01-02-2025

A Participant’s Journey: From Local Perspectives to Global Leadership

The Global Leaders Program is more than a professional development opportunity—it’s a transformative journey. For Joy Sinderbrand, a seasoned professional in the New York City government, the program has offered honest feedback, new perspectives, and opportunities to collaborate on global best practices.

The Power of Honest Feedback

One of the most impactful moments for Joy came during a negotiation simulation. “After the exercise, a classmate told me that an aggressive stance I’d taken had almost backfired. It was extraordinary to get such honest feedback, which I never would have gotten in real-life negotiations,” Joy shared.

Bridging Academia and Practice

As an adjunct professor, Joy values academic perspectives, but the program reminded her of the importance of deeper partnerships with academia. “Practitioners and academics need each other to move the industry forward,” she noted.

The Value of a Global Network

For Joy , a senior VP in the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), the program’s global network has been transformative. “Local government tends to be inward-looking, and it can be challenging to stay abreast of innovations across the world. Everyone in the group is enthusiastic and candid about their experiences, so we can build off of each other,” she explained.

Stepping Outside the New York Context

As the only New Yorker in the program, Joy found immense value in immersing herself in new environments. “This program has been the channel factor I needed to commit to a broader perspective,” she shared.

A Re-Energized Vision for Leadership

Joy reflected on how the program exceeded her expectations: “It combines the challenging classroom experience of an executive certificate program with case studies, site visits, and leadership coaching, capped off by an incredible group of colleagues and friends.”

Looking Ahead

As Joy moves through the program, she’s excited to explore deeper insights into sustainability and resilience from her peers’ cities.

Her story is a testament to the power of the Global Real Estate Leaders Program (jointly offered with MIT Center for Real Estate) to inspire personal and professional growth.

Join the Global Leaders Program. Check our Website: www.globalrealestateleaders.com.
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