TMDL Newsletter: Year 2025, Edition IX
Dear Friends and Mentors
It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached the close of another remarkable fall term. The past few months have been filled with milestones that reflect the continued growth and energy of our community. In September, we hosted our Fall Residencies across Boston and London, bringing together students, faculty, and distinguished guests for ten days of engaging lectures, collaborative discussions, and shared experiences that truly captured the spirit of the Center. Watching our students grow in confidence and leadership through these residencies is always one of the highlights of the year.
We also had the pleasure of recognizing Steve Bandrowczak, CEO of Xerox, with the Outstanding Leadership in Technology and Innovation Award 2025 — a well-deserved honor celebrating his visionary leadership and the mentorship he continues to provide to our community. Alongside this, our ongoing mentor interviews reinforced what makes this program so unique: the strength of our mentor network and the incredible value of the relationships that continue to grow within it.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about what’s next. On December 6, we’ll gather for the Final Oral Defense, a culmination of months of hard work and dedication from our graduating students. And soon, we’ll host our Break the Frame Workshop, a hands-on session designed to help participants challenge assumptions and reimagine how problems are approached and solved. These upcoming events reflect the continuous growth of our learning community — always curious, creative, and ready to evolve.
Thank you for being a part of this journey, for your support, and for the perspective you bring to the Center. I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Best,
Associate Vice Provost, Professor of Practice, Director of the Center for Technology Management and Digital Leadership | Northeastern University
Recent Events
MS in Strategic Technology Leadership Residency
This September, the Center’s Fall Residencies spanned two campuses — beginning in Boston and concluding in London — bringing together students, faculty, and guests for ten days of immersive learning, leadership, and connection. From interactive lectures and group lunches to dinners with faculty and industry leaders, each day reflected the Center’s mission of blending academic rigor with collaboration and community.
Across both residencies, students engaged in lively discussions, explored real-world challenges, and built relationships that extended beyond the classroom. Whether it was the Oral Defenses in Boston or the strategic debates in London, every moment captured the spirit of shared learning and global exchange. We look forward to carrying this momentum into future residencies!
Honouring Visionary Leadership
Steve Bandrowczak Receives 2025 Outstanding Leadership in Technology and Innovation Award
The Center proudly recognized Steve Bandrowczak, Chief Executive Officer of Xerox, with the Outstanding Leadership in Technology and Innovation Award 2025 — celebrating his remarkable contributions to the world of digital transformation and his unwavering support for the next generation of leaders.
A visionary executive, Steve has reimagined Xerox into a modern, agile enterprise shaping the future of work through innovation and resilience.
The recognition reflects Steve’s exceptional leadership and the values he continues to bring to the Center’s community. As a mentor, he embodies integrity, adaptability, and a forward-thinking vision — qualities that resonate deeply with our students and faculty. His guidance and insights have inspired many to lead with purpose, compassion, and the courage to drive meaningful change in today’s evolving technological landscape.
Mentor Insights: What We Heard
This summer, we sat down with our mentor community to gain a deeper understanding of what makes the program truly stand out and how we can further strengthen it. The conversations reaffirmed what many of us already feel: the mentor network is the program’s defining differentiator alongside invaluable guidance for students, mentors, and sponsors shared candid perspectives on opportunities for growth and collaboration. Here are the highlights:
📣 Voices from the Network:
- “The mentor network is what makes this program unique.”
- “It allows companies to test out new ideas without pouring concrete in the core business.”
- “Students see this program as the next step in their leadership journey.”
Now
✅ Share updates with mentors
✅ Clean up mentor database
✅ Celebrate program successes & new recruits
Soon
➡️ Increase sponsor engagement
➡️ Organize mentor meet-ups across locations
Long Term
⭐ Strengthen alumni connections
⭐ Expand curriculum to include AI, Quantum, Leadership & Entrepreneurship
⭐ Build a robust storytelling and marketing presence
These conversations reminded us that the strength of the Center lies not only in education, but in the unique community of mentors who inspire, challenge, and elevate the experience. As one mentor shared: “It’s not just about giving back – it’s about learning together.”
Meet the New Mentors!
Upcoming Events
🎓 Final Oral Defense: Fall Cohort
Date: December 6, 2025
Location: Virtual
Details: Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 956 1755 5413
Passcode: 418989
Time: 12 PM to 3 PM (EST)
Our graduating students will present their final work before faculty and invited guests in this capstone milestone. This is always an inspiring day — a celebration of learning, leadership, and hard work coming full circle.
RSVP: Email Art Langer – [email protected]
💡 Break the Frame Workshop
Date: TBD
Link: https://tmdl.center.northeastern.edu/break-the-frame/
A hands-on session designed to help participants rethink challenges, challenge assumptions, and uncover creative new pathways to solutions. When we shift the frame, we unlock new possibilities — and this workshop helps put that mindset into practice.
Learn more & RSVP: [email protected]