Susan Eisen, founder and chief designer of Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry, Watches, Art, and Appraiser, recently completed the Harvard Business School GIA Global Leadership Program. This custom program is designed for executives in the jewelry industry and was held at the Gemological Institute of America headquarters in Carlsbad, California. Only 100 retail jewelers, vendors, and suppliers from all around the world attended and graduated from the program. Ms. Eisen is a past treasurer and member of the ASA Gems & Jewelry Committee and has been a Master Gemologist Appraiser®, ASA, for the past 35 years.
The program consisted of case studies analyzing high profile successful businesses in the US dealing with customer relations, disruptions in the industry, and corporate culture communication. Discussions included providing optimum value for customers, maintaining an excellent staff, and maintaining top notch customer service. “As the founder of an award winning jewelry and appraisal business and a small business owner in El Paso, it showed me the similarities in successful business practices and how to learn from what other successful corporations do,” she said. “It was an amazing experience to attend this program and learn from the three Harvard Business professors who facilitated the discussions,” said Ms. Eisen.