At the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy, a young woman participating in their Bridge Builders leadership program had just completed CDI's Perspectives module when she faced a high-stakes job interview. One of the questions asked was both classic and consequential: “Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge working with others who held different opinions. How did you resolve it?”

Drawing from her recent group project experience, she described how she had initially entered with a fixed mindset. She was determined to shape the presentation according to her vision. But her peers had different ideas, and conflict emerged. That’s when she leaned into what she had learned through the Perspectives training. Rather than push her agenda, she shifted to active listening, curiosity, and an openness to common ground. This new approach smoothed over the disagreement and it fundamentally changed the group dynamic and the quality of their collaboration.

The student also shared another insight from the Bridge Builders program that had deeply resonated with her: a Chinese proverb introduced during CDI’s Foundations training: “If you want to be a bridge, prepare to be stepped on.” She explained how this simple phrase had helped her reframe discomfort and challenge as part of the work of leadership.

The impact was immediate. The interviewer later followed up to say how much her story stood out, and how deeply they were moved by the proverb. They had written it down and reflected on it after the interview.

Soon after, she received the job offer.

This story exemplifies the mission of this partnership: equipping future policy leaders with analytical rigor and nurturing the emotional intelligence needed to lead in a polarized world. These aren’t just academic skills. They are professional capacities being carried forward into real-world settings—evident in the excitement, confidence, and clarity this young leader brought into the next chapter of her career.

(Image credit: The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan)