By the I.C.E. Editor

The I.C.E. Leadership Development Program offers members an opportunity to hone in on their leadership skills and grow their network as they expand their role within their own organization. We spoke with a member of the 2021-2022 cohort, Alan J. Arguello, MBA, PMP, NRP, to get insight into the program, what he’s learned, skills he plans to apply and more.

What did you learn from the program?

I’ve learned a lot but will focus on a singular take-away — that many credentialing programs reduce efforts toward marketing and branding in search of psychometric excellence. We should not relent in our pursuit of exam validity. Yet ongoing brand maintenance, focused marketing, and a strong internal and external communications strategy must be in place if we are to execute with flair.

What strategies or skills do you plan to apply from the program, and how?

For me, the biggest learning was that while credentialing programs vary in scale and industry, we experience the same triumphs and pitfalls. This program was a fun return to many of the fundamentals of credentialing, which I think many of us overlook in our search for greater agility, greater excellence.

While being mindful of those fundamentals, it’s paramount that we act with purpose and remind others (yes, even the executive team) to slow down and look around. What are external stakeholders saying? What are your teams saying? What are your teams thinking but afraid to say? A culture of transparency builds a better credential.

How will this cohort help strengthen your network? How do you see each other working together in the future?

It’s already strengthening my network! I’ve been fortunate to receive resources and insight from multiple colleagues within the group and shared some of my own. My hope is that as this cohort culminates, we’ll continue this posture and perhaps collaborate on credentialing initiatives in the future.

Registration for the 2022-2023 Leadership Development Program Cohort is now open! Learn more here.