UC Berkeley Executive Education welcomed a multinational cohort of 63 participants for its third The Berkeley Changemaker ® Program, which took place December 10-12, 2024. Sitting down with program participants Indy Purushothaman and Maria Alvarez, we learned how The Berkeley Changemaker Program shaped their experience, what they found the most useful and what advice they have for future changemakers.
Here’s what they had to say …
How would you describe the overall student experience, in one word?
Maria: It was definitely inspiring. I had such a great time, and the experience was incredibly thought provoking. It inspired and energized me – so much that my kids commented when I came home each night, they’re like, “Mom, you are so happy, you are full of life and energy!” and you know what, they were right! I wanted the program to last three weeks, not just three days. It tapped a place of pure joy deep inside me.
Indy: I would have to say intriguing. My curious mind wanted to be challenged, and I found all the new perspectives from my cohorts and the faculty very interesting as they either challenged my default approach or underlying assumptions on leadership, or indeed validated my thoughts on how to handle a situation. There were cohorts from Saudi Arabia, Australia, Mexico, the UK, Pakistan and from all different parts of the U.S. This global perspective was ideal for me as I have lived and worked in four continents.
What was the most interesting thing you learned?
Maria: I’d say most interesting was the concept of equitable feedback, and how to provide that to individuals on my team. I have always considered myself an inclusive leader, but learning about different generations in the workplace, and how to provide effective feedback to individuals – and receive feedback as a leader – was really interesting to me.
Indy: The negotiation exercise was incredibly interesting. Indeed, that entire module run by Professor Solene Delecourt was rather thought-provoking and there were so many takeaways. One should always be negotiating … every conversation can be a negotiation … that done right you can ask for what you want and stand your ground! I learned the ‘integrative negotiation’ technique on how to expand the pie, so to speak, and how to bring new issues to the table – and how to create new avenues that expand and foster a win/win outcome. The importance of first creating value and then claiming value – it was great!
Have you used or leveraged what you’ve learned?
Maria: I’ve used the practical negotiation tips I learned in day two of the program. It’s been important for me to remember the importance of negotiation. Working in the non-profit sector, the term “negotiation” can have a negative connotation – but it’s not negative! Another useful thing for me was the book Becoming a ChangeMaker by faculty member Alex Budak, where he talks about seven tips on navigating change – and how to lead through change with empathy and influence. I have lots of empathy, but learning the skill of influence was been a key takeaway that I am working on.
Indy: I’ve used the negotiation skills I learned – mostly in how I face a problem, and how I look at problems holistically, which has opened opportunities for better outcomes. I’m also approaching how I interact with my teams differently, based on what I learned. I am seeking to understand and I’m less confrontational. When providing feedback to colleagues, I’m looking to share a bit more nuance of my experience of the situation rather than being blunt about it. In addition, I am working to create a safe environment that encourages others to come to me, in order for me to understand what is important to them. I am keeping my door open. As a leader I need to know where the problems are, and I learn through listening to others. I’m more approachable. The program provided a framework, and it’s been very useful.
Tell us about your job, and the work you do.
Maria: First, I’m a builder and a storyteller. I’m a creative and entrepreneurial leader. I have started several programs and initiatives in my career across four different countries. Over the last 15+ years, I’ve worked with mission-driven organizations. I’m currently the VP of Communications and Development at Hively, a non-profit serving families and child care providers in Alameda County, part of the San Francisco Bay Area. I’m building the first marketing, communications and fundraising department. Creating from scratch, building from the ground up is quite fulfilling for me.
I started my career in my home-country Venezuela, then worked as a CNN reporter in Honduras, got my master’s degree in Communications in Chile, then came to the U.S. where I’ve been in the San Francisco Bay Area for 20 years. I’m a mom with two children, and a dog, and I have always loved being a mentor and helping to pave the way for others. That kind of work gives me strength and resilience, and I have learned to adapt to change quickly in my life and career.
Indy: I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in North America, Australia, Asia and Europe – spanning eight countries over my career. I am currently working as a Chief Financial Officer for a State Government owned port in Victoria, Australia, for bulk or break-bulk trades including steel, gas, petroleum and jet fuel being channeled through our four wharves. The port is the State’s government-preferred site for the construction of a new terminal that will support the construction of Australia’s first offshore wind farms. This will be a significant multi-year infrastructure build with global stakeholders, and will be a critical element of the government’s renewable energy agenda.
Change for us will be inevitable – our capabilities or talent pool, the organizational structure in how we operate and the underlying processes and systems will all require rapid transformation as create a ‘fit-for-purpose’ entity, and adapt to the new environment.
Once completed, this off-shore terminal will help ensure the state reaches net zero carbon targets and by 2045 and reduce greenhouse emissions. The targeted 9 gigawatts (GW) of offshore generation capacity by 2040 will provide energy for almost 7 million families. Needless to say, the organization is undergoing significant, rapid change in a very, very tight timeframe.
What advice do you have for future changemakers out there?
Maria: There are always new things to learn. Learning can come in many ways: an experience, a reflection, an honest conversation, a setback, a book, a class. Cultivate an open mind and open heart. The Berkeley Changemaker Program is a great opportunity to learn about making positive changes, explore frameworks, interact with amazing faculty and get to know colleagues from around the world.
Indy: Keep an open mind to new ideas, be able to release unwarranted ideas or stereo types in order to learn and adapt new thinking and ideas. There’ll be plenty of opportunity to challenge your thoughts. You’ll discover that contributions from fellow students are invaluable, and this program is conducive to everyone speaking up and interacting. No idea is silly. If you are thinking it, chances are someone else is too.
With all the other programs out there, why The Berkeley Changemaker Program?
Maria: I was looking for new tools, approaches and frameworks, and this program piqued my interest. In the end, I got way, way more than what I expected. I got connections with new people from around the world and The Berkeley Changemaker Program re-ignited my desire for learning and being in the classroom. I am now considering going for a Certificate of Business Excellence with UC Executive Education.
Indy: The Berkeley Changemaker Program focuses on change and leadership, which was very relevant for me, especially given the level of change that is underway at my organization. Ironically, I was planning a three-week vacation with my family to San Francisco in December, so the timing was perfect for me. Berkeley also offered the global component that is very important to me. Over the three days of the program, I made a conscious effort to have lunch or coffee with cohorts – and I grew my global network. I’ve since reached out to several of my cohorts, to get their feedback and input.
Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
Maria: Throughout the three-day program, I felt so welcomed and valued. It was a great use of my time and I’m going to give a presentation to my current org on the concept of change. I will share the tools and concepts that I learned. The best part is that by investing in the program, a broader scope of benefit is being realized – it’s an investment in me, my team and the organization where I work. It’s like a multiplier effect. And to step away from the day-to-day to create intentional space to learn, connect with colleagues and grow my professional knowledge – well, that is priceless.
Indy: I have been very fortunate to have spent eight years in New York City, and one year in Washington D.C. with access to a lot of really great East Coast educational programs. This time I wanted to try something different and The Berkeley Changemaker Program exceeded my expectations. I picked up practical solutions that I can apply, and I met people from around the world doing great things, who are now in my network. The Executive Education faculty was great too, and monetarily – I have to say – it was an excellent value for the money.
