Anda di halaman 1dari 1

Thank you for considering my application to your program.

Reecting on what has felt like a lifelong interest in understanding people, I nd it


surprising that Organization Development has only recently entered my eld of
awareness. My former curiosity of how the mind works -- once satised by
undergraduate studies in psychology and philosophy -- has broadened and matured into
a strong afnity for helping people navigate life, especially within the context of human
systems. What a delightful discovery to learn this afnity so closely aligns with the
value-driven and research-based practice of OD; a practice shared by people I admire,
who speak a language I intuitively understand, and who practice a way of being in the
world with which I am already, to a large degree, familiar.
In my own way, I have operated as a change agent for many years in the setting of the
performing arts and education. My career has witnessed an extroverted talent for
inspiring creativity and excellence in others, as demonstrated by involvement in the
conception, development, and implementation of over 500 artist-in-residency
programs across N America, Europe, and SE Asia.
Over the years and at my side, Ive had the privilege of working with heavyweights in
music and education. Towards our shared professional endeavors, however, I have
carved out for myself a unique, yet complementary niche: detecting underlying issues,
facilitating dialogue, empowering self-chosen solution, and generating transformation.
No matter the collective reason for humans coming together in groups or organizations,
be it music or business, the difference between where we are and a breakthrough in
performance and effectiveness is often a paradigm shift away.
Looking back over the last two decades as an entrepreneur and small business owner
in the educational entertainment industry, Ive also gained practical knowledge in many
areas -- from creative design, communication, and marketing, to project management
and business development. The skill of which Im most proud, however, has been this
subtle capacity to enable others in accomplishing their individual and collective visions.
Not unlike the greater, submerged two-thirds of an iceberg, this more introverted, yet
expanding portion of who I am has remained dedicated to the exploration of human
interaction. At this point in my life, having scratched the itch of nding my voice and
having helped thousands of others do the same, I see a growing coalescence of
interests and natural strengths within me, most of which appear to nd more full
expression in the perspective and practice offered by Organization Development.
Pepperdines MSOD Program represents a robust framework within which I can further
develop and synthesize lifelong currents. It connects me to a group of people I am
excited to support and to help grow to the best of my abilities. And if my past success
might serve the greater eld I hope to one day enter, my mission is to help the next
generation of OD practitioners to nd our collective voice, that we may together make
an energizing, transformative contribution to Organization Development itself.
Thank you for your consideration of my application.
To the MSOD Admissions Committee Essay by Marco Cassone

Anda mungkin juga menyukai