ExecEd in Focus: Meet Fred Jacques

In this installment of ExecEd in Focus, we are delighted to feature Fred Jacques, an adjunct associate professor in leadership and change at the Haskayne School of Business and the executive coach for many of our courses, including the Strategic Leadership Development Program. Fred brings a wealth of knowledge and a personable approach to leadership education that goes beyond mere instruction, focusing on nurturing authentic, capable leaders who can adapt to the ever-changing needs of the modern world. From his insights into professional development to his hidden talent, spend the next couple of minutes getting to know Fred!

1. With over 30 years of experience in leadership education and consulting, what shifts have you observed in leadership development?

The shift from looking at what we do as a leader to who we are as a leader. There is still a need to think about the actions and strategies we need to implement as leaders, but it now begins with the realization that everything flows from who we are, what values drive us and what our motivations are for wanting to be a leader in the first place. This has led to a focus on leader authenticity, introspection, and cultivating openness to different perspectives so as to relate to as wide a population as possible and connect with people in a way that is meaningful to them.

2. How do you incorporate these insights into your teaching?

I try to include two key elements in any of my teaching or coaching sessions. First, some form of self-assessment tools to help the leader better understand themselves, their preferences and values. Then, experiential activities where they can put these beliefs and values to the test, even in a simulated environment like the classroom. That ‘simulated environment’ provides a realistic preview for how they will respond in real-life situations and can be very valuable in helping them build their self-awareness, competence and confidence as a leader.

3. While a popular face among our learners, how would you describe your teaching style to those that don’t know you?

My catchphrase is that ‘I'm very serious about what I do, but I don't have to be serious while I'm doing it.’ I'm very focused on the importance of meeting learner needs, providing relevant tools and information, and giving people a chance to experiment with new skills and approaches through exercises in the classroom. At the same time, I think that people learn better and more effectively if they feel safe to engage with and lean into those experiences. Creating that ‘safe space’ is a crucial part of my approach.

4. If you had to distill your coaching philosophy into 3 key principles, what would they be?

Trust the individual to find their own way. Listen deeply. Support but do not judge.

5. What is a misconception about professional development?

That it is a ‘one-and-done’ phenomenon. Development is a pathway that benefits from clear intention and goals that continuously evolve as the individual develops in their life and career. It is a process, not a destination. The key is to try to knit together individual elements into a framework that enhances the competence and confidence of the person as they grow.

6. If you could design an unconventional Executive Education course on any topic, what would it be and why?

Insights from astronomy on how to build effective organizations. Working title: How to Build Star Organizations. There is so much to learn about confidence in exploring the unknown, being open to alternative explanations for the same phenomenon, the need to be bold and to innovate, to work well collaboratively and to accept that we are not alone out there!

7. What is your first U of C memory? 

I first walked into Scurfield hall in the summer of 1998 to meet my prospective supervisors for my doctoral program. I felt a little intimidated but at the same time quite welcomed. I had no idea at that point in time that this would, to quote a famous line from one of my favorite movies, Casablanca, “be the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” that sustains to this day.

8. What’s something that your coworkers don’t know about you?

I played the clarinet in a parents’ band while my kids were in Junior High School. None of the parents could play an instrument before joining the band and we even did a joint Christmas concert with the kids.

9. What’s something you wish you had known earlier in your career?

To focus on doing something well as opposed to getting it right.

10. What’s a skill you have learned that’s unrelated to your job, yet surprisingly comes in handy at time?

Being curious about people – their lives, experiences, fears and aspirations.

11. If you were enrolling in one course or program right now, what would it be?

The Power of Film with Professor Harold Suber in Film Studies at UCLA. It explores how human behavior both influences and is influenced by what is portrayed in film.

12. Share a book you find yourself revisiting over the years. 

The Leadership Challenge by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner. I built a leadership program based on it in 1996 and have continued to refer to its core practices and continuously updated research as the book moved from its initial publication in 1987 to the current 7th edition.

About Fred

Fred Jacques is a leadership educator and consultant with over 30 years of experience in both public and private sectors. With a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the Haskayne School of Business and an M.A. in Applied Behavioral Sciences from the Leadership Institute of Seattle, Fred is a sought-after facilitator and coach, known for his attention to client needs and sense of humor. Fred has designed and delivered leadership development programs that incorporate best practices in seminar-style instruction, experiential exercises, 360-degree feedback and individualized coaching. He is also a Certified Human Resources Professional and accredited in the use of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the EQi-2.0 and numerous other assessment tools.