Shrooq A. Alsenan, Ph.D.

As someone leading innovation in AI and digital transformation, I’ve always believed that technical expertise alone isn’t enough. Academic knowledge is achievable with persistence and curiosity — but real leadership requires something deeper: people skills, communication, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make decisions under pressure. These are easy to overlook, yet they’re at the heart of any lasting impact.

I’ve always aspired to live up to the true meaning of leadership, not just the title. That’s what inspired me to enroll in the Certificate of Leadership Excellence at Harvard. It was a conscious decision to challenge myself — to refine how I lead diverse teams, navigate complex systems, and drive meaningful change in high-stakes environments like healthtech and national AI initiatives.

I chose programs that aligned with my current responsibilities as a center director and strategic advisor. Each course — from emotional intelligence in leadership to business strategy — filled a specific leadership gap I had identified through my experiences. I wanted to better manage myself and others, make impactful decisions under uncertainty, and lead cross-functional teams effectively.

One of the first things I came to realize during these programs is that there’s no single recipe for leadership! There’s no fixed formula that works for every situation. However, there are principles, tools, and perspectives that can help you see things differently and respond more effectively.

For me, one of the most powerful takeaways was how deeply “human” leadership really is. If someone wants to build strong relationships and lead efficiently, there are no shortcuts! You always have to invest in your relationships. What I came to realize is that leadership is not merely about making decisions or driving results, it’s about listening, observing, and understanding what’s not being said.

If you’re considering a P&ED Certification, don’t hesitate — this is not just a professional milestone; it’s a leadership transformation. And if you do enroll, don’t just do it for the certificate — show up fully. Bring your questions, your challenges, and your willingness to grow.

Interacting with peers from different regions, industries, and leadership roles was incredibly enriching. I learned so many lessons from our discussions during group work on break out room sessions. I deeply appreciated the sense of shared purpose, we were all there not just to advance careers, but to grow as people and lead more effectively.

What stood out most was how genuinely invested the instructors were in my growth — not just during the course sessions, but in my long-term career journey. They gave me thoughtful, personalized advice and asked the kind of questions that made me pause and reflect more deeply on my path as a leader. They also shared incredible book recommendations and resources that have stayed with me far beyond the program.

Emotional Intelligence and Business Strategy helped me grow from the inside out: one strengthened how I lead and connect with people, and the other sharpened how I think strategically and make decisions that move things forward.

I’ve applied the learnings from the CLE directly into digital health and AI initiatives that I lead. The combination of Harvard’s global perspective and my local mission has created a powerful bridge. This experience continues to impact how I lead teams, shape strategy, and mentor the next generation of innovators.

Transformational.