---
title: Leadership Learning Sets Sail
date: 2018-08-21T10:00:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/leadership-learning-sets-sail-9bd1a3a0-61dd-4c68-811e-be9b9b895c84"
section: Articles
---
# Leadership Learning Sets Sail

*August 21, 2018* — by [Carrie Handwerker](/author/carrie-handwerker)


> Extracurricular Experience Sets MBA Students on the Right Course

*Sailing 27 Apr18 032 1920x1080 min — Photos by Tony Richards*

Before they can become captains of industry, MBA students in the Robert H. Smith School of Business just might captain a ship. 

The full-time cohort enrolling next week will be the third to participate in the Lead Fearlessly Program, an extracurricular experience that Neta Moye, clinical professor of management, heads up during the spring semester in hopes of preparing MBA students for summer internships.

After a fall leadership course, students build on those skills the following semester through unique outside-the-classroom experiences and small-group sessions, including “The Amazing Race”-style challenges, an Arctic wilderness scenario and a yacht race.

Moye plans to extend the program into year two for the full-time MBA students.

“The best leaders are the best learners,” Moye says. “They know how to squeeze the meaning from every single experience they have. They know how to not just have an experience, but learn from that experience.”

- The class quickly learns how to crew one of five positions before taking over full control from the experienced crew.
*Sailing 27 Apr18 032 1920x1080 min 0*
- Even a little wind, rain and cold couldn't dampen spirits on this exciting learning event.
*Sailing 27 Apr18 034 1920x1080 min*
- A student braves the wind and rain while learning the ropes (literally) for sailing a 74-foot schooner in waters off Annapolis.
*Sailing 27 Apr18 178 1920x1080 min*
- Just like skilled leaders, navigators constantly monitor conditions and adjust course to bring the team across the finish line.
*Sailing 27 Apr18 167 1920x1080 min*
- Everyone has a specific role, yet communication and collaboration are critical.
*Sailing 27 Apr18 125 1920x1080 min*
- Sailing takes a diversity of skills—even math and geometry.
*Sailing 27 Apr18 015 1920x1080 min 0*

**Topics:** [Campus & Community](https://today.umd.edu/tags/campus-community)



**Units:** [Robert H. Smith School of Business](https://today.umd.edu/topic/robert-h-smith-school-business)