Training
The Global Fellows Program uses the principles of experiential learning to provide the Fellows with a framework in which to understand their business and leadership skills in the context of low income markets. We believe in the importance of cross-discipline dialogue and as a result engage Fellows in conversations with the Acumen Fund team, their cohort, the pivotal leaders of all sectors in order to shape their vision of how to create change in the world today.
The Curriculum
We have built the curriculum to cultivate and strengthen the set of skills which we believe are critical to successful leadership within the social sector:
- the ability to empathize with others to create solutions from their perspective
- to be results-oriented and efficiently take plans to action
- to use an analytical business mindset to solve issues of poverty
- to be resilient in ambiguous and resource-constrained environments
- to understand the dynamics of individual and group relationships in order to lead others
- to creatively persuade through facts and stories
- to be self aware of personal strengths and limitations
- to have unrelenting passion
Trainers and Guest Speakers
One of the most unique aspects of the Fellows Program is that Fellows get the chance to meet the most prominent members of the development field. Guests have included people like Seth Godin, Eboo Patel, Chris Anderson, Richard Steel, as well as prominent members of the Acumen community like Jacqueline Novogratz and Brian Trelstad. These speakers not only augment the training with their insights, but also provide Fellows with lifelong mentorship.