What guided Elnaz to TWU was her desire to develop a deeper understanding of how to lead and inspire in a professional setting.
In coming to join TWU's Master of Arts in Leadership program, Elnaz Zandi brings with her a wealth of experience. A biologist from Iran, Elnaz desired to further build her leadership skills, "While I valued my scientific training, I yearned for a deeper understanding of how to lead and inspire in a professional setting."
This led her to choose the Health Care Specialization under TWU's MA in Leadership program. The combination of leadership skills applied to science and health care fields inspired Elnaz to explore a variety of possible career paths. Through this journey, she found her passion for leadership and coaching.
Leadership and coaching for greater impact
Elnaz seeks to bring her biology training and leadership skills together to create positive change.
"When I discovered the Healthcare Leadership stream at TWU, I was immediately drawn to its focus on developing leaders who can drive meaningful change in healthcare settings," she expressed. "
"My time at TWU has been transformative, guiding me toward a career in professional coaching, specifically life and business coaching," she affirms. "I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to study under such esteemed professors who have helped me refine my vision and pursue a path that truly resonates with my aspirations. TWU has not only broadened my professional horizons but has also been a beacon of inspiration, lighting the way to a fulfilling and impactful career."
Excelling in academic and athletic fields
Beyond TWU, Elnaz has great talents in sport and competition. She participated in the Canadian Air Gun Grand Prix in Toronto earlier this year, where she was honoured to win a silver medal. This accolade was just one among many successes for Elnaz. Previously, she had won at several air gun competitions in the Persian Gulf and in Canada.
Having excelled in both academic and athletic settings, Elnaz sees how one field complements the other.
"The skills and mindset required in air rifle shooting—such as precision, mental resilience, and strategic planning—parallel those essential for effective leadership and coaching," she observes. "My shooting achievements have reinforced the importance of setting clear goals, maintaining discipline, and continuously striving for improvement."
Indeed, Elnaz values how TWU supports whole-person development.
"The synergy between these experiences underscores the comprehensive nature of my growth and the valuable impact of both disciplines on my professional journey."
Aligning values with career goals
Pursing a graduate degree at TWU empowers students in their self-discovery process. As Elnaz comments, "TWU's focus on leadership development has allowed me to explore my strengths and areas for improvement, leading to a more profound understanding of who I am and what I want to achieve."
Elnaz appreciates how professors at TWU focus on leadership's ethical dimensions, helping students align personal values with professional practices. Elnaz notes that this approach to education has helped shape her leadership vision to include integrity and empathy.
Practical strategies for organizational life
Other courses provided practical tools and frameworks for effective leadership and strategic planning. As Elnaz continues, "The emphasis on actionable results and evidence-based strategies has honed my leadership skills. It has equipped me with the skills to drive organizational success and inspired me to think critically about my role as a leader and the strategies I need to implement to make a meaningful impact in my life and the world."
She concludes, "I am deeply thankful to these professors for their dedication and passion, which have ignited my enthusiasm for the subject matter and inspired me to approach my studies with a heightened sense of purpose and commitment. The insights gained from these courses have shaped my professional trajectory and prepared me to make a positive difference in the world."
About TWU's MA in Leadership program
TWU's MA in Leadership program is designed to develop emerging leaders to become confident and effective servant-leaders for the 21st Century. Degrees are offered with two foundational curriculum themes – Transformational Servant Leadership and Values-Based Leadership. Learn more at TWU's MA in Leadership program.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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