Developing Leaders

At Milliken, we know that advancing our values of excellence and innovation means developing strong leadership. “Solving great problems requires a willingness to get uncomfortable. Embrace ambiguity and uncertainty in order to innovate,” said Ramesh Kesh, VP of Research in our Textile Business. In 2021, we expanded our Leadership Training capabilities through Milliken University, our platform for Learning + Development. In 2022, we're taking leadership development to the next level.

Milliken University will present four different development programs based on our Milliken Leadership Model:

1. Lead Organizations: For those who lead businesses and functions, this five-day program will bring the Milliken Leadership Model to life. Taught in partnership with the faculty of the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, this program will use case studies, readings, and exercises to help develop the awareness and skills our leaders need to drive our 2025 strategy.
2. Lead in Manufacturing: This program is designed specifically for manufacturing managers and supervisors to support the unique management and leadership challenges in the plant environment.
3. Lead Together: For those who manage teams, this program will focus on building foundational management skills: communicating corporate values, managing employees’ performance, building strong teams, and supporting individuals’ career development.
4. Lead by Influence: This program will equip current and future leaders will skills such as working with different generations, setting SMART goals, and managing change throughout your career.

Milliken University also provides a series of self-study resources, including articles, books, podcasts, and videos, to help associates advance their own development.

Most importantly, Milliken University is led from within by a team of experts who design our programs and resources to meet the moment, growing our people and our company. In the words of Ottilia Dill, Director, Learning and Development, “Our passion is to help individuals reach their potential so together we can lead with purpose at Milliken."

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