I always joke that I bear three banners: Russian – being born in Moscow and staying true to the Russian culture, Armenian – having an Armenian father and keeping close ties with the traditions, and Cypriot – having moved to the beautiful and heart warming Mediterranean island over 16 years ago. So, diversity in opinions and cultures is an important part of my life, way of thinking and approaching things. Being the CEO of a Single-Family Office and a perfectionist in general, I have always strived to be the best and learn from the best. The Oxford High Performance Leadership Programme was my go-to-choice, taking into consideration that I am an Oxford alumni, having attended the Oxford Programme on Negotiation previously.
The leadership programme took a bit of a different approach from the start as it revolves around the Egrove park site itself, where as a true Oxonian you feel more enclosed and focused on studies in the massive venue with all necessary facilities, without the morning travels from the Mariott hotel to the Park End Street campus of the Said Business School.
I was pleasantly surprised that despite the cohort consisting of 44 different individuals from more than 20 countries, we bonded from day-one, our Sunday induction, where I looked at my goals for this programme, reflected on them overnight and finally “cemented” them in ink on the first page of my Oxford notebook.
As the week progressed it became obvious that the programme was developed, structured and perfected by our directors – Bryn and Sally – as a seamless experience in a way that everyone, even the most sophisticated and self-conscious, could learn a bit or two about themselves. Their leadership strengths and deficiencies, and most importantly we become sponges – absorbing not just vast academic knowledge from directors and invited speakers, but also learning from experiences of other participants, sometimes deeply personal and emotional. Yes, most of us shed a tear or two, as true leaders are not afraid to be vulnerable at times, but always muster courage and willpower when needed.
Coming to Oxford is always a blast and this was no exception. We came, we saw, we conquered. I came out of this programme not only as a more skillful leader, but also as a humble one, with my listening skills amped up, my ego locked in a box, and my vision being as clear as it has ever been. Oxford, until next time!
