empowering deans to LAUNCH strong and LEAD bodly
The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence — it is to act with yesterday’s logic.— Peter Drucker
Nicole Thorne Jenkins, CPA, PhD
Dean of the McIntire School of Commerce
at the University of Virginia (2020-2025)
During her tenure as dean, Nicole led a transformative era of growth and reimagining, including the successful completion of a $250 million capital campaign, achieving a total impact of $330 million. Under her leadership, McIntire expanded its physical footprint with the addition of a state-of-the-art facility (100K sq ft), launched 4 new innovative academic programs, and introduced the Commerce for the Common Good initiative and strategic plan — a bold vision for the School’s future.
Great leadership begins at pivotal moments. We guide deans through inflection points toward lasting impact and transformational success.
LAUNCH + LEAD PROGRAM
LAUNCH
An 8-week foundational program tailored for both newly appointed and experienced deans seeking to establish clarity, strengthen credibility, and refine their strategic focus. Whether stepping into a new role or recalibrating for greater impact, this phase provides targeted support through deep listening, strategic mapping, and the identification of immediate wins that set the stage for sustained success.
Deans receive concrete deliverables, including tailored strategy maps, communication frameworks, and actionable plans that align with institutional priorities. The program creates a structured space for reflection while collaboratively shaping a clear path forward.
LEAD
A 10-month program that builds upon the foundational work of the LAUNCH phase, fostering purposeful execution of your plan through targeted coaching, strategic planning, and systems thinking. The LEAD Sessions provide a steady, confidential partnership for leaders tackling complex, high-stakes work.
Throughout this phase, we serve as trusted thought partners, strategic sounding boards, and experienced guides—not to prescribe solutions but to empower deans to lead authentically and effectively. By anchoring each session in the unique context of each dean’s role and vision, we support leaders in navigating pivotal decisions, cultivating lasting impact, and aligning actions with their core values and institutional priorities.
Our Leadership Mission
At House of Eban, we elevate academic leadership by anchoring deans in the power of intentional action. Our mission is to create a sanctuary for reflection, strategic alignment, and bold decision-making, enabling leaders to craft pathways that resonate with their unique strengths and institutional vision.
Through the Lead + Launch program, we provide a structured yet adaptive framework that empowers deans to forge connections, leverage influence, and build enduring legacies of impact. More than just strategic guidance, we cultivate a space where leaders refine their voice, clarify their purpose, and lead from a place of grounded authenticity.
Organizational Values
Grounded Leadership:
We believe that authentic leadership begins with self-awareness and clarity of purpose. We hold space for leaders to connect with their core values, ensuring every decision is anchored in integrity and intention.
Strategic Resilience:
We equip leaders to navigate complexity with foresight and adaptability. By embracing systems thinking, we empower deans to transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable impact.
Reflective Action:
Thoughtful action emerges from deliberate reflection. We foster a culture where leaders pause to assess, recalibrate, and design strategies that align with their vision and institutional goals.
Partnership in Practice:
We walk alongside our clients as trusted thought partners—offering strategic insights, candid feedback, and unwavering support without imposing solutions.
Legacy Building:
We are committed to helping leaders create lasting, meaningful legacies. Our work is driven by the belief that impactful leadership is measured not just by immediate outcomes but by the ripple effects left behind.
