4 Countries x 4 Months each x 4 Different jobs = The trip of a lifetime
Value Proposition
The objective for my "year-of learning" is to have an unforgettably transformative experience that clarifies the next step needed to harness my skills for social impact beyond just the health sector. In short, to help me figure out what I want to BE next when I grow up while going on a grand, mind-expanding adventure.
Each of the organizations that host me will teach me something new and in turn, they get the benefit of my skills and expertise... at a substantial discount. It's a win-win-win.
Each of the organizations that host me will teach me something new and in turn, they get the benefit of my skills and expertise... at a substantial discount. It's a win-win-win.
Here are some of the learning edges that I'm hoping to explore in the range of experiences during this year-of-learning:
- Strengthen my business acumen (having spent much time in the public and not-for-profit sectors this is lens is applied sparingly!)
- Learn how organizations are actually living out "triple bottom line" instead of just talking about it
- Increase proficiency in design-thinking methodologies by working with organizations with different levels of adoption and in-house expertise
- Play in innovative space (see above note about working in public sector... it's not known for being progressive!)
- Learn more about team coaching and leadership development in different sectors/industries and cultures
Soul Sabbatical Guidelines
Aside from assuring opportunities were grounded in mutual learning, I generated a few simple rules to decide between wonderful mid-career internships:
- The internships must be cost-neutral.
- Only two of the four internships can be in Europe. There is still so much of the world for me to see.
- Only two of the four internships can be in English-speaking countries. Yes, I will have to work in English but I want the cross-cultural experience.
FAQs
Why not just be a consultant? This was an intentional choice. Sure, I could have just parachuted into organization for a short-term projects to make money to fund my year of travel. But the goal is more that just traveling. Not to sound to academic about this, but over time I realized that I want to take an almost anthropological approach and imbed myself in organizations to learn more about different organizational cultures and leadership styles. By working with organizations who are interested in what I can offer, share a similar philosophy about making a positive contribution, my hope is that we both gain something in the process. Who knows what you could learn from working alongside professionals who’ve been developed and trained in a different way to you!? As the beloved scientist Bill Nye says, everyone knows something you don't know!
Where do I want to go? Without fail, this first question people ask me. Instead of starting with where, I'm adopting an Open Space inspired guideline which assumes that the "right opportunities" will emerge, realizing that if I pre-determine where I go based on places I want to go, I'll miss great and unexpected learning opportunities. So instead, I'll follow interesting connections and emergent conversations to build my soul sabbatical as I go. So at this point the best answer to this question is: wherever the wind blows.
What do I mean by 'mid-career internship'? Unlike an early-career internship, I don't intend on stuffing envelops or getting my boss coffee (crazy, I know!). I'm looking for professional opportunities with organizations who share my interest in experiential learning that use my skills in organizational development and community engagement.
What does cost-neutral mean to you? For me, cost-neutral means that the organization will cover housing, food, transit, cell phone and some small amount for fitness and fun. While I don’t want money to get in the way of a great learning experience but I don’t want to jeopardize my long-term financial well-being either. As for my contribution, I will arrange for my work visa, travel and medical insurance, flights between countries. I will also some of savings for 'fun money’ so that I explore on the weekends and make the most of my time in each country! I think the shared cost of the expenses creates some shared accountability to make the experience valuable for both the organization and myself.
What does cost-neutral mean to you? For me, cost-neutral means that the organization will cover housing, food, transit, cell phone and some small amount for fitness and fun. While I don’t want money to get in the way of a great learning experience but I don’t want to jeopardize my long-term financial well-being either. As for my contribution, I will arrange for my work visa, travel and medical insurance, flights between countries. I will also some of savings for 'fun money’ so that I explore on the weekends and make the most of my time in each country! I think the shared cost of the expenses creates some shared accountability to make the experience valuable for both the organization and myself.