Calling SA CEOs: Apply now for Stanford Seed Transformation Programme

Standford University

© Diego Grandi – 123RF.com

Local Chief Executive Officers and company founders are strongly encouraged to apply for the second cohort of the Stanford Seed Transformation Programme, Southern Africa, which is a collaboration between Stanford Graduate School of Business and De Beers Group.

The programme is a high-touch learning experience aimed at empowering established business leaders in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa - De Beers Group producer countries in Africa. Participants will undertake a 12-month intensive leadership programme that includes sessions on strategy and finance, business ethics, and design thinking, all taught by world renowned Stanford University faculty and local business practitioners. The programme is exclusively for business owners of for-profit companies or for-profit social enterprises with annual company revenues of US$150,000 – US$15million.

By challenging business leaders to assess their company’s vision, to redefine strategies, and to make ambitious changes to their business, transformation is realised even before completion of the training, according to Jeff Prickett, director for global operations at Stanford University. Because leaders gain critical tools to grow their companies and create jobs, they in turn will lead their regions to greater prosperity, Prickett explained. The programme is heavily subsidized through philanthropic contributions.

The inaugural cohort began classes earlier this year and consists of 20 participants: 15 from Botswana, 3 from South Africa and 2 from Namibia.

To learn more about the programme and apply, visit https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/seed/transformation-program/southern-africa