In April, Professor Sarah Anderson completed Harvard Business School’s General Management Program (GMP). At the end of last year, it was announced that she was awarded the Australian Disability Leadership Scholarship which enabled her to enrol.
We asked her to share her greatest insights since completing the Program:
1. What stood out most to you about the GMP experience at Harvard Business School?
The thing that stood out about GMP compared to other degrees, courses etc., I have done (and I have done many) was the level of full immersion. The pace and intensity of the learning really force you to step outside your usual operating rhythm.
While the academic content was great, and makes you really think and think hard, what has had the biggest impact were the amazing cohort I was with. Engaging deeply with senior leaders from around the world, both in and out of the classroom who have often really diverse perspectives but common values and see things that you miss.
The informal interactions and conversations and intense periods of time studying working and developing ideas and concepts together is something you simply can’t replicate in day‑to‑day work.
Combine that with being given the opportunity to step away from work, family and the normal parts of life and this gives you a chance to give your brain space that just isn’t possible day to day.
2. How did the program challenge or reshape the way you think about leadership and management?
Slowing down, being purposeful, giving space, much of this wasn’t new, but the experience of it was. I think this will sit with me and make me think more and deeply about how and why we do things, how we chose what to do and how we chose what not to do.
The GMP reinforced the value of deliberately stepping back from operational demands to see the systems perspective of your ecosystem, your organisation, your sector, and your own leadership patterns.
3. What insights from the program do you see as most relevant to ISCRR and its future work?
The biggest takeaway for me is the power of perspective and stories. Having a narrative that matters, that reinforces the values and purpose of what you are doing. Ensuring that you have, and use, diverse thinking and perspectives to tackle complex, real‑world problems.
Programs like GMP remind you that leadership isn’t just about role, age or experience, but about curiosity, connection, and creating space for others to contribute. Asking questions, lots of questions and listening deeply to those around.
For ISCRR, that reinforces the importance of collaboration across disciplines and sectors as we respond to evolving challenges in safety, compensation, recovery, and workforce wellbeing.