Executive Education Testimonials

As one of the key faculty in our executive education program, Rob Cross has helped shape the thinking of our executives about the practical business value of social networks. He has highlighted how networks can enable knowledge sharing, collaboration and innovation both within the organization and through our alliances and partnerships. We have also drawn on Rob to help us address real-time business challenges and we value his insight, thoughtfulness and wide breath of expertise.

Michael Serino
Senior Director, Executive Development, Merck & Co.
Now with Duke Corporate Education

"Engaging, provocative and practical." This is some of the feedback I have received from participants in a variety of executive development efforts I have led in two different companies, in two very different industries: Fannie Mae, a financial service company and MedImmune, a mid-sized bio-tech.  I have worked with Rob to use the Social Networks lens to help rising and incumbent leaders examine the demands and opportunities they face.  Rob brings his deep knowledge and expertise to participants in a way that is relevant and meaningful.  He helps leadersmake their networks visible -- and therefore manageable.  The combination of data driven analysis, great stories and practical insights have helped leaders understand how to build and manage their networks to achieve better business results.

Katy Strei
Senior Director Leadership Development, Medimmune and Fannie Mae

Social Networks are an increasingly valuable 'lens' through which to view the challenges of knowledge-driven organizations -- whether strategy, leadership, innovation or alliances.  Rob brings a powerful combination of sound research, wide experience and proven diagnostic tools, as well as the teaching skills for which he is widely recognized. In the Darden School's Executive Education programs, we have found him particularly valuable in helping companies realign their organizations and operating practices to mobilize their whole enterprise to serve clients better. 

David Newkirk
CEO - Executive Education, Darden Graduate School of Business

Rob Cross delivered a powerful session on networking for HP's high potentials. Many participants commented on the insight that they gained about both the organizational networks that they lead and their personal networks. The practical application of examining their personal networks and building on this knowledge served as an excellent foundation for personal action planning with a network twist.

Peter Bartlett
Program Manager, HP Center for Leadership Excellence