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I really enjoyed the deep discussions that surrounded the readings. It definitely got me thinking, though uncomfortable sometimes, about confronting through difficult conversations and situations. Interesting to hear from others on their perspective, background, and experience.

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So many feelings and thoughts. The discussions were delightful, and watching folx have thoughtful disagreements on theory and ideas was wonderful. I appreciated the Race Affinity Group, because it caused and facilitated discussions on discomfort.

Finally, I appreciated the vulnerability and bravery of the failure case studies. It definitely set the tone and dynamics of how those discussions will happen which helped assuage some of my fears.

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I appreciated everyone’s openness in talking about the discomfort some of us felt during the racial identity segment.

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Insightful first day full of both challenging conversations and comforting through lines that I have identified with.
Honest conversations have made this community feel productive and safe.
Emily

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I'm eager to continue hearing more about everyone's challenges and successes and insights.

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Interesting start that allows us to think about the objective of our course.
Found people’s insights and perspectives very enriching.
Thank you for making it fascinating for a whole day.

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Learned so much from our classmates, Takiema, and Michael. Everyone here is incredibly smart and brings such varied experience. What a shocking and insightful opening conversation to the class. I felt powerfully challenged on race, why and how we should lead, and right and wrong.

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Case failures provided really insightful perspectives on how to navigate through complex situations as a leader.

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I like the class. Everyone is opening up and we are learning some uncomfortable truths. The class is very interactive and engaging.

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Today exemplifies what I am wanting out of the EMPA program.... Thoughtful, important conversations with perspectives from folks with all kinds of backgrounds & experiences.

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I appreciated the candidness and participation of the group. One of my goals for this program is to benefit from a broad range of knowledge and perspectives. I feel like I have already gotten this in just two sessions.

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I really liked the way the day unfolded. The opening discussion was excellent and it felt like it got us warmed up for the rest of the day.

I found that the failure exercises were incredibly helpful to hear and participate in. I appreciate how vulnerable Takiema and Michael allowed themselves to be in front of the group. It was excellent modeling.

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Thank you for going first , being vulnerable, and sharing these learning experiences with the group.

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Thank you for going first , being vulnerable, and sharing these learning experiences with the group.

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Today was interesting and challenging. I appreciated everyone’s honestly and openness as we discussed difficult topics. Additionally, I was really moved by Michael and Takiema’s vulnerability in sharing their failures. It was a great model for sharing my own failure in the coming days.

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I had such a great time getting to know everyone and to listen to the incredibly rich life and professional experiences!

I loved hearing both failure case studies and it truly resonated with a few professional experiences that have happened to me or to my colleagues. I very much see the value of the exercise and I look forward to going through it myself.

Very excited to continue learning more and discover new ways to be a better leader.

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1. I feel less alone and less different than my classmates leaving the first day of class than I did arriving for the first day of class.

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Thoughtful Discussions leading to mindfulness level of adaptive leadership concepts.
#Keep smiling everyone

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I appreciate how vulnerable everyone was willing to be. I still need to get a lot more comfortable sitting in my discomfort.

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Tks for staying in the conversation for the last 8 hours, not easy