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Program helps social sector leaders find solutions

Social sector leaders dedicated to controlling disease, conserving nature, empowering women and fighting poverty and despair presented solutions to real-world challenges March 13 at Thunderbird School of Global Management following five days of intensive coursework in a leadership development program funded by American Express Foundation.

Teams from the Grameen Foundation, National Audubon Society, Habitat for Humanity and six other organizations came to the graduate business school in Glendale, Ariz., with specific challenges they have encountered in the global economic crisis.

The American Cancer Society, which recently expanded its mission into international markets such as India, China and Latin America, came seeking guidance on global strategy. The International Rescue Committee came seeking guidance on developing a unified vision among its U.S. chapters. Make-A-Wish Foundation of America sought guidance on promoting and protecting its brand on the Internet.

Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, The Peace Corps and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria also came with their own learning desires. Solutions took shape as Thunderbird professors and guest speakers led discussions on global mindset, fundraising, brand management, scenario planning and other timely topics.

“American Express is committed to being good citizens in communities in which we live and work,” said Leslie Motter, senior vice president at the American Express Service Center in Phoenix. “We recognize the significant impact that social sector leaders have in our society. This program underscores our continued commitment to providing nonprofit leaders with opportunities to build and sharpen skills, especially in today’s challenging environment.”

The program culminated as each team took turns sharing ideas and gathering feedback from Thunderbird faculty and other participants. For many, the question-and-answer session served as a dress rehearsal for presentations they will make to their own organizations when they return home to their offices as far away as Geneva.

That’s where the Global Fund is based. The organization, which separated from the World Health Organization within the United Nations on Jan. 1, has worked since then to improve internal communication channels within the fast-growing organization.

The Global Fund team, which included 1990 Thunderbird graduate Beatrice Bernescut, explored possible solutions to these challenges. A staff newsletter and regular town hall meetings could improve top-down communication. A staff survey and suggestion box could improve bottom-up communication. And mentoring programs and staff events such as monthly birthday breakfasts could improve lateral communication.

Other social outlets within the organization, such as a marathon club, could help employees new to Geneva integrate socially in the diverse community.

Thunderbird Corporate Learning developed the leadership program, which was the first of its kind for social sector leaders in the school’s 63-year history. Thunderbird professors who taught in the program will continue working with participants during the next year as they attempt to implement their proposed solutions.

“Thunderbird has an incredible reputation,” Motter said. “Their mission of educating leaders who create sustainable value is compatible with our goals for the overall program. American Express is proud of this excellent partnership.”