School helps entrepreneurs ride the wave

Business leaders from the Young Presidents’ Organization, a global network connecting successful, young CEOs, are among the world’s best at growing their businesses after attending London Business School’s “Growing Your Business” executive programme.

Even during the difficult economic year that was 2010, more than half the participants grew their businesses in excess of 10% over the prior year. 35 delegates have now attended five or more programmes and been awarded alumni status.

As the business climate improved during 2011 and 2012, they were adept at riding the wave, with the number growing their business between 10 and 30% increasing by more than a quarter over 2011.

Professor John Mullins, who directs the programme each year for London Business School, notes that: “This intensive five day experience is a win-win for both sides. The Young Presidents’ Organization members return home with new tools and new frameworks for growing their businesses even faster, and we faculty come away with material for new case studies and new insights into the day-to-day challenges that entrepreneurs face.”

Founded in 1950 in New York City by a young president named Ray Hickok, the Young Presidents’ Organization unites approximately 20,000 business leaders in more than 120 countries to share education and exchange ideas for successful leadership. To join the organization, members must be under the age of 45. Upon turning 50, members can transition into the World Presidents’ Organization.

Speaking over the weekend at a gala dinner at the Natural History Museum to mark the tenth anniversary of the School’s Young Presidents’ programme, Dean, Professor Sir Andrew Likierman, said: “Ten years ago we delivered our first ‘Growing Your Business’ programme for the Young Presidents’ Organization. It has been growing in popularity ever since. We are extremely proud of our association with the Young Presidents’ Organization, which continues to help ambitious entrepreneurs face business challenges with strategic confidence and creativity.”

The bespoke education programme designed and delivered by London Business School faculty provides the opportunity for members of different industries to review each other’s business models. Seminars focus on five case studies representing business critical issues for real companies.

Since its foundation in 2003, the programme has attracted almost 400 participants worldwide with many coming from Asia, the US and the Middle East. The current programme cost is £3,300.