The Opportunity
Mars wanted to strengthen its global Ambassador Program by creating meaningful opportunities for employees to apply and develop their professional skills beyond their day-to-day roles. The programme was designed to support social impact partners and offer deeper insight into the realities of Mars’ global supply chain.
Participants could choose assignments that aligned with their expertise, contributing to business-aligned sustainability priorities while gaining a first-hand understanding of how these commitments play out in different contexts.
The Journey
In partnership with Mars, Emerging World supported both week-long team placements and four-week individual assignments within communities connected with Mars’ global supply chain. Small groups of four to seven employees worked with partner organizations on clearly defined challenges. Others undertook longer placements focused on specific business issues connected to sustainability and supply chain performance.
Participants learned by doing, applying their professional skills to live challenges in unfamiliar environments that required adaptability, collaboration and practical problem solving. Structured reflection ensured that experience translated into deeper capability and insight.
The Transformation
Participants returned with greater confidence in applying their skills in complex environments and a clearer understanding of how their work connects to broader sustainability goals.
Emerging World measured the impact of Ambassador assignments to track the value for employees, line managers and partner organizations. 84% of participants strongly agreed that their job satisfaction improved following the experience.
Beyond the metrics, participants returned more confident in applying their skills in complex contexts and with a clearer understanding of how their work connects to global sustainability efforts.
“MAP truly is a life-changing experience which helps broaden your perspective and better understand the complexity of global challenges we as a company, and as global society, are facing. It’s also a great chance to meet Martians from all around the world, exchange knowledge, inspire and be inspired.”
– MAP Participant
