Case Study:
John Moyers

Tell us what you do and what your work typically entails

I’ve been working in the advertising business for over 25 years, and I’ve learned that few things are predictable and no two days are ever the same.

This business is fast paced, constantly changing and our products are our ideas and our assets are our people – literally. My role is to motivate and guide groups of very smart and talented people to create something new, and to deploy it quickly and in a variety of different ways. And to help clients have the courage to do things they might not feel comfortable doing.

How has the altMBA helped you level up?

One of the most interesting parts of the altMBA approach was the expectation setting at the outset. Specifically, the way altMBA set an expectation that you would be required to “produce” at a high pace, have other people review your work and that you’d be required to work with others.

This expectation setting prepared me to come into the course ready to work hard – and while there was some anxiety associated with the demands of the course, there was also a desire to push myself.

What’s the #1 thing you liked about being part of the altMBA?

Having a group of people to be accountable to each week was a key driver of engagement. Not wanting to let your team down drove a need to be prepared, show up on time and contribute. And the curating process the altMBA team went through to find 100 people that shared a common set of values and ambitions meant that the connections with others were immediate…and lasting. I made friends I’ll keep in touch with long after the program ended.

Any other comments or recommendations about the altMBA?

While the vagueness of each assignment, and the challenge to “interpret” the actions required was great, however reading about the background for each assignment felt like only “part” of the learning process. It would have been good to have a “professor” speak to each situation a little more and allow for Q&A and discussion.

What's something you approached differently recently because of what you learned during the altMBA?

When I initially signed up I was at a crossroads in my career. I wanted to meet new people, be intellectually challenged and do some networking. I really had no idea what to expect, but everything (and more) I hoped to get out of the program I achieved. I actually learned a lot about myself, what really drives me, what I really want to do and how to go about achieving it.

I’ve started working with an Executive Coach, am registered for Executive Coach training program, am working on a website, and working on a strategy to leverage my network to explore the business potential of starting my own Executive Coaching practice.

I feel alive. I feel confident. I feel like I’ve finally tapped into what I’m supposed to be doing with my life and career. altMBA was the appetizer. Now it’s time for the main course.