In Bilbao, the 24 individuals who are part of the first cohort of the Acumen Fellows programme in Spain They were accompanied by the facilitators, among whom were Laura Ruiz (Acumen's Leadership Manager in Colombia) and Luis Aymá (professor at the Complutense University and member of the López Quintás Foundation), who were responsible for energising the meeting and conveying Acumen's leadership tools, mindsets and approaches (authentic voice, adaptive leadership, readings of good society, polarity management, and systems thinking).
A unique and transforming experience
For the facilitators, working with the group of fellows in this first seminar was a unique experience. In their own words, “they are people who have decided to dedicate their lives to social change, they are well-positioned to create that change, and they are on a journey to grow as leaders in service of that change. It is impossible to meet with this group of individuals and not be touched by their desire, their generosity, and their commitment.”.
But it's for the 24 chosen to be part of the Acumen fellows community that the experience was truly transformative. At the first in-person seminar, the fellows embarked on the adventure of self-reflection. They peeled back the different layers that make up each person's personality with humility and honesty. In the deepest layers lie the things that are hardest to see, the strengths and weaknesses that make us who we are, our ‘truth’. A truth, often invisible and ignored, that needs to be known and assimilated to embark on a true path of personal change and growth.
The meeting also served to generate and reinforce the sense of community that characterises the programme. The bonds of friendship and trust that today unite the members of the first cohort of fellows in Spain will enable them, over the coming months, to question themselves and grow as individuals and as leaders. The cohort's experience is what allows each person to find their ‘truth’ and build from there. Being in an environment of trust and feedback, among allies with a common purpose, will allow each member of the group to overcome obstacles and fears, bringing out the best version of themselves.
A new family for the fellows
Following the seminar, we asked them what it meant to them to be part of the Acumen Fellows Programme. Araceli Rodríguez, for example, has found in the programme “a new family that looks after you and accompanies you to achieve your dreams, with generosity, respect, and humility.” For Manuel Lencero, the word that defines Acumen's fellows programme is ‘brotherhood’. “This programme allows you to connect with like-minded individuals and create a unique space for debate and training that helps the group with their vision and you with your personal growth”. For Juan Barbed, the programme is “a hug, the safety net that catches you in that freefall we sometimes feel, helping you with generosity and humility to become one with your feelings and those of others.”
Due to the situation we are experiencing in Spain because of the COVID-19 crisis, for the coming weeks and months we will not be able to meet in person. We have had to postpone face-to-face seminars and adapt the programme's content to the circumstances. It hasn't been easy, but thanks to the programme and, above all, to the people who make it up, the difficulties go unnoticed. Today, despite the distance that separates us, we feel closer than ever and even more eager, if possible, to continue working together to bring about changes that will lead us to a better world.
We know that in Spain there are many people committed to leaving the world a better place than they found it and working to make it so. Are you one of them? Do you know someone who is? Click. here to learn more about the Acumen Fellows Programme.
