By Rachel Bagnard
Not just your ordinary MBA class
Adjunct professor Ben Quintana’s Professional MBA (PMBA) classes in Communications and HR are carefully crafted experiences for his student audience. He successfully incorporates real-world content that students can apply professionally in their careers the next day.
Thanks to his years in industry and as an elected official, Quintana’s network is an asset to PMBA students. He frequently invites well-qualified, high profile guest speakers to join his courses. These speakers share their professional insights, struggles, and successes so that students can learn first-hand from their experiences.
Linda Cohen – The “Kindness Catalyst”
Linda Cohen of Linda Cohen Consulting, also known as the “Kindness Catalyst” (pictured right), was one of those guest speakers who graciously made time to speak in Ben’s MBA 533 Communication Skills class in the Fall 2024 semester. Linda is an in-demand speaker, author, and consultant who shares how kindness and respect increases a business’s ROI and bottom line.
Research consistently shows that kindness decreases employee stress and burnout, while simultaneously elevating happiness and satisfaction in the workplace. Linda talks about this and more in her book: The Economy of Kindness: How Kindness Transforms Your Bottom Line.
Linda’s message resonated with PMBA students who were concurrently taking a Design Thinking class – one that emphasizes customer empathy, understanding, and creative problem solving. Cohen helped students to see how they can lead productive conversations even in a polarized society. She provided insights on how dialogue, differences, and listening helps people create a respectful culture where new ideas and innovations can flourish.
Why Kindness Matters in Business Education
Most of the students in the Professional MBA are leaders and managers within their respective organizations who oversee a team of people. These students are anxious to learn more about how to be more effective strategic thinkers, leaders, and how to make an impact on those around them.
In her message to the class, Linda explained why kindness matters and how clear communication and compassion are essential skills companies and leaders need to cultivate. The results of kindness speak for themselves. Linda addresses how a culture of kindness improves team performance and morale, strengthens employee engagement and builds stronger organizations.
Cohen’s message was relevant to all students, but the delivery was also impactful. Quintana hosted his usual in-person class virtually, so that students could see Cohen’s impactful virtual communication style. He explained:
“Although Boise State’s PMBA classes are held in-person, having at least one virtual meeting for a communication skills class is appropriate given current business practices. Going virtual also allowed us to expand our reach for a special guest speaker who could demonstrate effective leadership and communication skills firsthand. Linda agreed to join us live from her office in Oregon and delivered a high-quality learning experience.”
In this way, Quintana didn’t just speak about how to communicate effectively in virtual settings – he had a prime example to highlight. Students walked away from class with a practical toolbox and many takeaways about leadership, kindness and communication.
Learn more
Interested in booking a consulting appointment with Linda? Learn more on her website about the services she has to offer.
Want more information about the Professional MBA program? Contact Rachel Bagnard, MBA Admissions and Advising Manager, to set up a time to connect – rachelbagnard@boisestate.edu or (208) 426-1289.