In 2010, Thomas &Betts — in partnership with Rutgers University — launched a leadership development program called AmpUp — an acronym that stands for Accelerating Management Performance — University Program. (See PowerLine Spring 2011). The second class of AmpUp participants has now graduated.
The new graduates include 24 T&B employees with more than 250 years of experience with Thomas & Betts.
The coursework culminated in a final "Reality Project" in which four teams were given real-life T&B business challenges. Each team had three months to develop a business plan to solve the problem.
An executive panel consisting of Dominic Pileggi, chairman and chief executive officer; and his direct reports were formally presented the "real" business plans at the end of the program.
"This program was an exciting journey through all the disciplines of our business environment and very often it moved me out of my comfort zone," said Michael Kemmerling, director of distribution of T&B Europe. "Overall, it was a great experience, allowing me to develop new worldwide contacts and relationships that will be invaluable in the future."
"I'll be able to use the material from this program throughout my career," said Michael Hibbard, business controller for Steel Structures. "The best part was having the chance to work with an extremely talented team of T&B employees and developing a business plan that was presented to senior management."
"AmpUp broadened my business insight, helped in understanding strategic business processes and how they are related," said Jasper Bouma, plant manager, Netherlands. "The program improved my capabilities to lead and manage my team and business into the future."
"AmpUp exposed me to other operations within our organization and allowed me to better understand and appreciate the overall needs and objectives of our company," said David Tracey, regional sales manager, Canada. "The great team spirit and relationship building is something I'll remember for a long time."
"The AmpUp final project was a tremendous learning experience that utilized our class room training and personal experiences to create a real world business case," said Hans Pfitzer, vice president of engineering, T&B Power Solutions.
"The dynamics created by the combination of the Rutgers staff with global T&B participants created a powerful learning experience," said Susan Woodfield, senior manager accounting, T&B electrical finance. "The program prepares you to identify and effectively address real issues facing our businesses today."
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