Immersive IT Program Develops Aspiring Leaders

Educating those who serve is a cornerstone of Cleveland Clinic’s mission.

“Caregivers must evolve at each stage of their career by adapting their practices and mindset to effectively manage increasing responsibilities,” says Sarah Hatchett, MBA, CH-CIO, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer (CIO) within Cleveland Clinic’s Information Technology Division.

As CIO, Hatchett knows that a deep understanding of the business is imperative to better align information technology (IT) with organizational strategy.

Hatchett explains, “Our service delivery and outcomes continuously improve when our caregivers grow as strategic thinkers who understand IT’s role in advancing our organizational goals.”

To that point, Hatchett and the Information Technology Executive Council (ITEC) host an annual educational program, the Business Technology Leadership Academy (BTLA), to provide participants with the real-world skills necessary to advance their careers.

About the program

Spread over 12 months, the monthly sessions cover critical competencies like financial acumen, HR management, vendor ethics, communication and strategic thinking.

“Participants benefit from exposure to leadership concepts, mentorship and executive-level thinking,” says Hatchett. “Learning to run IT like a business prepares participants for broader healthcare challenges.”

ITEC reviews nearly 100 applications to select the 12 participants for the annual cohort. Essay submissions are reviewed anonymously to ensure fairness.

Tailored components elevate learning

“Our unique program is tailored to Cleveland Clinic’s mission and values, ensuring alignment with our organization’s goals,” says Hatchett. “While the program requires significant investment from both participants and leaders, the impact on talent development and organizational growth makes it worthwhile.”

Hatchett attributes the program’s success to the structured curriculum, interactive learning, mentorship and collaborative capstone projects.

Structured curriculum

BTLA’s curriculum derives from industry-leading resources to cultivate leadership skills, foster collaboration and prepare caregivers for growth opportunities. Hatchett stresses that prioritizing organizational alignment ensures the curriculum reflects Cleveland Clinic’s mission, values and strategic priorities.

Interactive learning

The program helps participants practice actionable skills, such as crafting effective presentations, building trust, resolving conflict and influencing stakeholders. These monthly sessions include prepared material, presentations, exercises and group discussions. “Executive feedback and coaching are integral to the learning process,” says Hatchett.

One-to-one mentorship

One of the unique aspects of the program is its one-to-one structure, which helps foster personalized guidance from experienced Cleveland Clinic leaders. Each ITEC member mentors a participant. The program’s individual sessions focus on areas such as resume reviews, writing professional bios and building strategic connections. But it’s not just the participants who benefit. Mentors benefit from reflecting on their own leadership practices, reinforcing their growth while conveying valuable lessons to mentees. This emphasis on personal reflection reinforces the importance of trust, capability and effective communication in leadership.

Capstone projects

Participants work in teams to select and develop innovative ideas that align with organizational goals. The capstone project serves as a practical application of leadership concepts while honing presentation skills. Many capstone ideas have been implemented, showcasing the program’s tangible impact on the organization.

Cultivate potential

“Personalizing and adapting the BTLA program with Cleveland Clinic’s leadership behaviors and values makes it an optimal model for intentional talent development,” explains Hatchett. “By combining mentorship, education, practical application and networking, BTLA graduates are prepared to step into leadership roles.”

The team continues to align the curriculum with Cleveland Clinic’s mission and strategic objectives to ensure the program remains relevant and impactful. This approach cultivates a pipeline of future leaders.

Hatchet shares, “My leadership skills and development have accelerated at Cleveland Clinic due to the leadership programs, resources and tools offered. Hosting BTLA provides a similar experience for my team members who want to expand their potential.”