In the latest episode of the Harvard Extension School Psychology Student Club podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Gwen Mdinaradze, a remarkable individual who wears many hats. Gwen is not only a student at the Harvard Extension School, but also the founder of Speakers Alliance Canada (SAC), a company specializing in organizational development.
Full Episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5UXeFKUhaifrrXztRF4VMm?si=d68870887d9a44ad
About Gwen:
Founder of Speakers Alliance Canada (SAC): Specializing in organizational development.
Community Builder: Created JANO, a network connecting thought leaders and innovators globally.
Harvard Leader: Leads global initiatives and fosters collaboration as an organizer for HBS Online.
Diversity Advocate: Former Deputy Director for Harvard's Global Inclusion Committee.
Business Consultant: Helping start-ups achieve growth with her PDC Formula.
Psychology Student: Pursuing a Master's in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Harvard.
Public Speaker: Known for her expertise on leadership, psychological safety, and organizational culture.
Gwen's journey is one of passion, determination, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning. As she shared her story, it became evident that her time at the Harvard Extension School has been a transformative experience, shaping both her personal and professional growth.
Gwen's work at Speakers Alliance Canada is focused on empowering leaders to build confidence, foster meaningful connections, and tackle organizational challenges head-on. She emphasized the importance of integrating academic insights into practical solutions, a testament to the value of her Harvard education.
One of the standout aspects of Gwen's journey was her ability to navigate the challenges of starting a business during the COVID-19 pandemic. She spoke candidly about the obstacles she faced as a woman entrepreneur and an immigrant, but her resilience and adaptability shone through as she shared her strategies for building trust and delivering exceptional customer service.
Gwen's innovative approach to problem-solving is embodied in her PDC (Plan, Disrupt, Communicate) formula, a practical framework she developed to help startup founders and organizations succeed. This formula has been instrumental in the growth and success of Speakers Alliance Canada.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are also at the heart of Gwen's consulting work. She shared her customized DEI programs, which focus on listening to unique perspectives and collaborating with clients to create strategies that promote respect and empowerment within their organizations.
As Gwen looked towards the future, her ambitions for Speakers Alliance Canada and her global networking platform, JANO, were equally inspiring. She expressed a desire to expand the reach of her initiatives while maintaining a steadfast commitment to excellence and the well-being of her clients and community.
Throughout the conversation, Gwen's passion for lifelong learning and her ability to seamlessly integrate her academic experiences into her professional endeavors were truly remarkable. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs – to stay connected to their purpose, embrace risk-taking, and surround themselves with a supportive network – resonated deeply.
Gwen's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the impact that can be achieved when one's personal and professional pursuits are aligned. As a member of the Harvard Extension School community, Gwen's journey serves as an inspiration to all who seek to make a meaningful difference in their respective fields. Additionally, Gwen shares how transformative her education at Harvard Extension School and Harvard Business School Online has been, and the courses that changed her life are now open for you to explore! These courses offer valuable tools to grow personally, professionally, and as a leader.
👉 Spring Term Courses at Harvard Extension School
⭐️Groups and Culture (PSYC E-1506) with Dr. Bobbi Wegner, Psy.D.
Discover how to build trust, cohesion, and a culture of collaboration while learning to reform toxic environments.
⭐️Organizational Behavior (MGMT E-4000) with Dr. Lee Bolman
Master communication, motivation, leadership, and organizational design to improve relationships and performance.
👉 Usually offered in the fall at Harvard Extension School
⭐️The Science of Happiness and Wellbeing (MGMT E-4520) with Dr. Mukul Kumar
Adopt evidence-based practices to build a happier, more meaningful life, and explore the latest in happiness technology.
👉 Harvard Business School Online: Management Essentials
Next 8-week session starts January 15th
Learn to design processes, lead change, and implement high-quality strategies that drive organizational success.
Full Podcast also available on Youtube: