Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) Continuing Education recently conducted an executive leadership workshop titled “Inward Reflection as a Foundation for Leadership” for members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar (AmCham Qatar). The session brought together 13 executives and senior professionals representing various sectors of Qatar’s business community.

Led by Dr. Sara Powell, a VCUarts Qatar alumna and art psychotherapist, the workshop emphasized the role of self-awareness, reflective practice, emotional intelligence, and psychological flexibility in enhancing leadership effectiveness. Central to the program was an art-based exercise called “My Leadership Landscape,” which invited participants to use the metaphor of a garden to visually represent key aspects of their leadership journeys, including personal values, strengths, challenges, and aspirations. The activity required no prior artistic experience, instead using creative expression as a vehicle for introspection and professional growth.

Participants also engaged in a strengths-based gallery walk, providing and receiving constructive feedback on their artworks. The workshop concluded with attendees identifying actionable leadership commitments to integrate into their professional roles. One participant remarked on the exercise’s impact, noting that it offered a novel and enlightening perspective on their approach to leadership.

This initiative is part of VCUarts Qatar Continuing Education’s broader mission to serve as a hub for professional development, industry collaboration, and community engagement. The program operates under five strategic pillars: Entrepreneurship in Design, Business in Design, Leadership in Design, Art Management, and Design Technology. Its offerings aim to demonstrate how art and design principles can inform fields such as business, technology, sustainability, healthcare, and the creative economy.

VCUarts Qatar Continuing Education has also organized other recent and upcoming courses, including Design Thinking for Creative Problem Solving and Art Project Management. Through ongoing partnerships with entities such as AmCham Qatar, Commercial Bank of Qatar, Qatar Museums, WISH, Hamad Medical Corporation, and Primary Health Care Corporation, the program continues to expand opportunities for lifelong learning and professional advancement across Qatar’s diverse sectors.