CIMBA Newsletter
 

October 2013

Read ABC..
  
This Month Al's Book Club takes a look at:
  
Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect
  
As most of you who have been involved with the CIMBA Leadership System know, the basic premise upon which it is built is: We are wired to be social.
  
In fact, the CIMBA Social Brain Theory of Leadership builds upon the basic notion that Leadership is a Social Event.
  
MEET THE ALUMNI

TUNC KIP
MBA Class 2006  
 

Tunc, tell us something about yourself.

 

I was born in Izmir, Turkey. I went to Lawrence, KS for college back in 2001. Since then, I have been living in the US. I currently live in Atlanta, GA and I travel for business a significant portion of my time. I earned my undergraduate degree in computer engineering from the University of Kansas and, as I was continuing with a year of business classes on the same campus, I came across an amazing opportunity to become a part of the CIMBA family. That 11 month period at CIMBA has been a milestone in my life.

  

After completing the full-time MBA program at CIMBA, I worked as a 6 Sigma consultant for a series of Fortune 250 size clients. I would like to express my gratitude to my classmate from CIMBA, Josie Wilde and also CIMBA alumnus Lee Campe for providing me a tremendous route to start of my career in the field of 6 Sigma. Following a 5 year focus in the field of 6 Sigma consulting and training, I transitioned to become a full-time resource to my family company as the Global Business Development Manager for Temel Gaskets. Currently, I am responsible for identifying prospective clients and opportunities for further growth for Temel Gaskets in the global automotive industry. Temel Gaskets is a first tier supplier to companies as Ford, Fiat, Cummins, Massey Ferguson and similar as well as a wide range of customers in the spare parts market.
Josie Wilde (a CIMBA MBA classmate) and I, continue to contribute to the CIMBA program as we come back every year to teach the 6 Sigma Green Belt course.

What are some things that changed your way of thinking?
The most important thing I learned during the program was the importance of asking the right question. This helped me gain the understanding that confidence can be in the ability to ask the right question to get to the necessary information.

What are some of the reminiscences of the program?
It's not easy to forget that it always took some convincing to make everyone believe that we were actually living in the middle of such a beautiful town that seemed to be from a postcard. Caf� Centrale is probably a common focal point to all memories and I want to hold the brothers responsible for getting me to start drinking coffee. As some might find it strange, since I'm from Turkey, I was not a fan of coffee or anything that tasted like coffee. Caf� Centrale got me to become a daily coffee drinker during my stay in Asolo.

What was the impact of the program on your life/ career?
Coaching. Understanding others. For anyone that wants to take full advantage of it, the full-time MBA program at CIMBA offers a learning field covering all key aspect of leadership. I learned early on that listening is a critical attribute to become a successful leader. I was introduced to the concept of coaching which had the biggest impact in my personal life and career.

Looking back at your professional career, is there something you regret?
I don't believe 'regret' is a rewarding state of mind and I stay away from it as much as I can. At the very beginning of my career, I made the decision to go into the field of consulting for an extended period of time. This decision came with several advantages such as the ability to gain experience in different industries and work on a wide variety of subjects. At the same time, the same decision kept me from excelling in a position in a company and more importantly, kept me from being a part of my family business from early on. Although, I had initially thought this decision was going to have an adverse effect later in my career, I was able to change things for the better. Following my transition to becoming a full-time resource to the family business, I am now realizing direct benefits from the consulting experience I gained in the early stages of my career. If there was any regret, it was only for a period of time.

What advice would you give to current or perspective students?
- Focus on the concepts and keep your eye on the goal, the real goal.
  
- Fuel your passion to keep yourself motivated.
  
I find watching documentaries and TED talks are very helpful with this.

Can you share a dream or a future goal?
Working with a team of great minds to develop a product that will allow everyone to become more effective communicators.

What is your favorite book? Favorite movie?
One of my favorite books is Split Second Persuasion and it's by Kevin Dutton. It can be very powerful to know how our brains perceive messages and how we can deliver them those messages effectively, this book covers it all.
Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan is one of my all time favorite movies. It's best in its original language, Chinese, with English subtitles.

What inspires you?
Success stories and simple but great ideas. I find very inspiring articles on brainpickings.com.

Is there something else you would like to add?
I very much miss Asolo and CIMBA. I always look forward to my next trip back.
Calendar of Events:
November 2013
 
MBA PROGRAMS 
9,10 and 16,17 November: Business Analysis II - With Dr. Al Ringleb

30 November and December 1,7,8:
Production and Operations Management - With Prof. Kirk Karwan, Furman University

EXECUTIVE PROGRAMS    
22 to 24 November: LIFE, the leadership training - English edition 

13,14 December: Strategy - with Roy Pettibone, University of Iowa
.

PROGRAM PRESENTATIONS
If you are interested in our programs and/or if you have friends or relatives that you think will be good for our programs, there are two events in November to get to know us!

On November 7, CIMBA will be in Padova at the Job Meeting event.
Come and visit our booth in Padova Fiere, from 9.00AM to 5.00PM.

On November 30, CIMBA will attend the ALIg event in Udine. We hope to see you there, at Teatro Nuovo Giovanni da Udine, between 11.00 to 16.00.
Quick Links 
CIMBA Website
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
CIMBA UG BLOGS

We have an outstanding team of student bloggers who continuously update their CIMBA experience in the CIMBA BLOGS, check them out and see if they bring back memories.  We also have students with a knack for videography and have contributed the following videos.

 

Fall 2013- Pasta Making 

Fall 2013- Pasta Making

 

The video below shows a great overview of the campus and shows the students team building on the low ropes course 

  

CIMBA Fall 2013 - Campus Week One 
CIMBA Fall 2013 - Campus Week One

 

Dear ,  

 

We are finally back and we have lots of news to share!

First of all, we decided to merge all the CIMBA activities into one campus in Paderno del Grappa (PdG). Since September, the Undergraduate, Graduate  and Executive activities are held in a renewed environment. The move from Asolo was not an easy decision but it will help in creating interesting synergies and provide everyone with more practical spaces. The PdG campus has many resources including remodeled classrooms, a cafeteria, gym and moreover...with ample parking, it does not require people to climb a hill! If you ever happen to find yourself in the Paderno del Grappa area, please stop by to visit. We will be proud to show you the new campus!



Sincerely,

The CIMBA Staff

 

 

 

  Summer RA'S

 

If you would like to read the last UG newsletter follow this link 

 CIMBA UG

 

The Fall 2013 Undergraduate Class has their second travel week coming up! They have really come together well. This fall, we started holding a mindfulness activity every day before afternoon classes. It has been a great way to create a sense of community and re-energize during the day. The practice is also helping students find the balance between working hard academically and enjoying their travel times! Some of their weekend adventures have included Rome, Cinque Terre, Oktoberfest, and climbing Monte Grappa.

mt grappa

One of their many groups to climb Monte Grappa the first weekend

(According to the Fitbits it was about 38,000 Steps)

 

CIMBA MBA
 
Due to the chaos of the move to Paderno del Grappa and current program development, there was no full-time MBA program this fall. Part-time classes have begun though and are off to a challenging start. The 19 Students in the part time program started the year off with Statistical Analysis of Business Operations I with Professor Dr. Al Ringleb. To hear more about current MBAs Experience watch the video below of Campus Life Coordinator Mattie Clark being interviewed on local television of her time at CIMBA (in fluent Italian).
  
CLC Mattie Clark on Local Italian TV
CLC Mattie Clark on Local Italian TV
EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE
What a great start!

This month we had the beginning of the Executive Certificate in International Management and Strategy: 16 exceptional managers and entrepreneurs coming from Italy, Slovenia and Germany had their first module of the Program. The weekend was divided into 2 activities: the low ropes training on Friday and, together with the MBA students, the KT PSDM training on Saturday and Sunday. The Executive group will be joining our professors and trainers once per month to strengthen their managerial and strategy skills and will end their program in Iowa, USA.  

 

Last weekend we held an edition of LIFE, CIMBA's experiential leadership training based on neuroscience research, in Italian. Entrepreneurs and working professionals coming mainly from Italy, but also from Europe, joined together and experienced what it takes to be an effective leader. The final day was especially full of energy and enthusiasm. 

 

The next edition of LIFE will be November 22-24 and will be held in English - there are still a few spots available. If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more, email us at [email protected].

LIFE Graduation October 27, 2013

ALUMNI UPDATES

Congratulations to the Newlyweds!!!!  

 

 

Ethem Oral, MBA full time Class

of 2008, married Tugce Kaya on July 5th. Some of Ethem's MBA classmates visited Turkey for the celebration. What a perfect chance for an MBA class reunion! Below are the classmates with the groom. You all look great!

 

 

Massimiliano Mirabella, MBA class of 2004, married Valentina Gallina on July 13th in Asolo. They now live in Asolo where Max works for Alpinestars. We're thrilled to have you in the area!

  

 

 

 

Silvia Sartori, MBA class of 2008

Sartori married Davide Casarin on September 7th. Our best wishes for a wonderful life together!  

 

 

 

  

 

Carlo Largajolli, MBA class of 2007, married Lorna Geremia on September 21st! What a beautiful photo!

 

 

 

Luigi De Bortoli,  

MBA class of 2004,

married Rita Vinci on September 21st. Ms Katiuscia Baggio, MBA class of 2005 and CIMBA Executive Education Director and Coach was proud to be the maid of honor.    
 
 
Giulia Bolzonello, Italian, and Javier Matos-Desa,
American, met and fell in love during their MBA in 2009. They got married on October 5th.
Like a fairy
tale: happily ever after.
 
A 3-day Indian marriage for Nadeem Faizee, MBA class of 2010, and Seemi Zafar in October. Some of Nadeem's classmates traveled a long ways' to celebrate with him! 


     
A-B-C's: Al's Book Clubabc 

It is difficult to conceive of an evolutionary need for leader or follower skills if humanity meant lived independently in a cave. In both its theory and its practice, the CIMBA Social Brain Theory of Leadership asserts that the human brain got bigger because of a survival need to manage its social interactions. Being part of a social group became the basis for human survival - it meant being protected from enemies, a supply of food, having a mate and children to take care of you as you grew older, and generally benefiting from the simple economies associated with specialization of labor.  
  
The core components driving the ability for an individual to maintain their social connectedness evolved around four core psychological components for which the brain developed specialized circuitry: social awareness, an understanding and appreciation of reward and threat circuitry, self-awareness, and self-regulation. With the intent to assure survival, this specialized circuitry was influenced and guided by the brain's primary organizing principle: minimize danger and maximize reward.
 
In this sense, many of the adaptive challenges facing our earliest ancestors were social in nature. To be included, individuals needed the brain circuitry to adapt to the social group - or risk exclusion and almost certain death. Individuals with the additional ability to not only adapt to but to also adapt (change) the social environment for the betterment of the group were embraced and revered - as leaders. In major part, our Social Theory of Leadership is based on the work of Dr. Matt Lieberman and his brethren. In Matt's book, Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect, he discusses and documents the road and the research that has brought him to the forefront in this important area and rightfully earned him the title as one of the founding fathers of social, cognitive, and affective neuroscience.

 

The first neuroscientist came to CIMBA in 1997. At that time, we had been wrestling with shortcomings we saw in the way both business schools educated students and companies trained employees who could rightfully be labeled as recalcitrant. In both cases, the education and training were largely focused on knowledge -- content on the functional aspects of business. What we saw as missing were the tools to make axioms, formulas, theorems, and principles actionable: Knowing them was one thing; knowing how to use them to make decisions and solve problems was a seemingly a completely separate matter. At that time, we had already adopted the decision-making and problem-solving tools provided by Kepner Tregoe - something we refer to as the "Process" piece of effective management and leadership. It quickly became apparent there was more to the "effective manager/leader" equation. With the decision in hand, how to we then persuade, motivate, inspire, and assist others to a point of view? After considerable frustration with traditional tools provided by leadership and management scholars, which seemed to exclude either explicitly or implicitly human emotion, the neuroscientist gave us a new and intriguing lifeline. However, neuroscience at that moment was largely focused on how one brain functioned. If we were really going to talk about the science of leadership and management, we needed at least two brains in the room. Simply put: How does one brain influence the other brains in the room and vice versa? At the same time, interestingly, Matt Lieberman (UCLA) and Kevin Ochsner (Columbia University) -- who were both working as graduate students in Prof. Dan Gilbert's Lab at Harvard) -- were at the very dawn of their thinking in the area of social, cognitive, and effective neuroscience. The important question, interestingly enough: How do human brains perform when there are more than one brain in the room? Their research very quickly led to the notion that I have heard Matt say dozens of times: We are wired to be social.
  
My point is this: it is very difficult for me to conceive of a person in the area of organizational behavior, management, or leadership who is interested in furthering the science in those particular areas but who was chosen either concertedly or na�vely to ignore this fascinating area of hard science that brings to bear answers to questions relevant to furthering those disciplines.

 

In that light, everyone who has had the pleasure of going through the CIMBA unique and introspective LIFE program is well aware of the notion of social pain (Part II: Connection in the book). Specifically, recall the cyberball experiment that illustrated the brain does not differentiate between physical and social (mental) pain. As you may recall, that research was based on work that Matt Lieberman did more than 10 years ago. In the book, Matt goes into detail about how he and his wife, Naomi Eisenberger (also a professor at UCLA), developed the experiment as well as follow-on experiments that demonstrated the consistency of the result (for example, like physical pain, social pain can be reduced by taking an aspirin or by seeking the support and comfort of those who are dear to us). It was those early studies that brought Matt to our attention and through the relationship that developed we gained valuable insight into a variety of social concepts including System 1 and System 2 thinking (something Matt called our x-system and c-system; Part III: Mindreading in the book)), the importance of self-regulation (it was Matt who first introduced us to the important work of Professor Walter Mischel - recall the marshmallow, self-gratification study involving 4-year old kids; Part IV: Harmonizing in the book), goals, fairness, social cognition (recall the IKEA lamp commercial we use in LIFE) and a whole variety of other concepts fundamentally important to understanding our human social connectedness. Importantly, and fortunately in contrast to a lot of the "brain" books that have emerged more recently in the marketplace, Matt is very careful to document the research that supports his premises.

 

So are we wired to be social? I like the way Matt makes the argument:

 

You might be familiar with the claim that Malcolm Gladwell made famous in his book Outliers that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert at something. Although different people might put those 10,000 hours toward becoming a concert violinist, professional athlete, or Xbox superstar, the brain puts in the 10,000 hours and more to enable us to become experts in the social world. One study found that 70 percent of the content in our conversations is social in nature. Assuming that we spend just 20 percent of our time in general thinking about other people and ourselves in relation to others, our default network would be engaged at least three hours a day. In other words, our brains have put in 10,000 hours before we turn ten. [In Part I: Beginnings, which provides a very lucid discussion of the brain's default network and its relationship to our social cognition network]

 

Those of you who have had the pleasure of experiencing a Matt Lieberman presentation are well aware of the strength of his teaching skills (For those of you who have not, go immediately to YouTube and see his TEDx talk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNhk3owF7RQ) . He is particularly adept at an important skill that unfortunately many scientists lack: the ability to make the complex simple and understandable. It explains why Matt is one of the regular speakers at the various NeuroLeadership Institute Summits (something I experienced firsthand both by being on a panel with Matt (positive experience) and having the unfortunate luck-of-the-draw to be scheduled to speak at the same time as he was (negative experience - both because of the attendance at my session and because I, too, wanted to be at his session). Those qualities are reflected in his writing. I am convinced that coaches, trainers, leadership instructors, and others with an interest in and an appreciation of social, cognitive and affective neuroscience will be replacing several other books on their shelves with a copy of Matt's book.

 

In openness and at least in an attempt to be objective about a scientist I really respect, while I was very pleased with the first nine chapters of the book, I was not particularly pleased with last three chapters. In fact, I had an opportunity to review the book prior to its publication and unfortunately sent Matt my comments a little too late in the process. I also suspect that Matt himself is probably not as pleased with those chapters. That said, the first nine chapters are without question the best lay discussion on the topic currently available. What we all can hope for is that Matt will gift us with his next book in the very near future.