"I really learned to listen authentically and to communicate with others in such a way that we could make totally unanticipated outcomes happen," Vent says. "You take on a project in the MAOL, you learn, and you apply everything that you learn to your project. You begin to embody that learning, and it makes you a much stronger leader."

Within the MAOL, Vent provides a practical example of how MAOL methodologies translate into real business results. By sharing his experience as a case study, he helps current candidates work through their own independent initiatives and plan for the future of their projects.

In Vent's view, what makes the MAOL different from other offerings such as MBA and executive development programs is its attention to the development of individual leaders who are capable of seeing the future of not only their departments, but their entire organizations.

Instead of running into walls using tired methods, candidates are able to apply new thinking to their organizations and generate inspiring results. He has seen MAOL candidates move from having their own private visions for the future to understanding how to effectively express that vision to coworkers and engage them in its creation.

"What this program gives you is the ability to contribute, act, be, and behave in a way that can cause the kind of impact that you're committed to having be real."

During his time at Waterworks, Vent sponsored one of his own employees, Lisa Ellis, through the MAOL. Sensing Ellis was ready for the next step in her professional development and knowing that she would be up against a leadership challenge in the organization, Vent knew that MAOL would be right for her. Already an established leader, Ellis simply needed a program that would provide her with new tools.

"The MAOL is complementary to an MBA program, and complementary to business, leadership and life experiences, in that it gives you knowledge and experiences to build and grow from where you are. It opens up for the learner his or her unique latent leadership capabilities."