Vikram Jetley, COO (North) recently attended the Advanced Leadership Program held by Women's World Banking (WWB) Center for Microfinance Leadership and the Aresty Institute of Executive Education at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
The workshop hosted 25 microfinance leaders from 15 countries, to share best practices and learn the latest leadership strategies for guiding microfinance institutions in a challenging global economic landscape. The WWB Advanced Leadership Program was a unique opportunity for microfinance leaders to reflect on the state of the industry and leverage shared experience to respond to the dynamic conditions of the microfinance environment.
Reflecting current industry challenges, the major theme of this year's program was innovation, with an emphasis on practical, actionable tools for MFIs. “Historically, much of microfinance's development impact has been derived from its focus on women. The underlying conviction is that innovative products and services can help organizations reach more low-income women”, said Vikram Jetley.
"Microfinance managers face a rapidly evolving market. This Program by Wharton and WWB helps us learn from one another and strengthen leadership for challenges ahead” he added.
The five-day program, held January 16-21, covered issues such as Tools for Customer-centric Innovation, Customer-centric Product Design, Negotiations, Succession Planning and Organizational Development, Strategic Alignment of Mission and Growth, and Leading the Enterprise. Classes were led by Wharton faculty as well as other experts. Designed to maximize action learning, the program encouraged hands-on problem solving among diverse teams.
Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of WWB, said, "Innovation in the products institutions offer, such as savings and insurance, and in the way in which these are designed and marketed to women is essential if microfinance institutions are to continue to deliver on their social mission."
Through networking and structured learning, program participants came away with greater awareness of leadership qualities as well as tools for effecting change at both the personal and institutional level.
“The Advanced Leadership Program was a great opportunity to share our challenges and successes and work through innovative solutions based on our collective experience", says Vikram Jetley.
