Beyond Leadership: A Transformative Journey with the Center for Public Leadership

Being part of the Center for Public Leadership (CPL) at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) represents an evolution in my 15-year journey in leadership. I’ve participated in leadership programs worldwide, held senior roles, and spent years immersed in understanding and practicing leadership. These experiences built my foundation, and I thought I knew the intricacies of leading people, guiding change, and inspiring vision. Yet, CPL has taken my understanding to a new level, reframing what I thought I knew and pushing me to refine my approach with an intensity and purpose I hadn’t anticipated.

The CPL fellowship experience is an unparalleled environment. The depth of its resources and the caliber of people I interact with—students, faculty, and accomplished leaders like Secretary Anthony Foxx—create a fertile ground for growth. In this setting, I am constantly challenged to think beyond traditional frameworks and adapt to evolving complexities in leadership. The mentorship from Secretary Foxx and other leaders in the program is particularly invaluable; their guidance provides practical insights into real-world leadership, with lessons drawn from years of firsthand experience in public service. Alumni interactions further enrich this experience by offering us a clear sense of how CPL can be a launchpad for impactful leadership roles after HKS.

CPL’s structure supports leadership development in ways I hadn’t encountered before. From the Intentional Learning Plan, which serves as a tailored guide for personal growth, to regular check-ins with program directors, every step is intentional and focused on fostering accountability and reflection. This personalized approach ensures that the leadership skills we develop are not theoretical but directly applicable to our goals and aspirations. The learning is experiential; rather than simply studying leadership, we actively apply it in dynamic settings, turning knowledge into practice.

The fellowship’s activities are another significant advantage. Events like the CPL Fellows Retreat at Jiminiy Peak, where I formed strong bonds with other fellows, are designed not only for skill-building but also for creating lasting relationships with a network of peers who are equally dedicated to public leadership. Together, we grapple with real challenges, exchange ideas, and support each other’s growth, making the learning experience collaborative and profound. These relationships are not just connections for today but alliances for the future, rooted in shared values and ambitions.

In addition, the field experience trip offers a unique chance to observe leadership across various organizations and sectors, providing broader perspectives on how leadership is practiced in different contexts. Engaging directly with practitioners allows us to learn from their successes and challenges, reinforcing the adaptability that is crucial for effective leadership in an interconnected world.

Ultimately, CPL is more than a program—it’s a transformative experience that challenges us to elevate our leadership to meet the demands of a changing world. Here, I am developing not only the skills but also the mindset to lead effectively, with resilience and empathy, in any environment. This fellowship empowers me to translate my years of experience into purposeful action, refining my vision and equipping me to make a meaningful impact long after my time at HKS.

by AbdulKareem Sultan Al Olama, Mid-Career Master in Public Administration Candidate 2025, Emirates Leadership Initiative Fellow