Our Stories
“MRLE helped me clarify the kind of leader I want to be, one who leads with authenticity, connection, and accountability while still driving results. The 360 feedback was a reality check in the best way, and the Sanger Leadership Journey made growth feel structured instead of overwhelming. I don’t just feel “more confident” now; I have a process for continuing to grow”.
“The Sanger Leadership Center doesn’t just teach leadership; it builds ambidextrous leaders through the Michigan Model. By mastering the balance between collaboration and competition, stability and innovation, I’ve gained the skills for navigating complex shifts. Sanger’s focus on self-awareness and the competing values framework has been the single most influential factor in my professional growth, empowering me to lead with intention and build a team culture rooted in trust and psychological safety.”
“MRLE helped me understand that leadership is not a destination, but an evolving journey of self-awareness. Through coaching, reflection, and the capstone process, I was challenged to examine not just what I do, but who I am through my actions, inactions, words, and behaviors. The experience held up a mirror and pushed me to reflect more intentionally on how I show up for others. I left the program with greater clarity, humility, and a commitment to continue growing as a leader.”
“Through the Michigan Ross Leader Endorsement, I learned that strong leadership isn’t about excelling in just one area—it’s about knowing how to flex between collaboration, innovation, structure, and driving results. Experiences like Legacy Lab, the Sanger Mentorship Program, and the Leadership Crisis Challenge helped me build the self-awareness and adaptability to lead with intention across different situations and teams.”
“Story Lab is an excellent program! It completely changed the way I tell my stories and connect with my audiences, whether that be in everyday conversation, courses, or recruiting!”
“This experience pushed me to think more intentionally about how I communicate and show up in new spaces. Practicing storytelling in such a supportive environment helped me feel confident, while also challenging me to speak with greater clarity and concision. The communication and leadership strategies I gained will support me in building stronger relationships and shaping a more purposeful career.”
“Attending Story Lab was one of the highlights of my school year. As a self-taught spoken word artist, I was excited to learn storytelling techniques from seasoned professionals. The workshop was incredibly engaging, and the 4.5 hours flew by. With so many opportunities to learn by doing, I gained a deeper understanding of story structure and the small nuances that can elevate a performance or presentation. I’d highly recommend Story Lab to anyone looking to become a stronger public speaker—or simply tell more engaging stories.”
“Participating in the Ross Leaders Academy was a clear highlight of my education at U-M. I looked forward to every session and group coaching meeting, as each one allowed me to form meaningful relationships with my incredible peers and the Sanger Leadership Center faculty, challenge my ability to introspect, and reaffirm my commitment to personal and professional growth beyond the program.”
“RLA has been one of the most meaningful parts of my Ross experience. Our cohort had a shared intent to learn and grow, which created a space where people were open, vulnerable, and never felt judged. That made the learning much deeper and more real. This program embodies action-based learning, a core reason why I selected Ross. Every session had practical tools and activities that I could immediately apply, rather than just concepts. The topics felt highly relevant and thoughtfully connected, building on each other to develop a more complete view of leadership. I feel significantly more self-aware and better equipped with tools to lead, which has given me the confidence to take on leadership roles going forward. The RLA team and coaches played a huge role in this: they are approachable, genuinely invested, and lead by example in creating an inclusive and supportive environment.”
“For me, life can genuinely be divided into before and after RLA. The journey has been incredibly impactful, shaping how I understand my values, my purpose, and what it means to be a thoughtful and effective leader. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to every friend of mine and hope they get the opportunity to be part of it. RLA is not just a program, it is a journey into knowing yourself and becoming the leader you aspire to be.”
“Ross Leaders Academy has been, without a doubt, the most meaningful experience I’ve had during my time at the University of Michigan. The program challenged me in ways I did not expect and pushed me to think more deeply about the kind of impact I want to have on others. One of my biggest takeaways from RLA is realizing that leadership is not a fixed trait—it’s something you continue to learn, unlearn, and grow into throughout your life. That mindset changed the way I approach my relationships, teamwork, and everyday interactions with others. RLA redefined leadership for me and gave me a lifelong community that I know I can always depend on. I’m incredibly grateful to carry these lessons and relationships with me long after graduation.”
“The Leadership Crisis Challenge was a unique opportunity to exercise my strengths and ability to perform under pressure in an environment that was ultimately dedicated to nurturing my capacity to drive impact as a leader. While we faced intellectually and morally challenging crises as business executives, we also had time to reflect and gain invaluable feedback from real-world business executives, company founders, and communication coaches. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to stretch and cultivate their capacity to be a proactive and dynamic leader who’s equipped to face the uncertainties of today’s world.”
