Executive MBA alums are thriving throughout the world and prominently in the Philadelphia region. We checked in with Philadelphia alumni Stephen Fean, class of 2017, and William Calderaro, class of 2009, to learn about their recent promotions to President of their organizations.

STEPHEN FEAN’S LEADERSHIP OF THE FIRM

Newest Role
As President of Watchdog Real Estate Project Management, my increased responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations, developing and implementing high-level strategies that align with our mission and vision, and providing our employees the tools they need to be successful.

Professional Growth
What I love most about most about this opportunity is that I have the ability to help others reach their career goals and ambitions. This is rewarding on a professional and personal level.

EMBA Impact
The curriculum and faculty played a significant role in preparing me for this role. If I came across a new idea or strategy in class over the weekend, I could implement it on Monday morning in the office. My peers also played a huge role in getting me to think about the business from a new perspective while providing a powerful network to tap into.

Advice for Future Students or Colleagues
Business, just like the EMBA program, isn’t so much about the right or wrong answer. It is more about the ability to listen to those around you, gather the facts, and execute a planned strategy that will help you accomplish your career goals.

WILLIAM CALEDRARO’S PLANS FOR GROWTH STRATEGY

Newest Role
I’ve been appointed as President of The Safegard Group, an insurance brokerage firm that specializes in commercial property and casualty insurance; life, medical and health benefits; and personal insurance. I am now responsible for directly overseeing our Property and Casualty Division. I’ll help set the overall growth strategy with our two principals and leadership team.

Professional Growth
I started the new role with one-on-one employee interviews to gauge their happiness levels, short- and long-term goals, feedback on what we’re doing well, and where we can do better. Their responses, as well as their genuine appreciation and excitement for being asked to voice their opinions, was amazing. It’s important for them to know they are valued and appreciated. Corporately, it’s equally important to make sure we put them in the proper positions to be successful and productive. I expect to pursue the same types of feedback directly from our clients in the coming year as well.

EMBA Impact
The program itself is a microcosm of the workplace (and life). Teamwork was imperative to manage the course load. Individual accountability was mandatory. Analytical thinking was needed to overcome the academic rigors presented. Most importantly for me, it came down to the people – faculty, staff, and certainly my cohort. Ten years later, close friendships and meaningful relationships still exist from our time together.

Advice for Future Students or Colleagues

• Enjoy what you do. If you don’t enjoy the work, then you’re not going to be fully vested.
• Dedicate yourself to your craft and be the best professional you can be.
• Treat others with respect. The cardinal rule. We may have different opinions, backgrounds, thoughts or beliefs, but treating people respectfully is always appreciated and should be mandatory – in business and in life.
• Be positive – in all aspects of your life. Good things come with positivity. Others are naturally drawn to positive people. There’s enough negativity surrounding us in today’s world. Why not be positive?