Common Purpose

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Common Purpose

Common Purpose is a leadership development organization that specializes in cross-boundary leadership The world is becoming more complex and fragmented.

Common Purpose believes that the best leaders are able to lead across boundaries, and especially lead people with diverse perspectives—from different backgrounds, beliefs, generations, geographies, specialisations and sectors. Our programmes help leaders develop their Cultural Intelligence. We run leadership development programmes that inspire and equip people to work across boundaries. Through ex

posing people to new experiences, new leaders and new perspectives, they improve their own leadership. We offer programmes to university students preparing for their careers, right through to global C-suite executives at the peak of their careers. And cities are our classrooms, because cities are where leaders, and boundaries, converge.

05/11/2025

80 senior nonprofit leaders. 12 countries. One shared purpose: to lead with authenticity, resilience and impact.

The 2025 American Express Leadership Academy is underway, creating space for reflection, connection and growth among extraordinary leaders from across the Americas.

Delivered in partnership with American Express, with thanks to Hilton, Delta Air Lines, and the NBA Foundation for their support.

15/10/2025

The American Express Leadership Academy returns to New York City!

https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/amex-academy-new-york-2025

From 4–7 November, an inspiring group of non-profit leaders will come together to learn, connect, and strengthen their ability to drive change in their communities.

We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with American Express in developing purpose-driven leaders who create a ripple effect of impact across the sector.

And — exciting news — applications are now open for the 2026 American Express Leadership Academy, taking place in New York, London, and Asia-Pacific!

If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, find out more and apply today: https://commonpurpose.org/american-express-leadership-academy

02/10/2025

Extremes on both sides. Same outcome. Read our latest blog: https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/social-leadership

The louder the voices, the deeper the divides. Extremity—whether left or right—creates the same effects:

- It entrenches division

- It rewards spectacle over substance

- It stalls progress

Real leadership demands something different: balance, dialogue, and the courage to turn conflict into insight. Our latest blog explores how leaders can resist polarization and create solutions bigger than any one side.

Read the full post here 👇

https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/social-leadership

25/09/2025

Why do we complain at work… and what if it could actually spark progress?

We’ve all seen it happen: a small problem arises, and suddenly venting takes over—meetings, emails, even casual chats. Complaining can feel natural and even productive, but left unchecked, it can hijack attention, sap energy, and make negativity feel normal.

Here’s the twist: complaints aren’t always bad. They’re signals—energy that, when channeled right, can drive action and positive change.

In our latest blog, we dive into:

✅ Why our brains are wired to notice problems

✅ How complaining impacts team energy and culture

✅ Practical tips to turn venting into progress

Read the full blog and start turning complaints into momentum here 👉 https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/why-we-complain

04/09/2025

Everyone Starts From Good: A Leadership Principle for Polarized Times

In today’s world, it often feels like every debate collapses into “us vs them.” Politics. Culture. Identity. Even the workplace.

And when we assume that those who disagree with us are acting in bad faith, we shut down dialogue and reinforce division.

But what if leaders started from a different principle? Everyone starts from good. Read our latest blog to explore how: https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/everyone-starts-from-good/

22/08/2025

You can’t lead people who don’t want to be led. And that’s not a failure—it’s reality.

Leadership isn’t about convincing everyone to follow you. It’s about finding and empowering the people who are ready to walk with you.

In our latest blog, we explore why chasing holdouts drains your energy and weakens your impact—and how the best leaders build momentum by focusing on those who believe in their vision.

Featuring lessons from Satya Nadella and Greta Thunberg, we look at:

- Why not everyone will get on board (and why that’s okay)

- How to spot and nurture your willing followers

- Why clarity of vision attracts the right people

- How to stop chasing approval and start leading with purpose

Leadership isn’t about being liked by everyone. It’s about creating real change with the right people by your side. Read the full blog post 👇

https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/you-cant-lead-people-who-dont-want-to-be-led

21/08/2025

Applications are open for this year’s Africa Finance Corporation Fellowship — a unique leadership programme equipping changemakers across Africa, the wider global South, and the global North to tackle one of the defining issues of our time.

Through South–North Dialogue, the Fellowship brings together emerging leaders from diverse sectors and geographies to share perspectives, challenge assumptions, and co-create solutions that work across borders. Apply now and be part of shaping the future: https://commonpurpose.org/the-afc-fellowship

This year’s Fellows will take on a bold challenge:

“How can the world reform carbon markets to incentivize the preservation and expansion of forests, grasslands, peatlands, and mangroves in Africa and across the global South — in the interest of achieving global net zero?”

Working alongside experts, peers, and global thought leaders, Fellows will develop practical, innovative solutions that drive real impact for people and the planet. The AFC Fellowship is more than a programme — it’s a launchpad for leaders ready to accelerate climate action. See the impact for yourself — download our newly released AFC Fellowship Impact Report to discover the measurable change already created 👇

https://commonpurpose.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/pdfs/afc-fellowship_final-impact-report_external_june-2025.pdf

18/08/2025

Leaders Are Manipulators (And That’s Not a Bad Thing)

Here’s a truth we don’t say out loud enough: leadership is manipulation. Not the shady, self-serving kind—but the intentional, artful kind. The kind that shapes perspectives, sparks action, and drives change.

Read our latest blog here: https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/leaders-are-manipulators-and-thats-not-a-bad-thing

At its heart, leadership is about influence. And influence means guiding how people see the world—and their role in it.

In our this blog, we explore:

- Why manipulation can be a leadership superpower (when used ethically)
- How great leaders use it to inspire and unite
- Where the line lies between influence and deception
- How to harness it with integrity, empathy, and purpose

If you’re not shaping the narrative, someone else will. Stop leading for “nice.” Start leading for impact.

Read the full blog 👇

https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/leaders-are-manipulators-and-thats-not-a-bad-thing

15/08/2025

Leadership is not a popularity contest. Somewhere along the way, we confused being liked with being effective — and it’s holding leaders back.

Read our blog post on why leaders don’t need approval to succeed: https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/leaders-don-t-need-approval-to-succeed

At Common Purpose, we believe real leadership isn’t about keeping the peace. It’s about moving forward — even when that ruffles feathers.

In this blog, we explore:

• Why chasing approval weakens leadership (and teams)
• What respect looks like in action
• Why the most impactful leaders aren’t always the most liked
• How to lead with authenticity, clarity, and courage

You don’t need everyone’s approval. You need the right people’s belief.

Stop chasing likes. Start making impact. Read the full blog 👇

https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/leaders-don-t-need-approval-to-succeed

14/08/2025

The uncomfortable truth: Most leadership programmes aren’t working.

They have good content. Skilled facilitators. Great intentions. But too often, they leave leaders informed but not transformed.

Read our blog on “Why Leadership Programmes Are Failing – and How to Fix Them” here:

https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/why-leadership-programmes-are-failing

Why? Because they’re built on outdated assumptions:�

❌ You can “teach” leadership in a workshop
❌ Knowledge is the ultimate goal
❌ Safe spaces create strong leaders

At Common Purpose, we think it’s time to burst the bubble wrap and create leadership development that reflects the real world—messy, complex, and full of tension. In our blog, we unpack:�

✅ What traditional programmes are getting wrong
✅ Why true leadership is learned through ambiguity, challenge, and purpose
✅ How to design programmes that prepare leaders for the world that’s emerging—not the one that’s gone

If your programme still trains people for yesterday’s challenges, it’s time for a reset.

Read the full blog post: https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/why-leadership-programmes-are-failing

06/08/2025

Applications are now open for the AFC Fellowship 2025!

Now in its third year, the AFC Fellowship is a unique leadership development programme designed to connect, empower, and elevate emerging leaders from across the global South and North.

A collaboration between Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Common Purpose, the Fellowship brings together a diverse, high-impact cohort to:

✅ Deepen leadership capabilities
✅ Foster meaningful dialogue across borders
✅ Tackle our shared climate challenges and other global issues

Since its launch, over 90 dynamic Fellows from around the world have participated - building lasting connections and driving collective action for a more sustainable future.

If you're a purpose-driven emerging leader who is passionate about climate and global collaboration, this is your opportunity.

You can read more at https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/afc-climate-challenge-leadership-programme-2025-announcement

Learn more & apply at https://commonpurpose.org/the-afc-fellowship/Action/Preview/en

04/08/2025

The world has changed—and leadership needs to change with it. Let’s be honest: If leaders are still driven by profit alone, they’re leading like it’s 1995. Today, people expect more—from brands, from employers, from institutions.

Read our blog post: The Social Value Revolution – Why Every Leader Must Be a Change-Maker:

https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/why-every-leader-must-be-a-change-maker

At Common Purpose, we believe this isn’t just a shift. It’s a revolution in how leadership is defined and measured.

Real leadership now means asking:

- What do I stand for?
- Who benefits from my leadership?
- How do I create impact that lasts?

This blog explores:

- Why social value is no longer a “nice-to-have”
- What it really means to lead with purpose
- How courageous, people-focused leadership drives real change

Read the full article here 👇

https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/why-every-leader-must-be-a-change-maker

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