American Express and Common Purpose today announced applications are open for the second class of the relaunched global American Express Leadership Academy. Applications for the programme are now open to 50 high-potential nonprofit leaders from across UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa. The Leadership Academy was refreshed this year to create a new curriculum that helps nonprofit leaders build specific skills to meet the changing needs of communities around the world.
With funding from the American Express Foundation, the six-month programme conducted by Common Purpose with support from a new global partner, Delta Air Lines, focuses on providing nonprofit leaders with the dynamic skills required to innovate and inspire their organisations, support their communities and meet the unique challenges that the world is currently facing.
This year’s programme is focused on the theme of "Resilient Changemakers," and recognizes that leaders today require different skills to help inspire action within and outside of their organisations. The global relaunch of the Leadership Academy earlier this year supported a class of 77 nonprofit leader from across the Americas, even bringing them together in New York City for three and half days of curriculum focused on personal resilience and insights from leaders across the social, public, and private sectors.
"We're thrilled to continue the relaunch of our global American Express Leadership Academy and support the development of nonprofit leaders across UK and EMEA,” said Madge Thomas, President of American Express Foundation and Head of Corporate Sustainability, American Express. “We recognize the positive and powerful impact these leaders have on their communities, and we want to help them strengthen their ability to lead during uncertain times and increase their influence through the power of storytelling."
"There is a real need to provide skills and development opportunities to nonprofit organisations and their leaders, particularly when these challenging economic conditions can mean that training budgets are often one of the first areas to be cut,” said Adirupa Sengupta, Global Chief Executive, Common Purpose. “The American Express Leadership Academy is invaluable in helping delegates from across UK and EMEA to come together with global business leaders to develop and hone core skills and provide crucial support networks and inspiration to the sectors’ high potential leaders.”
The Leadership Academy will take place between June and November and bring participants together between July 10 - 13 in London. The curriculum will include:
- Talks and panel discussions with cultural, governmental, and philanthropic leaders from around the world.
- Essential skills training for successful leadership in the nonprofit sector.
- Hands-on training in communication and storytelling, and
- Peer coaching and one-on-one professional coaching, with a focus on leadership resilience to fight burnout.
To review the application criteria and apply for the UK and EMEA programme, visit commonpurpose.org/amex-academy. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. BST on Sunday, June 4, and participants will be announced in June.
Since its launch 16 years ago, the American Express Leadership Academy has helped more than 165,000 social purpose leaders around the world reach their potential. An additional Leadership Academy programme is being planned in Asia-Pacific.
About Common Purpose
Common Purpose is a global nonprofit devoted to good leadership. Its mission is to develop people who can cross cultural, social, and institutional boundaries, both at work and in wider society. It does this by delivering compelling, surprising, and powerful leadership programmes & workshops. Rooted in the real-world. Both in-person and online. Programmes where people are having the real, purpose-driven conversations, the types of conversations we need to be having to bring about real change.
Founded in 1989 as a nonprofit social enterprise, Common Purpose now runs local programmes for leaders in cities across the world and global programmes for leaders from over 100 countries across six continents. Each year, 5,000 leaders become Common Purpose alumni.
About American Express
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.
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For further information please contact:
David O’Connor
Director, Learning & Innovation
Common Purpose
M: +44 (0) 7305021758
E: david.oconnor@commonpurpose.org
Ashley Tufts-Freimuth
VP, Communications
American Express