GENERAL OVERVIEW

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The Need
Leaders of globally oriented social purpose organizations have a  unique set of challenges. Through a needs assessment of of international NGOs and leaders in the Puget Sound region and experience with previous GLF cohort  groups, we have learned that the following challenges are particularly acute:
  • Managing organizational and personal challenges as a leader
  • Exploring new organizational forms, partnerships, and financial (“business”) models
  • Managing each growth stage of one's organization
  • Documenting success: outputs, outcomes, impact
  • Managing complex relationships with Boards of Directors, overseas staff, program participants and advisors, host governments and international funding institutions

The Program
Cohorts of 8-10 leaders from globally oriented nonprofits, foundations, and businesses with a social purpose gather over seven months to address management, leadership, and organizational development topics in a trusting peer community. Creative problem solving and real-time application of topics results in personal and organizational growth.  Alumni of the program form an enduring community who support each other to improve lives in communities worldwide.

Cohorts are co-led by two facilitators with deep international experience who support the development of quick and deep trust among participants. Cohort alumni have expressed high appreciation for the program. 

Program retreats and meetings include the following components:
  • Participant-specific and group-centered problem-solving
  • The Five Most Important Questions You Will Ever Ask About Your Organization (Peter Drucker)
  • Leadership Assessment and Development
  • Organizational Health and Development 
  • Managing Change
  • Building and Supporting Teams and Board
  • Power and Influence
  • Evaluation: from outputs to outcomes to impact
  • Trends, new perspectives and innovation

Each GLF cohort is customized to the particular participants and dynamics of the group. Sessions are highly interactive, featuring case studies, interactive exercises, media, presentations, guest speakers, individual reflection, group activities, and shared readings.

Outcomes of GLF Participation
  • A locally-based collaborative and trusted learning community of leaders in the global social impact space
  • Practical skills and knowledge to advance your organization and leadership
  • New strategic and operational directions for your organization
  • Greater self-knowledge as a leader
  • Deeper understanding of current trends, challenges and  opportunities in the international organization arena

Schedule and Time Commitment
Cohorts meet monthly over a 7-month timeframe:
  • Month 1: 2-day retreat
  • Month 2&3: 3-hour meeting 
  • Month 4: 1-day retreat 
  • Month 5&6: 3-hour meeting 
  • Month 7: 2-day retreat 

Full participation by each member of the GLF cohort is critical to the development of trusting colleagues and depth of connection. You will be expected to attend all retreat days, and to make every effort to attend the monthly 3-hour conversations in between.
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Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for the 7-month cohort program are $3,150. This can be paid either by the cohort participant, their employer, or both. It is strongly encouraged that a participant's employer support their participation in the Global Leadership Forum, at least in part. GLF is willing to work with participants on flexible payment plans. Limited scholarship funding may be available. 

Joining a GLF Cohort
GLF participants are recruited through direct invitation, referrals, self-nomination and requests for participation from appropriate organizations and individuals. Selection is based on commitment to international development through the nonprofit or social purpose sector and leadership potential. 

Ready to join a Global Leadership Cohort? Contact Kim Rakow Bernier at rakow.bernier@gmail.com to learn of upcoming information sessions or set a time to meet with a leadership team member and request an application form. Program admission is on a rolling basis until cohorts are filled. 

We are careful to compose cohorts that will work well together. Your application, attendance at an information session or conversation with a member of the leadership team allow us to place you in the appropriate cohort.