"I learned that opportunity is everywhere and innovation can come from anywhere”
MC, Microsoft (Participant)

MicrosoftMicrosoft: Hi-impact Hi-po Development in Africa

When global technology giants Microsoft were looking to introduce a new programme to combine leadership development with corporate responsibility, they turned to Emerging World for help.

Front Lines is an award-winning experience, co-created by Microsoft and Emerging World. It was designed to not only inspire and stretch Microsoft leaders, but also support their partners and customers working in international development to address important strategic challenges.

To date, around 60 Microsoft leaders have travelled to Africa and South America to learn new perspectives on emerging markets, corporate responsibility and national competitiveness. Using a facilitated Action Learning Group approach, the participants worked in teams to support a range of NGOs, small businesses and multi-lateral agencies– exploring real business problems and sharing the skills and knowledge that have contributed to making Microsoft so successful over the years.

Emerging World helped design the bespoke programme, organise the curriculum, engage the partners involved and manage the impact assessment. We also supported delivery throughout the key phases. The result is an excellent example of the far reaching results that can be achieved from a single event.

“Microsoft is indebted to Emerging World for its role in making Front Lines a ground-breaking leadership development experience that also positively impacts our bottom-line,” explains Shannon Wallis, Global Director Microsoft High Potential Leadership Development. “Emerging World worked with us to ensure a win-win-win outcome for Microsoft as it grows its business, our executives as they develop their leadership skills, and our customers as they solve complex problems to enhance their own sustainability. What was a complex and high stakes project, turned into an enjoyable journey thanks to Emerging World’s expertise, knowledge and generosity of spirit in and approach to working with us.”

  • 100% - Microsoft leaders believe they’ve become more effective leaders as a result
  • 100% - Microsoft leaders taking part now feel more loyal
  • 100% - Partners involved believe that the knowledge they’ve gained will improve their leadership skills and competencies
  • 100% - Partners feel they now understand more about Microsoft’s role in society

“I’m thrilled. We were able to seriously tackle the business problem that we brought to the event. This has proven to be very useful for our work.” Barbara Kreissler, Industrial Development Officer, UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization)