Coactive Transformational Leadership Program

Coactive TLP supports graduate and post-doctoral women in their quest to become highly successful scientists, engineers, and leaders. Drawn from the distinct disciplines of engineering practice and corporate leadership training, Coactive TLP imparts critical professional skills to improve the quality, duration, and authenticity of careers for women destined for the highest echelon of technological leadership.

“I believe adaptive capacity or resilience is the single most important quality in a leader, or for anyone else for that matter who hopes to lead a healthy, meaningful life.”
- Warren Bennis

Recognizing and validating the difficulties faced by graduate women can produce life-changing attitudes and enhance adaptability and resilience. Coactive TLP has three principal goals:

Build awareness of power dynamics operating in the workforce
Develop communication and leadership skills necessary to survive and thrive
Nurture a social community among women that is vital to professional success and personal well-being

By immersing participants in a week-long retreat, Coactive TLP generates a transformational experience, in which women gain insight and empowerment for the journey ahead. The program does not aim to “enculturate” women; rather, its mission is to recognize and honor their challenges and support their awareness and leadership as they adapt and create new systems. A truly transformative program must support women to trust their awareness, to draw upon their intellectual, emotional, and spiritual being, to make wise personal choices, and act skillfully from a meaningful set of core values. Coactive TLP builds attitudes and skills not only to meet immediate challenges, but to achieve life-long leadership excellence.

For an article describing a university-based student leadership program co-directed and facilitated by Dr. Linda Garverick, see page 19 of the MIT EECS Department Fall 2008 Newsletter.