Learn from the best: leadership and management with Professor Cathy Lewis

In the realm of executive education in leadership and management, the quality of instruction can significantly impact the learning experience and outcomes. A standout educator in the Telfer Executive MBA program, Professor Cathy Lewis teaches the Leadership and Management Team Skills course. With two decades of professional experience across diverse sectors and a deep understanding of leadership dynamics, Professor Lewis’s class delivers a rich and engaging educational experience for EMBA candidates.  

Real-world experience 

Professor Cathy Lewis brings an impressive portfolio of real-world experience to the classroom. Her professional background includes consulting and leading teams in organizations such as Abbott (Health Care), Microsoft, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, the Library of Parliament, and various non-profits like iSisters, Refugee 613, and Help Lesotho. She has served as Treasurer for the Elizabeth Fry Society, co-founded and directed iSisters Technology Mentoring, and holds an appointment as a Board Director for the National Capital Commission. This extensive experience allows her to provide candidates with practical insights and anecdotes that bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-life applications. 

Practical insights and experiential learning

In her own words, Professor Lewis emphasizes the value of sharing experiences to illustrate theoretical concepts. “In leadership and management, it is highly valuable when candidates share successful and unsuccessful scenarios they have experienced on the topics we’re discussing in class. I’ve received feedback that candidates find it very helpful to hear different perspectives regarding the same question or topic. The experiential anecdotes I share with the class and the candidates share with one another, help theoretical concepts become more tangible in our minds.” This method of sharing and collaborating not only enriches the learning experience but also allows candidates to gain diverse perspectives on handling leadership and management challenges. 

Connection and adaptability in teaching 

Professor Lewis excels in creating a strong connection with EMBA candidates, whether they are attending classes in person or online. With her background in educational technology, Professor Lewis is well-versed in the challenges and opportunities of bimodal teaching (a mix of in-person and online instruction). She advocates for clear learning outcomes and solid rubrics to guide candidates' progress. Her deliberate approach to engaging online candidates ensures that they remain connected and actively involved in the learning process. By checking in regularly and providing additional support, she ensures that online learners receive the same level of attention and guidance as their in-person counterparts. Furthermore, her dedication extends beyond the classroom as she makes herself available to candidates outside class hours. By way of following up with overwhelmed candidates and offering support, she demonstrates a genuine commitment to their success and well-being. 

Focus on emotional intelligence 

One of the key areas Professor Lewis underscores in her leadership and management team skills course is emotional intelligence (EI). “I believe the emphasis and recognition on the importance of emotional intelligence in successful teams and in leaders is growing. In the past, it was something interesting to talk about and now people are understanding it is a skill; an essential skill, especially for anyone in a leadership role.” Her course equips candidates with tools to enhance both interpersonal and intrapersonal aspects of EI, enabling them to manage relationships better and foster inclusive environments. Through assessments and self-reflection, candidates identify their strengths and areas for improvement, gaining valuable insights that benefit both their professional and personal lives. 

Personal touch and unique perspective 

Beyond her professional achievements, Professor Lewis brings a unique personal touch to her teaching. Her passion for emotional intelligence stems from her varied experiences in private sector healthcare and government roles, where she learned the critical role of EI in successful leadership. Her educational background in psychology, education and business fuels her commitment to creating environments where individuals can thrive.