In collaboration with RSM Executive Education, this 100-day challenge aims to spread social intrapreneurship, to broaden the reach of organisations creating impact from within. Often dubbed ‘intrapreneurs’, the challenge aims to facilitate participants in designing their own model for impact and successfully engage others. The challenge consists of two live events, a 100-day online programme and multiple peer review sessions. The content aims to equip professionals across all sectors to develop a financially sound business case based on their initial idea, and concretise and implement it during or after the challenge.
Build a good case
Among the speakers of the first get-together was innovation expert Ling Ling Phung, who shared a wealth of experience from having been an intrapreneur at Unilever. She acknowledged the hurdles that come with introducing a new idea, and stressed the importance of leveraging resources and building a business case that aligns with company objectives. This often helps when pitching the idea to those slightly more sceptical or reluctant to see changes.
Money talks
She said it is important to be aware of the key stakeholders. “Who in the end can ’make or break’ your idea?” she asked, and added that even if people have gained 100 supporters, but if none of them have a say in whether or not the initiative will happen, the efforts could be in vain. So instead, focus on getting to know – and winning the support of – key decision-makers about the initiative.
RSM’s Thijs Geradts also discussed the challenges of social intrapreneurship. In between talks, participants broke out into groups to identify the value of their project to their organisation’s purpose, to people and society.
Keep swimming
Speakers emphasised that tides might get rough when pitching your business case to static parts of the organisation or when you hit a road block, but encouraged participants to keep going. While it is important to spend time reflecting on ideas, plans and strategies, they advised not to get stuck in the process by questioning whether your plan will succeed or fail.
Sustainable development goals
RSM’s Professor Rob van Tulder discussed why a transition towards sustainable business is necessary by alluding to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. RSM uses these goals as a reference framework in its mission to be a force for positive change through its education, research and collaboration with business. Professors Jan van den Ende and Daan Stam who have a prominent role in the online platform, also shared some key insights, tips and expectations for this challenge.
One of the co-founders of Dutch comic figures Fokke & Sukke made live cartoons that were shared throughout the day to remind people to find humour and joy in serious moments.
The two participants with the most innovative ideas will receive a prize at the live final event of the NRC Live Challenge on Thursday 27 June 2019.
