Staff play an integral part in committing to Weatherhead School of Management's values, which proudly embraces a student-centered culture of excellence that promotes collaboration, inclusion and diversity. This spring, Weatherhead is spotlighting staff members to show appreciation for the tremendous work they do every day in the school.
Chuck Black's first day working at Weatherhead School of Management is the type of first day everyone hopes to have––he reported to a staff retreat at the University Farm where his new team members were conducting an Appreciative Inquiry Summit to define the strategic plan for the coming year.
"Imagine your first impression of your new team is witnessing everyone articulating and magnifying the strengths of our system," he says. "Then, dreaming and discovering the strengths-based goals we would accomplish next."
Now, almost a decade later, Black is the director of custom corporate solutions and business development for Weatherhead's Executive Education program. Get to know more about Black and what he loves most about working at Weatherhead:
What is something that you find exciting working in Weatherhead?
The world comes to Weatherhead Executive Education to leverage the school’s thought leadership and expertise in leadership development. I have the privilege of working with the best client organizations along with a faculty of world authorities on how to develop truly outstanding leaders who drive strategic change. At Weatherhead, we lead the world.
What has been your favorite memory so far during your time in Weatherhead?
I was fairly new to the university when I was given the role of managing a legacy leadership excellence program for Sherwin Williams. I had one shot to make a personal impression on Chris Connor, the CEO at the time.
We were about to start the last program session where the CEO holds court with the program participants and all his senior executives. I made some 30-second comment about the leaders in the program and went on my way. He then started his address to the group by saying, “I was just talking with Chuck Black about leadership development.”
My heart soared with pride. I was trying to impress him and, in one brief moment, he made a lasting, inspiring impression on me instead. I considered giving it all up to go sell paint. That moment was when I realized the business we’re in––developing inspirational leaders. It stays with me to this day.
What do you love most about working at CWRU?
First, the people I work with. When I compare what we do with other executive education shops around the world, I know the staff and faculty at Weatherhead Executive Education are the best. No one does it better.
Second, seeing the impact we have on individuals and organizations, particularly in Executive Education. Weatherhead leads the world when it comes to life-changing expertise and program content. As we like to say at Weatherhead Executive Education, “what you learn in a day can change everything.”
Third, applying that positive guidance to my life. Working here has changed the way I view myself and the world around me
What is your favorite thing to do in Cleveland?
I’ve lived in the Cleveland area for nearly forty years. For me, you can’t beat a sunny afternoon viewing the city from the Goodtime III followed by oysters at Alley Cats.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
My first professional boss taught me that work should be fun. My mantra for my team and colleagues remains the same: “This is Executive Education. If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.”