Former President, Sectra North AmericaFormer Vice President, Marketing, Philips HealthcareExecutive in Residence |
After 25 years of service at Philips Healthcare Systems, a market leader in cardiac care, acute care, and home healthcare, Tom Giordano was considering taking an early retirement. But then he met with University of New Haven President Steve Kaplan,and one cordial meeting led to Giordano’s designing a UNH course on new product management and ultimately teaching in the Executive M.B.A. program. Five years later,retirement is the last thing on his mind.
"I think what UNH students want most is a pragmatic view of the world from peoplewho have served in a leadership capacity,"
"They are looking for a balance between a traditional case approach and someone who can provide opinions based on experience. One of the success factors of this program is that it really achieves this balance."
In addition to offering a practical perspective on the daily operations of an organization,Giordano also is an active mentor of his students. He remains in touch with many ofhis former students, a number of whom are interested in how Giordano successfully transitioned from an early career in engineering to marketing.
"I see my primary role not as an instructor but as a facilitator. I try to present materials that are as engaging as possible, and then I have students bring to life their own experiences in the classroom and discuss current topics," he said. "I also tell my students: I’m here to help you and the best thing you can do for me is to send me an email and tell me how your career is advancing. I’m really interested in seeing you succeed."
