『On the Brink with Andi Simon』のカバーアート

On the Brink with Andi Simon

On the Brink with Andi Simon

著者： Andi Simon
無料で聴く

このコンテンツについて

 On The Brink is a podcast where the goal is to help you better "see, feel and think" about your business, your job, your personal life and your purpose. There will be great interviews and conversations with people who are deeply involved in change—consultants, change agents, managers transforming their teams, entrepreneurs just starting out and CEOs running well-established companies. マネジメント マネジメント・リーダーシップ リーダーシップ 経済学
エピソード
  • Peace Through Business Webinar #2

    Peace Through Business Webinar #2
    2025/10/09
    Peace Through Business: How Women in Rwanda and Afghanistan Are Rebuilding Nations Through Entrepreneurship In this special episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I continue our series spotlighting Peace Through Business, a remarkable program empowering women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan, Rwanda, and beyond. The stories are profound, the impact undeniable, and the lessons universal: when women rise, entire nations begin to heal and prosper. As a corporate anthropologist and Blue Ocean Strategist, I want to remind us at the start: “When you invest in a woman entrepreneur, you invest in her family, her community, and her country’s future.” This conversation brings together Monica Smiley, publisher of Enterprising Women Magazine; Chantal Munanayire, Peace Through Business Program Director for Rwanda, Uganda, Canada, and the UK; and Manisha Wafeq, who leads the Afghanistan initiative. Each share not only how the program works but how it transforms lives — economically, socially, and spiritually. Creating Peace Through Business When Enterprising Women Foundation assumed stewardship of Peace Through Business in 2024, it became the natural extension of its mission to empower women globally. Monica Smiley explains that Enterprising Women began 25 years ago as a publication to celebrate women entrepreneurs but soon evolved into a global movement. “About 12 years ago,” she recalls, “we launched the Enterprising Women Foundation to mentor girls in underserved communities across 30 U.S. cities. Then, by inheriting the Peace Through Business program, we broadened our mission — from helping American women entrepreneurs to supporting women rebuilding countries after conflict.” Originally founded by Dr. Terry Neese at the request of former First Lady Laura Bush, the Peace Through Business program provides an intensive education in entrepreneurship, leadership, and civic responsibility. It began in Afghanistan, where women were often excluded from public life, and expanded into Rwanda, a country rebuilding its social and economic fabric after the 1994 genocide. Monica remembers traveling to Rwanda in 2014 and again in 2018. “The transformation in just four years was stunning,” she says. “There were new hotels, a thriving convention center, and a new sense of hope. Women who once dreamed of a single business now run two or three. They are not waiting to be rescued — they are building the future themselves.” Chantal’s Journey: From Survivor to Mentor Few embody that spirit more than Chantal Munanayire. A survivor of Rwanda’s genocide, Chantal rebuilt her life — and her country — one business at a time. In 2009, she broke barriers by opening the first woman-owned car repair and paint shop in Kigali, the capital city. “When I began, I didn’t even know what a business plan was,” she says with a laugh. “I was passionate but directionless. Through Peace Through Business, I learned to plan, to lead, and to see my company as separate from myself. That gave me freedom — and power.” Today, Chantal runs the program across several countries and has mentored hundreds of women. “The women who come to us are determined but often afraid,” she explains. “We teach them to turn that fear into focus. Once they succeed, they return to mentor others. That’s how we build a sisterhood.” She shares stories of women who began as small vendors and now own supermarkets, or dairy farmers who built shopping centers. “When one woman thrives, she brings ten others along,” Chantal says. “That’s how you build a country.” Education, Mentorship, and Advocacy Peace Through Business unfolds in three powerful stages: Education– Ten weeks of in-country classes covering marketing, finance, leadership, and business planning.Leadership Development– A cultural and professional exchange in the U.S., where top graduates attend the Enterprising Women Conference to meet mentors and global leaders.Pay It Forward– Graduates return home to mentor others, advocate for policy reform, and expand the reach of women in leadership. As Manisha Wafeq explains, “This is not a one-week seminar. It’s a life-changing journey. Our women become educators, activists, and community builders. They learn that business is not only about profit — it’s about peace. And after they graduate, they pay their knowledge forward to other women and join our alumni association.” A Call to Action: Supporting Women Who Change the World The episode closes with a powerful reflection from Monica and Andi: sustainable change requires participation. The program’s impact depends on mentorship, funding, and global awareness. “This is a Blue Ocean in action,” says Andi Simon. “These women are not competing in crowded markets. They’re creating new ones — new industries, new opportunities, new futures.” Monica adds, “We’ve given the Enterprising Women of the Year award to one Afghan ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    30 分
  • Peace Through Business Webinar #1: Afghanistan

    Peace Through Business Webinar #1: Afghanistan
    2025/09/30
    When it comes to peacebuilding, business might not be the first answer that springs to mind. But for almost two decades, the Peace Through Business program has proved empowering women entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to repair broken societies. This was the first webinar in a series of three aimed at introducing people to the program's roots in Afghanistan, the women whose lives were changed and how urgently this work needs continued support - and growth. From Vision to Reality The Peace Through Business program was started by Dr. Terry Neese nearly 20 years ago at the suggestion of First Lady Laura Bush. The aim was humble but audacious: to empower Afghan women to enter their country’s economic life, become business leaders and play a role in rebuilding a nation emerging from the darkness of Taliban rule. The public-private aspect of this from the very beginning made it different. This autonomy enabled the program to be flexible, creative and genuinely responsive to women. It also espoused a philosophy of paying it forward — the graduates were urged to not only expand their own businesses, but also to be advocates for others and create policies that would lift up other women across Afghanistan. Peace Through Business Program with Lasting Impact More than 900 Afghan women have been trained and mentored through Peace Through Business since 2007. These women are one of a kind trailblazers in every way. They have started Afghanistan’s first printing press owned by women, established women’s gyms to encourage health, ventured into logistics companies and forged a path into fields once thought inappropriate. One alum alone, for instance, sold her jewelry to fund a dried fruit-exporter dream. With the support of the program, she developed a business plan, figured out how to negotiate with international buyers and eventually, became one of the country’s top exporters — until Taliban control prompted her to shut down operations. Today, she is building again, with resilience and strength. Other graduates teamed up to form the country’s first Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This advocacy group turned into the Afghan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which helped influence national trade policy, procurement laws and industrial land allocation processes — to ensure that women business owners were included in plans for the future. These are not small wins. They embody seismic cultural changes in a country where women were once banished from public life. Persevering Amid Crisis This whole success story was upended on August 15, 2021, when the Taliban reconquered Afghanistan. Decades of advances for women were rolled back in a single day. Gender Apartheid Since then, more than 130 decrees have curtailed women’s rights, whatever those might be to a Muslim cleric in this type of Islamic state. But the women of Peace Through Business aren’t ready to quit. Many are now operating home-based businesses, needing little more than a smart phone to connect with trainers and mentors. Former college professors, nonprofit workers and government employees — now unable to practice their professions — are remaking themselves as entrepreneurs. Their steadfastness to create livelihoods for themselves and others is an act of resistance and hope. Training That Changes Lives At its essence, Peace Through Business is more than a workshop or a certificate program. It’s a meticulously planned learning trajectory. The participants acquire practical business skills — from writing business plans, to marketing and export. They are matched with mentors, often through virtual “e-mentoring,” enabling supporters from across the world to walk alongside them in their growth. Above all graduates take with them more than knowledge. They come away with a sisterhood —women committed to lifting one another. It’s this network that supports them through hard times and drives the ripple effect of change in their community. Why Now Matters--Why You Matter More Than Ever This year, more than 120 Afghan women applied for just 35 slots in the program. Demand is exponentially greater than supply at present. In a world where Afghanistan is fading from the headlines, never has the help been needed more. “There is no other program that rivals it,” Monica Smiley, publisher of Enterprising Women and president of the Enterprising Women Foundation said in a webinar, “No matter where you are or what your career is … if you really want to make a difference in this world — significant difference — I can’t think of a better example than the Peace Through Business program.” How You Can Help Afghan women are not seeking charity, they are asking for opportunity. And we can help provide it. With a contribution, you are providing support for training programs, mentoring and small grants that enable women to begin or rebuild businesses. When you volunteer as a mentor, you’re...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    34 分
  • Alan Gregerman: Small Steps, Big Changes and the Wisdom of Ignorance

    Alan Gregerman: Small Steps, Big Changes and the Wisdom of Ignorance
    2025/09/29
    On this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of speaking with Alan Gregerman, an internationally recognized authority on business strategy, innovation, and the hidden potential within all of us. Known as the “Robin Williams of Business Consulting,” Alan brings humor, humanity, and deep insight into how we can adapt, grow, and innovate in a world changing faster than ever before. I couldn't wait to share this podcast with you! My friend and innovation mentor, Alan Gregerman, joined me on On the Brink with Andi Simon for a stimulating conversation that digs into the interesting challenges facing all those who want to find their own best way of innovating. The "Robin Williams of Business Consulting," Alan injects humor, humanity, and leading-edge thinking into the brutal truth about how we need to adapt, change & innovate so now we win in a world changing faster than ever. Alan's latest book, "The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be a Catalyst for Innovation in an Uncertain World," reminds us that our lack of knowledge can be the source of the greatest discovery. During our conversation, we discussed his unique personal journey, his desire to help others reinvent themselves, and the most critical skills for all of us to cultivate to succeed in a world of disruptions. Curiosity Begins Early Alan revealed that his interest in other cultures began in early life. His mother, a specialist in world history, and one cherished gift — an atlas — prompted him never to stop learning and exploring. That early sense of curiosity would eventually form the basis of his career: to help businesses and individuals look beyond what they know, he tells them, to find new ideas in unexpected places. This investigative spirit has characterized his writing, from Lessons from the Sandbox (about reclaiming the creativity of childhood) to Surrounded by Geniuses (on how ordinary people and ideas can spur innovation) to The Necessity of Strangers (for why we must connect with people unlike ourselves). Now, with The Wisdom of Ignorance, he contends that expertise is not sufficient: we must develop the courage to say "I don't know" and use that humility to drive our future expos. Why Adults Resist Change A common refrain in our conversations was how hard it is to make a change. Alan reminded us that whereas 10% of people are quick to embrace new concepts, and another 10% resist vigorously, the rest of us tend to be somewhere in between. This resistance is not only cultural — it's neurological. Because our brains are wired to conserve energy, they will always prefer established habits over new things to learn. It's why Alan emphasized that innovation frequently demands creating small, quantifiable experiments. We can try ideas out incrementally rather than insisting on wholesale change overnight. These experiments help build confidence, reduce fear, and allow us to adjust more organically to the world as it changes. Watch our video of our podcast on YouTube. Wisdom of Ignorance Alan's methodology is based on what he dubs the six fundamental skills for flourishing in uncertain times. Central to them is purpose. Without something transformative and exciting enough to wake up for, innovation merely wanders around aimlessly. Clarity of purpose, whether it's in a for-profit or not-for-profit organization, is what leads to curiosity and experimentation, which begets growth. "When I speak with people at non-profits, one of the common themes you'll hear is a greater sense of purpose than businesses," Alan says that both sectors need to revisit and sharpen their "why constantly." "Best is a space that's kind of a moving target," as he put it. What works today is no guarantee of relevance tomorrow, and without purpose, even the greatest idea can lose its impact. The Six Essential Capabilities of an Innovative Organization Alan boiled it down to six related skills - all of which are the building blocks of his book and consulting practice: 1. Purposefulness – Commit to something worth doing that is meaningful. 2. Curiosity – Ask for inspiration and you will find it, remembering that behind most great ideas is the thinking of others. 3. Humility – Acknowledge we don't have all the answers, discovery starts with an open mind. 4. Respect – Respect everybody and everything, they are coming from somewhere unexpected. 5. Focus Forward – Peer into the future with a focus on newer trends, cultures, and ideas. 6. Paranoia: Stay aware of the fact that competitors and threats are always on your heels. These habits together prompt us to adopt what Santayana gleefully termed "enlightened ignorance" — a stance that appreciates not knowing as yet as the beginning rather than the end of knowledge. Lessons for Leaders As an anthropologist, Alan's take felt eerily familiar. We both believe that growth is often staring organizations in the face, disguised in plain sight — if only they can look beyond their ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    43 分
まだレビューはありません