Stanford Seed

“So as you now seek your own vocation, I encourage you to keep asking yourself three questions: What values will define you? Who are you going to follow? And what problem will you help solve?” — Jonathan T.M. Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International

Over the weekend, the MBA, Msx, and PhD Class of 2024 gathered for commencement, celebrating the cumulation of their business school journeys. They were joined by this year’s commencement speaker, Jonathan Reckford, Dean Levin and other senior leadership of the school, and countless friends and family members.

This year’s ceremony was special for one other reason: In August 2024, Dean Levin will become Stanford University’s 13th president, making this year’s commencement his last commencement as Dean for Stanford GSB.

“I’m proud to be graduating with you from the GSB this year. I’m going to take this same set of values — freedom, open-mindedness, curiosity, respect — with me as I move onto my next chapter at Stanford.”

Congratulations to this year’s graduates! 🎉

📸: Best Grad Photos

Craig Griffin is a Stanford Graduate School of Business alumnus and former VP of Business Development at Elastic, and he knows firsthand how technology can transform businesses.

Leveraging his vast experience from a company that grew exponentially and went public, Craig has been instrumental as a Stanford Seed consultant in advancing sales strategies, organizational design, and tech initiatives for businesses in emerging markets.

Interested in volunteering your time and expertise in a flexible format? Learn more about the Seed Consulting program here:

https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/seed/get-involved/consult (link in bio)

Entrepreneurs are almost always on a quest to improve. But self-improvement can be hard to accomplish on your own.

In an episode of the Grit and Growth podcast, Stanford Seed coach Laurie Fuller shares her insights and tried-and-true techniques to help entrepreneurs tackle their most difficult leadership challenges.

Listen to Fuller’s insights, advice, and exercises discovered through her coaching experience using the link in our bio.

https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/transforming-your-leadership-insights-executive-coach

Now that the second Immersion Week of 2024 has come to an end, we’re reflecting on the incredible learnings and insights shared! From human-centric design to innovative solutions, our participants have gained valuable knowledge and skills to drive growth and success.

Thank you to all our Seed influencers Aggarwal Aggarwal  Krishnan zaman Wijayatilake Chopra Badjie Ajayi Abdulle Stimela Mupambwa

For sharing their journey and inspiring our audience throughout this week!

LAST CHANCE TO APPLY!

Only 1 week left to apply to the Seed Transformation Program! Entrepreneurs from Indonesia, don’t miss this opportunity to transform your leadership skills, grow your business, and drive economic growth in your community. Apply now for the 2025 Seed Transformation Program before the deadline on June 7 at 11:59 PM PST!
Apply at the link in bio!

The second Immersion Week of 2024 is off to a great start! Here are some snapshots from the week so far, which kicks off part 3 of the Seed Transformation Program. In part 3, participants focus on identifying growth opportunities and strategies through product innovation and design thinking, marketing, and sales. It’s electrifying to see dynamic entrepreneurs and business leaders fully engaged in learning how to cultivate deep empathy and develop innovative solutions to customer challenges. As our seed influencer . Sandeep K Krishnan aptly said, ‘It’s all about human-centric design’ - and we couldn’t agree more!

How do we guarantee that we will act in accordance with our values, especially when it becomes difficult to do so?

In a recent episode of the If/Then podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business ,Professor of Political Economy Ken Shotts asserts that if we create good institutions, then we can live up to our good intentions.

According to Shotts, there’s no shortage of business leaders who espouse positive behavior within their organizations and positive societal impact outside of them. However, having stated values is not the same as actualizing them through concrete policies and practices.

He states, “We need those binding institutions to help us live up to those intentions.” To him, these institutions are the incentive structures and the informal norms and authority that leaders put in place, such as compensation systems, performance monitoring, and also the unwritten cultural norms and actions that a company either celebrates or condemns.

As Shotts puts it, “If you want to have the world be a better place, you need to have the things that channel business in ways that make it a better place.”

Want to hear more about Ken Shotts's thesis on leading with values? Listen to the full episode here:

https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/leading-values-when-good-intentions-arent-enough

LAST CHANCE TO APPLY!

Applications for the 2025 Seed Transformation Program from Africa and South Asia close tonight at 11:59 PM PT on May 15! Don't miss this opportunity to transform your leadership skills and drive economic growth in your community.

Apply now!

https://gsbseed.stanford.edu/stp-general/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=stp&utm_content=

Meet William Ponela, the Chief Executive Officer of Zonful Energy who is revolutionizing the solar industry in his region. Thanks to the Stanford Seed Transformation Program, William has significantly improved his company's team building and crafted a new and improved business model.

The Seed program’s impact extends beyond education; for William, the incredible network of successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders he connected with was a great benefit.

Are you ready to join leaders like William and transform your business? Embrace the opportunity to enrich your entrepreneurial journey with the Seed Transformation Program in 2025.

The deadline for application is 11:59 PST Wednesday, 15 May.

Don't miss your last chance to apply!
https://gsbseed.stanford.edu/stp-general/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=stp&utm_content=

Looking to expand your business in Africa? Beem’s founder, Taha Jiwaji, shares tips from Beem's expansion into 25 African countries on the Grit and Growth Podcast.

Discover how deep market research, strategic flexibility, and strong local connections are the keystones of Taha's expansion success. With Steve Ciesinski of Stanford Graduate School of Business unpacking the nuances of global expansion, this episode is rich with actionable insights for thriving across varied markets.

Leverage Taha's experience and Professor Ciesinski's insights to help you bring your business to new markets.

https://art19.com/shows/grit-growth/episodes/b6c6d8e2-4bdc-4803-b06a-ec95fe9f6fcc

"Harnessing the Economic Potential of the African Diaspora: A Pathway to Transformative Impact in Africa."

Wednesday, 22 May | 10AM PT | 6PM GMT | 8PM EAT
Secure your spot now for a vital conversation with leading minds Andreata Muforo of TLCom Capital and Benjamin Fernandes of NALA.

Join us for the final event of the 2024 Inspire Speaker Series:
Register to attend either in-person or online here:
stanfordseed.co/inspire

Last chance to apply for transformative growth in 2025!
There is only one week left to join the Stanford Seed Transformation Program (STP) in 2025 and unlock similar results as past participants:
•75% increased revenue
•34% expanded into new geographies
•38% conducted business with other participants
The STP is designed to help CEOs/founders like you achieve exponential growth. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity!

The deadline for entrepreneurs in Africa and South Asia is next Wednesday, 15 May, at 11:59 pm PST.
Apply here: https://gsbseed.stanford.edu/stp-general/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=stp&utm_content=

How can you fit in, and at the same time, stand out? It’s a tension we’ve all experienced in our personal and professional lives.

Businesses face a similar challenge, says Amir Goldberg, a professor of organizational behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “Companies want to differentiate themselves to gain competitive advantage and attention. But studies have shown that it’s at least as important to meet the norms and expectations of the industry you’re in.”

So how can a business balance these competing pressures of conformity and uniqueness?

“It’s a bit ironic,” Goldberg says. “But novelty is especially rewarded when it conforms to popular expectations of what constitutes novelty. The key is to be atypical — in a typical way."

Learn more in Professor Golberg's article here: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/why-investors-throw-money-eccentric-ceos

How do you balance these competing pressures in your business strategy? Share in the comments below.

Navigating tough decisions is a hallmark of entrepreneurship. Mir Shahrukh Islam of © Technologies Ltd. shares his approach on the Grit and Growth Podcast.

He emphasizes the power of acknowledging doubts, tapping into your passion, and finding strength in mentorship. Through these strategies, he's guiding his IoT company to new heights and redefining success in Bangladesh's tech industry.

Discover how Shahrukh's experiences can inspire your own decision-making process. 🚀

https://art19.com/shows/grit-growth/episodes/fe166943-7fcc-4351-9cf1-005f68a60c1e

Meet Madam Mercy, Director and Co-owner of Rightway Daycare, Nursery and Primary School in Tanzania. A passionate educationalist and champion of lifelong learning, Madam Mercy is dedicated to unlocking the potential of every child at Rightway Schools.

Through the Seed Transformation Program, Madam Mercy gained valuable insights into her market and optimized internal processes. But her biggest "aha moment"? The realization of the power in empowering her leadership team to take the reins.

Upon completing the program as part of the Seed Transformation Network, she has also accessed several key resources to help grow her business. Not only has Madam Mercy fostered valuable connections with Seed coaches and interns, but she also leverages consulting projects to propel Rightway Schools forward.

Are you an entrepreneur seeking to empower your team and unlock your full potential? Join Madam Mercy and a vibrant community on a transformative journey with the Seed Transformation Program. Apply for the Class of 2025 today!

https://gsbseed.stanford.edu/stp-general/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=stp&utm_content=

The Seed Transformation Program's unconventional, in-person and online learning experience goes beyond acquiring business skills - our world-renowned faculty and dedicated team of experts work with you throughout your 10-month journey to growth.

Here are five business strategies you'll learn through this transformative program.

Apply today at the link below!

https://gsbseed.stanford.edu/stp-general/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=stp&utm_content=

Join us tomorrow for the 2024 Inspire speaker series event on "Revolutionizing Democracy: Tech and Competitiveness in Peter Obi's Presidential Campaign"

Wednesday, 24 April | 11AM PT | 7PM GMT | 9PM EAT

RSVP now and be a part of this timely discussion with our expert panel: Aisha Yesufu, David Hundeyin, and Dr. Toya Sobande.

Discover how technology is transforming electoral competition and shaping the future of democracy in Nigeria.

Don't miss out!

stanfordseed.co/inspire

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We are thrilled to announce that Season 4 of Stanford Seed's Grit & Growth is coming soon!

Join us this season as we explore the inspiring journeys of intrepid entrepreneurs from emerging markets. We'll examine how they navigated formidable challenges – think unpredictable regulations, resource constraints, and the like – to achieve remarkable growth.

But that's not all. We're also bringing in Stanford professors and global experts to share their insights on how to expand your business across multiple countries, fine-tune your value proposition, and navigate the complexities of scaling or downsizing your workforce.

Season 4 is coming soon. Subscribe or follow Grit & Growth on your favorite podcast app to tune in!

Season 4 Trailer Welcome back to Grit & Growth from Stanford Graduate School of Business. In Season 4, you’ll hear tales of entrepreneurial trials and triumphs, obstacles and opportunities, and, of course, plenty of grit and growth. Plus, we share insights from Stanford faculty and global experts on how to avo...

We're excited to announce that we're expanding the Seed Transformation Program to Indonesia! We're actively recruiting an inaugural cohort of 45 CEOs and founders, who are based in Indonesia, to join us in 2025 on a journey of exponential business growth, camaraderie, and personal leadership.

Learn more about our expansion here

Are you or someone you know interested in participating? Apply by 7 June.

Stanford Seed Expands to Indonesia with the Seed Transformation Program Stanford Seed Expands to Indonesia with the Seed Transformation Program Stanford Seed invites an inaugural cohort of 45 CEOs and founders from Indonesia to partake in a journey of exponential business growth and become catalysts for economic change. February 29, 2024 With a mission to empower high-p...

🚨 Final Call to Vote! 🚨 Time is ticking – you have until April 18 to make your voice heard! Our Grit & Growth episode "Taking a Stand with Your Brand: Genderless Fashion in Africa" is in the running for the People’s Voice Award at The Webby Awards!

It's your LAST CHANCE to support and cast your vote.
Vote here before it's too late: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting #/2024/podcasts/individual-episodes/diversity-equity-inclusion

Huge appreciation to Wandia and Chris, and the incredible team Lower Street media for bringing this episode to life.

Growth isn't just about numbers; it’s about culture too. Discover how Raj Prakash of Zifo is not only leading a science informatics company to remarkable financial heights but also nurturing a workplace where growth means opportunity, impact, and unity. 🚀

Just like Prakash believes in a ‘people-first’ approach, ask yourself: What does true company growth look like to you, beyond revenue? Tune into the latest episode of ‘Short Takes: Where Science Meets Culture’ to explore how Zifo redefines success.

Listen to the Podcast here: https://art19.com/shows/grit-growth/episodes/60b4dc36-5391-44bc-a6bf-04b044b6e3b5

Meet Marcia Maposse, the trailblazing cofounder at Bindzu Agrobusiness, a Mozambique-based company that promotes sustainable development of farmers and agriculture, by providing competitive products and services along the agricultural value chain.

The company's transformation plan, which they developed last year as part of the Seed Transformation Program, resulted in a 15% surge in revenue and streamlined operations.

Marcia credits the transformation plan as well as the program's leadership labs as the cornerstones of Bindzu's growth.

Are you an entrepreneur ready to rise? Join Marcia and a community of like-minded leaders on a journey of transformation. Elevate your leadership with the Seed Transformation Program. Apply for the Class of 2025 today!

https://gsbseed.stanford.edu/stp-general/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=stp&utm_content=

As you prepare to scale your business, consider the wise words of Stanford Seed consultant and HR expert Claudia Salvischiani: “When companies scale, they need to rethink the role of the CEO...When you scale, you have to let go. This is a big jump for a lot of CEOs.”

Scaling isn't just about numbers; it's a profound shift in leadership dynamics. Are you ready to adapt your leadership style for your growing company?

Dive into the story of Sachin Dhanani of Danco Capital and discover actionable insights for strategic HR planning in our Grit & Growth podcast episode.

Listen now for expert guidance on evolving your role and why HR deserves your attention as you expand: https://art19.com/shows/grit-growth/episodes/7c3726e6-c375-497d-8401-b4a9878ee20d