- CASE STUDY
Chapman University
The Challenge
Traditional management education often focuses heavily on theory and technical frameworks while overlooking the essential human skills that determine real-world leadership success. Students graduate with strong analytical abilities but lack confidence in public speaking, personal branding, networking, and the emotional intelligence needed to lead teams effectively.
Chapman University’s Argyros College of Business and Economics sought an instructor for MGMT-316 (Management of Organizations) who could bridge this gap — preparing students not just to understand management, but to practice it with confidence and authenticity.
The Approach
Emotional Intelligence
Self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills that drive effective leadership
Communication & Public Speaking
Presentation skills, persuasive communication, and the confidence to speak in any setting
Personal Branding
Crafting an authentic professional identity that stands out in competitive markets
Networking & LinkedIn
Building professional connections and leveraging social media for career advancement
Team Building
Collaborative exercises that build trust, accountability, and high-performing team dynamics
Career Preparation
SMART goals, internship readiness, and practical tools for launching successful careers
Results by the Numbers
What Students Are Saying
Bring This Approach to Your Organization
CASE STUDY
Chapman University
Transforming Management Education Through Human-Centered Leadership
The Challenge
Traditional management education often focuses heavily on theory and technical frameworks while overlooking the essential human skills that determine real-world leadership success. Students graduate with strong analytical abilities but lack confidence in public speaking, personal branding, networking, and the emotional intelligence needed to lead teams effectively.
Chapman University’s Argyros College of Business and Economics sought an instructor for MGMT-316 (Management of Organizations) who could bridge this gap — preparing students not just to understand management, but to practice it with confidence and authenticity.
The Approach
Dr. Tess Breen redesigned MGMT-316 around a philosophy that management is fundamentally about people. Her curriculum integrates six core pillars that go far beyond textbook theory:
Emotional Intelligence
Self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills that drive effective leadership
Communication & Public Speaking
Presentation skills, persuasive communication, and the confidence to speak in any setting
Personal Branding
Crafting an authentic professional identity that stands out in competitive markets
Networking & LinkedIn
Building professional connections and leveraging social media for career advancement
Team Building
Collaborative exercises that build trust, accountability, and high-performing team dynamics
Career Preparation
SMART goals, internship readiness, and practical tools for launching successful careers
Results by the Numbers
Across 5 course sections in 2025, student evaluations consistently rated Dr. Breen’s teaching at the highest levels — including an undergraduate program and an Executive MBA course.
109
Students Surveyed
4.93/5
Top Rating (EMBA)
4.70/5
Avg. Effectiveness
What Students Are Saying
“Professor Breen was amazing at getting us all to break out of our shells and improve our confidence. She was stellar at building us up and making us believe in ourselves. One of the best professors I have ever had.”
— MGMT-316 Student, Fall 2025
“The guest speakers are highly beneficial when it comes to learning how to personally brand yourself in a professional setting. I learned about how to set goals for myself and reflect on those goals throughout the semester.”
— MGMT-316 Student, Fall 2025
“She truly cared about our learning and assigned us numerous projects to help us with our careers and future.”
— MGMT-316 Student, Fall 2025
Bring This Approach to Your Organization
The same human-centered leadership development that transformed Chapman University classrooms is available for your team. Whether through workshops, consulting, or keynote speaking, Dr. Breen brings evidence-based strategies that develop the essential skills your people need to lead with confidence.
