IRAN 2015

GLOBAL LEADERS PROGRAMME 28 September – 9 October 2015 | Dubai, UAE and Isfahan, Iran

CHALLENGING BUSINESS ORTHODOXY

The Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT) is an independent Hong Kong based think tank focused on advancing a deeper understanding of global issues including the shift of economic and political influence from the West to Asia, the dynamic relationship between business and society, the role of the state and the reshaping of the rules of global capitalism. The Global Leaders Programme (GLP) is the flagship executive education programme offered by GIFT and is recognised internationally for its intellectual rigour, its beyond-classroom methodology and its output-driven approach to executive learning. The GLP was presented in a report to the United Nations on Innovations in Leadership Development. It has been featured in leading media such as the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal and South China Morning Post. At the invitation of the government and business partners in the ancient capital of Isfahan, the Iran GLP presents a rare opportunity for forward thinking companies to gain insights into a vibrant economy of 80 million people that has largely been outside the international community for the past 30 years.

“In the true spirit of combining theory with application, participants with diverse backgrounds and expertise came together to accomplish a challenging social impact project which allowed me not only to learn about myself in time of adversity but also repeatedly apply and practice the cornerstones of leadership growth: continuous learning, taking action and reflection.”

Grace Chan | Head of Market Development, Greater China | MasterCard

“The Global Institute For Tomorrow hopes that its experiential education programmes will help to change the way people think … The programmes are designed to help participants develop a better understanding of long-term sustainability, pick up leadership skills and learn how to adapt their business models to succeed in new markets.”

The programme is focused on building an acute awareness of the need for a broad base of knowledge about the drivers of global change. This includes, among other topics, globalisation and why the 21st century will be different, the role of the state in shaping public policy, peak global population and climate change. Participants are encouraged to think critically about new business models, pricing, the externalities associated with goods and services, the nature of prosperity and the vast business opportunities serving “base of the pyramid” consumers. The GLP also serves to develop an awareness of the importance of effective communication skills in multicultural environments and across socio-economic backgrounds and to demonstrate through practical situations the importance of empathy in decision-making. By challenging conventional wisdom and moving beyond the classroom, it introduces participants to new paths to success in a complex world.

CULTIVATING A GLOBAL MINDSET FOR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP

Module One provides a platform for highly interactive discussion on the role of global business and the realities in a range of economies, within and beyond Asia. It addresses evolving regional dynamics, growth drivers, changing demographics and resource scarcity issues. It draws on the experiences of a diverse mix of participants which can range from 15-20 nationalities thus providing a rich learning environment. Leveraging candid discussion, uncommon debate and role-play, classroom sessions break from ‘business as usual’ encouraging participants to stretch themselves and question received wisdom.

Developing flexibility in communication and approach

Module Two introduces rigorous field-based learning alongside intensive business planning in unfamiliar environments. Participants work amongst a diverse set of peers – multiple companies, industries and functions – to produce a business proposal for a local project partner. Facilitated by GIFT mentors, participants critically evaluate business models from different stakeholder perspectives, taking decisions quickly and in the absence of full information. Outcomes matter as projects are real-world business and investment opportunities, for which participants present their ideas and recommendations at a final conference.

Cultivating empathy beyond classrooms

THE PROJECT: STRENGTHENING AGRIBUSINESS IN IRAN

5 things you didn’t know about Iran

Second largest economy in the Middle East & North Africa. The World Bank estimates that Iran’s GDP in 2014 was US$ 406.3 billion.

Arguably the most diversified economy in the world. According to the World Trade Organization, Iran is the only country which exports in every single export category.

Among the highest rates of female university enrolment in the world (over 60 per cent), and the highest literacy rate in the region.

Linguistically and culturally diverse. Native Farsi speakers account for just 53 per cent of the population. There are seven other major cultural and linguistic minorities.

Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Located in the southern tip of the central province of Isfahan, Semirom is one of the key agricultural regions in Iran and is regarded as the apple capital of the country. Iran ranks 7th in global apple production and between 2003 and 2013, the FAO estimates that over 24 million tonnes of apples were produced. However, a significant portion of this is currently wasted – some 70,000 tonnes per year – due to inadequate storage and processing infrastructure. Expanding and improving upon current land management and production techniques are key to securing the future of the apple market in Iran. New business and investment opportunities can also drive measureable social benefits, including expanding and/or enhancing job opportunities for the rural or even nomadic populations in and around Semirom as well as improving livelihoods throughout the region overall.

“GIFT offers a unique chance to link emerging market needs with societal and environmental challenges and brings them together to form a joint concept that is business driven.”

Saori Dubourg | President, Nutrition & Health Division | BASF

APPLIED PROBLEM SOLVING: NEW BUSINESS MODELS

During Module Two, participants will work to produce a business plan for realising greater commercial value of the existing stock of apples produced in Semirom and for expanding and improving upon their production. Participants will meet with key stakeholders including local government representatives in Semirom and Isfahan, local farmers and agricultural supply chain operators, as well as potential business partners to gather valuable insights and data. The business plan will cover key areas including but not limited to, the usage and commercial applications of existing apples; land management; production improvements throughout the value chain, from seed and soil management and harvesting techniques to transportation, storage, processing and packaging. With officials in Iran calling for curbs on the state's involvement in business and an expected end to the country’s international isolation, this is an opportunity to develop a network of influential public, private and civil sector leaders which can be leveraged as a resource for future business in Iran and across the region.

Thinking critically about business models and their beneficiaries

The experiential field project in Iran also provides a platform for the development of soft skills such as self-awareness, sensitivity and flexibility in communication style, all of which are necessary for partnering across cultures and industries. It is a chance for participants to experience a unique culture which is among the most hospitable in the world, cultivate greater mutual understanding and apply new thinking towards the creation of a socially beneficial business project.

Giving meaning to “thinking outside the box”

PRACTICAL SKILLS FOR THE GLOBAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Key benefits to participants include: gaining first hand in-depth insights into local cultures, policy and business; honing business planning skills and uncovering new business models; cultivating a broader worldview and developing self awareness essential for today’s complex business landscape. Key benefits to companies include: embedding new thinking on future markets, customers and business opportunities throughout the company; an appreciation of the skill sets required in the 21st century and the dynamic relationship between business, society and the state.

“I discovered through the programme that for a leader it takes a tremendous amount of will power and relentless pursuit to encourage new ways of thinking and new ideas in an organisation.”

Kalpana Beesabathuni | Head, Sight and Life | DSM India

“My experience at the GIFT program could be described in two words: humbling and unconventional. It challenges our understanding of the world and our view of prosperity. Moreover, it showcases the true meaning of leadership and collaborative work through its real-life case study approach.”

Lucilene Veira Nunes | Head of Marketing & Product Management, Aroma Ingredients | BASF

“The GIFT programme has been such a rewarding experience for me with its unique partner/field project approach. I'm amazed with the quality and the depth of these commercial projects which are compact enough to finish in a short period of time, and yet significant enough to bring positive economic and social value to many people in need of support. Highly recommended for those who are sick and tired of conventional classroom trainings where leadership is only taught on paper.”

Patrick Zhu | Head of Sales, China | HSBC

Promoting curiosity and inspiration to spark new ideas

“In the experience GIFT helped arrange for us we were confronted with real societal problems and were compelled to think differently about our ability to have an impact on these key issues.“

Ian Turner | Executive Director | Duke Corporate Education

PROGRAMME DETAILS

Enrolment Open now and limited to 30 people

Location Module One in Dubai | Module Two in Isfahan, Iran

Duration

This GLP is two weeks long from 28 September – 9 October 2015

Module One from 28 September – 2 October 2015

Module Two from 3 – 9 October 2015

Participants should arrive in Dubai on 27 September 2015 and can return to their country of origin on 10 October 2015

Fee

US$15,000 per participant

Includes programme facilitation, course materials, all accommodation, travel to/from Iran, local transportation and most meals

Travel to/from Dubai from country of origin is not included

Language A strong functional command of English is required but fluency is not a prerequisite

Contact Rachita Mehrotra at +852 3571 8204, or email rmehrotra@global-inst.com

GIFT’S GROWING FOOTPRINT ACROSS ASIA

40 programmes. 11 countries. 7 project sectors.

GIFT Clients Include

“The programme is the place to be for all young professionals and executives who are keen to brush up on their leadership skills and business acumen in emerging countries, where the real impacts of globalisation are being felt.”

Prof. Hideaki Takahashi | Keio University | Former Deputy President, Fuji Xerox | GIFT Senior Mentor

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Education

Water & Sanitation

Agriculture

Health & Medical

Finance

Energy

Housing

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Denotes the number of programmes in each country

www.global-inst.com | +852 3571 8103 | Suite 1111, Cityplaza One, 1111 King’s Road Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong