For senior leaders with little time, but a desire to be successful way beyond the next quarter and a thirst for sustainability thinking

The masterclass focuses on the role of leaders in mainstreaming sustainable development as individuals or, more often, within an organisation. In this high impact session, Jonathon Porritt and other Forum Directors guide executives through the key issues – offering provocation, insight and experience in equal measure. The team then explores the strategic responses and actions that leaders can take to address these issues. 

Jonathon Porritt also runs an annual public masterclass where individuals spend 24 hours immersed in the changing operating context for organisations. This masterclass includes an interactive online course from our international partner The Natural Step, which introduces sustainability concepts and decision-making in advance.

Masterclasses are designed to be more than a one-off inspirational event. Participants are supported after the event as they take action to make their organisation more sustainable. Individual mentoring with a Forum for the Future Director is often part of this follow-up (see Three dimensional mentoring and coaching).

“It was a wonderful opportunity to interact with Jonathon and the excellent Forum staff. A chance to share ideas with a diverse group of high level business leaders.”  Senior business leader

We run masterclasses for a number of organisations including Cadbury’s, the NHS and Shell.

For information about the 2009 masterclass, please click here or contact Geraldine Gilbert.

Shell EP senior management masterclasses

We have helped Shell EP embed sustainability thinking into their leading projects and day to day operations. At the centre of our work is a global programme of blended learning (with pre-reads and online discussions) which culminates in a two-day masterclass. The work is designed to help key decision makers to crystalise their understanding of the issues and to take action as a result. This is followed by a range of activities such as sharing action plans, feedback on barriers and ongoing support for delivery. The programme is in its fourth year and has led to sustainability becoming a greater focal point of Shell’s top exploration projects.

It is critical that senior managers are empowered to use their knowledge and reflection to deliver real action. Shell EP has recognised this and is ensuring that the top team creates an enabling environment for its senior managers to deliver action on sustainability. We have facilitated this process through a similar, but condensed masterclass for the Executive team, with ongoing support.