Tag: 3BL

New Holland, a brand of CNH, recently welcomed partners from the academic and farming communities, as well as select agricultural media, at its Model Farm at Nakhon Sawan College of Agriculture and Technology (NSCAT) to showcase its strong commitment to empowering farmers in Thailand.

Expected to be fully developed in 2025, the 45-hectare Model Farm will feature advanced New Holland machinery and precision technology. It will serve as a practical training facility for the college students, a testing and demonstration hub for New Holland customers, as well as a learning centre for the agriculture community.

Mark Brinn, Managing Director for Southeast Asia and Japan at CNH, said, “In partnership with NSCAT, we’re building a farm where anyone can experience great iron and great technology in action. This investment exemplifies our unwavering support to today’s and tomorrow’s farmers.”

New Holland has been supporting generations of farmers for over 125 years with advanced technologies, tailored solutions, and services designed to enhance productivity and sustainability in agriculture.

“We listen closely to what our farmer communities need and expect. With the Model Farm, we can showcase our latest machinery and precision technologies in a real-world setting, helping us better understand their needs and tailor solutions to meet their requirements,” Mr. Brinn added.

During the visit, guests witnessed the donation of a New Holland TT2.50 tractor with a rotavator, a TT4.65 tractor, along with shirts and safety boots to NSCAT. This equipment will provide hands-on training for over 100 students, giving them a safe and practical experience.

In partnership with NSCAT, New Holland has committed to establishing a technical training center on campus and providing practical demonstrations and instructional materials for the students. New Holland is also collaborating with the College to develop curriculum standards, offer both short vocational courses and comprehensive training programs, and provide resources that support various crop cultivation projects.

Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite holiday. Sure, I love the food and the people, but it’s about more than that. Whether we’re spending time with family, reaching out to an old friend, or reflecting on what we’re thankful for, it’s a chance to focus on who and what bring meaning to our lives. That’s connection.

At T-Mobile, we’ve made it our mission to be the best in the world at connecting customers to their world. But during the holidays, I think a lot about a different kind of connection — the kind you can’t get from technology alone.

Even in this digital era, nothing compares to the magic of face-to-face moments. Science proves it. Research published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience shows that making eye contact and being fully present lights up parts of the brain tied to empathy and understanding — something no device or app can quite replicate.

Still, we live in a world dominated by screens and endless notifications. As The New York Times recently pointed out, tech can sometimes amplify loneliness instead of curing it. One in two adults reports feeling lonely, even as we’re more digitally connected than ever. That paradox is real: The very tools meant to bring us closer can, if we’re not careful, leave us feeling more distant.

That’s why this season is so important. We should be pausing to ask ourselves: Are we really soaking in what matters most? Technology has its place (believe me, I’m a huge fan!), but the holidays remind us to step back and prioritize the people in our lives.

Think about the last time you were in a room full of people, sitting around a long table or celebrating at a wedding. Were you really there? Or were you half in the moment and half checking your phone? So, I’m challenging myself — and all of us — to do better. To put the phone down, even just for a little while, and see what we notice. To observe how much we miss when we’re endlessly scrolling instead of connecting with the faces in front of us. The warmth of a real conversation or the energy of a shared laugh — that’s the stuff we’ll actually remember, not the notifications.

Of course, technology can enhance these experiences. It helps us stay in touch, preserve memories and plan trips (hello, T-Mobile travel benefits). That’s why, at T-Mobile, connection is more than the largest and fastest 5G network. It’s about creating opportunities for people to feel closer to what’s truly meaningful. This belief drives everything we do.

Because the times we cherish most happen beyond our devices. The digital age has fueled a deeper desire for human connection. The things we crave — understanding, empathy and presence — come from looking up from our screens once in a while and into the eyes of the people we care about. And when we dial up the gratitude, we learn to use the tech we rely on to strengthen those relationships.

Here’s my wish for all of us this holiday season: Let’s pay attention to what we pay attention to. Swap a story or two. Raise a glass with friends. When we do, we’ll rediscover what makes life fulfilling: shared laughter, feeling heard, and the unmatched joy of human connection — online and off.

For over three decades, our Gas Operations team, along with dedicated retired employees, has been making a significant impact on our community by raising funds to provide turkeys for local beneficiaries in time for Thanksgiving. This year, we proudly continued this cherished tradition.

Through creative fundraising events, such as a pie-throwing contest and dunk tank, our Gas team successfully gathered resources to support those in need. Our efforts resulted in 360 turkeys and 148 Cornish hens donated to 14 agencies, including senior centers, local churches and community centers. We ensured donations were delivered in advance of Thanksgiving, creating a meaningful impact in our community.

Cummins

by Cummins Inc., Global Power Technology Leader

Marina Savelli joined Cummins Inc. three decades ago, starting her career in finance. She recently began her latest role as Vice President of the Engine Business Off-Highway Markets, where she leads our operations for industrial segments such as construction, agriculture, defense, and more. Marina’s vision and experience have been instrumental in helping drive Cummins’ growth and success over the past thirty years.

Born and raised in Brazil, her Hispanic heritage influences how she approaches work and life at Cummins. Marina’s cultural roots enhance her interactions and leadership style and provide her with unique perspectives in business and with people.

 “Being a Hispanic leader is an honor and a responsibility.  I have employees looking up at me, and I want to make sure I provide the best leadership I can, and that I can also be a diverse voice from the Hispanic community for Cummins’ leadership,” she says.

Marina reflects with gratitude on her different roles, having moved around the world and worked across different functions.  Marina’s deep connection to Hispanic culture has also been helpful in her roles across Latin America.  One of her proudest achievements was leading Filtration Latin America in Brazil.

In three years, she doubled the company size and added a second shift to the plant. “Being back in my native country, creating jobs, and helping people prosper was very special.” Each experience, whether dealing with growth or navigating difficulties, has shaped her into a resilient and effective leader. Marina emphasizes that overcoming obstacles and learning from every role are crucial for career development. “I believe delivering on your current roles is the best way to build your career,” she says.

Marina values Cummins’ supportive environment. When asked how she would describe the Cummins culture to her friends and family her response was, “Above all, we care.  We care about the employees, the environment, the customers and each other.  We do what is right.  We have incredible capabilities, and we translate that into great products and services to power the success of our customers.”

She notes that Cummins’ core values of integrity, diversity and teamwork resonate deeply with her own cultural values, contributing to a workplace where everyone can thrive. She enjoys seeing our company’s leaders embracing different cultures when they are traveling – like CEO Jen Rumsey wearing a Brazilian soccer jersey at our last Cummins town hall. She also mentions how Cummins  encourages and supports Employee Resource Groups, like Organized Group of Latino Affinity (GOAL), which provide valuable networking opportunities and a sense of community.

For Marina, Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time to honor and explore Hispanic culture. Her active involvement in the Latino community over the years has deepened her appreciation and joy in celebrating the rich tapestry of Hispanic cultures. Marina’s advice for Hispanic professionals aiming for a career at Cummins is straightforward, yet powerful: deliver on your job, be curious, seek help, and get involved. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and networking, which can significantly enhance career growth and personal fulfillment. “There is a lot of expertise out there, people love to share their expertise, and it is a great way to meet people and network.”

Looking ahead, Marina hopes to see continued growth in the Hispanic employee population and an increase in Hispanic leaders within Cummins. She’s passionate about a future where the Hispanic community’s contributions are recognized and valued, further enriching Cummins’ diverse and inclusive culture.

Marina’s story is a powerful example of how heritage, dedication and leadership converge to make a significant impact. Her journey is a source of inspiration, exemplifying the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines Cummins.

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

Cummins

by Cummins Inc., Global Power Technology Leader

Marina Savelli joined Cummins Inc. three decades ago, starting her career in finance. She recently began her latest role as Vice President of the Engine Business Off-Highway Markets, where she leads our operations for industrial segments such as construction, agriculture, defense, and more. Marina’s vision and experience have been instrumental in helping drive Cummins’ growth and success over the past thirty years.

Born and raised in Brazil, her Hispanic heritage influences how she approaches work and life at Cummins. Marina’s cultural roots enhance her interactions and leadership style and provide her with unique perspectives in business and with people.

 “Being a Hispanic leader is an honor and a responsibility.  I have employees looking up at me, and I want to make sure I provide the best leadership I can, and that I can also be a diverse voice from the Hispanic community for Cummins’ leadership,” she says.

Marina reflects with gratitude on her different roles, having moved around the world and worked across different functions.  Marina’s deep connection to Hispanic culture has also been helpful in her roles across Latin America.  One of her proudest achievements was leading Filtration Latin America in Brazil.

In three years, she doubled the company size and added a second shift to the plant. “Being back in my native country, creating jobs, and helping people prosper was very special.” Each experience, whether dealing with growth or navigating difficulties, has shaped her into a resilient and effective leader. Marina emphasizes that overcoming obstacles and learning from every role are crucial for career development. “I believe delivering on your current roles is the best way to build your career,” she says.

Marina values Cummins’ supportive environment. When asked how she would describe the Cummins culture to her friends and family her response was, “Above all, we care.  We care about the employees, the environment, the customers and each other.  We do what is right.  We have incredible capabilities, and we translate that into great products and services to power the success of our customers.”

She notes that Cummins’ core values of integrity, diversity and teamwork resonate deeply with her own cultural values, contributing to a workplace where everyone can thrive. She enjoys seeing our company’s leaders embracing different cultures when they are traveling – like CEO Jen Rumsey wearing a Brazilian soccer jersey at our last Cummins town hall. She also mentions how Cummins  encourages and supports Employee Resource Groups, like Organized Group of Latino Affinity (GOAL), which provide valuable networking opportunities and a sense of community.

For Marina, Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time to honor and explore Hispanic culture. Her active involvement in the Latino community over the years has deepened her appreciation and joy in celebrating the rich tapestry of Hispanic cultures. Marina’s advice for Hispanic professionals aiming for a career at Cummins is straightforward, yet powerful: deliver on your job, be curious, seek help, and get involved. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and networking, which can significantly enhance career growth and personal fulfillment. “There is a lot of expertise out there, people love to share their expertise, and it is a great way to meet people and network.”

Looking ahead, Marina hopes to see continued growth in the Hispanic employee population and an increase in Hispanic leaders within Cummins. She’s passionate about a future where the Hispanic community’s contributions are recognized and valued, further enriching Cummins’ diverse and inclusive culture.

Marina’s story is a powerful example of how heritage, dedication and leadership converge to make a significant impact. Her journey is a source of inspiration, exemplifying the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines Cummins.

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

Like the entire telecommunications industry, T-Mobile has been closely monitoring ongoing reports about a series of highly coordinated cyberattacks by bad actors known as “Salt Typhoon” that are reported to be linked to Chinese state-sponsored operations. Many reports claim these bad actors have gained access to some providers’ customer information over an extended period of time – phone calls, text messages, and other sensitive information, particularly from government officials. This is not the case at T-Mobile. To clear up some misleading media reports, here is what we’re currently seeing, much of which we believe is different from what is being seen by other providers.

Within the last few weeks, we detected attempts to infiltrate our systems by bad actors. This originated from a wireline provider’s network that was connected to ours.We see no instances of prior attempts like this.Our defenses protected our sensitive customer information, prevented any disruption of our services, and stopped the attack from advancing. Bad actors had no access to sensitive customer data (including calls, voicemails or texts).We quickly severed connectivity to the provider’s network as we believe it was – and may still be – compromised.We do not see these or other attackers in our systems at this time.We cannot definitively identify the attacker’s identity, whether Salt Typhoon or another similar group, but we have reported our findings to the government for assessment.

Simply put, our defenses worked as designed – from our layered network design to robust monitoring and partnerships with third-party cyber security experts and a prompt response – to prevent the attackers from advancing and, importantly, stopped them from accessing sensitive customer information. Other providers may be seeing different outcomes.

We have shared what we’ve learned with industry and government leaders as we collectively work to combat these large-scale, sophisticated national threats. Last week, I had the opportunity to join a meeting at the White House with other leaders to discuss how we’re mitigating these threats. As we all have a mutual goal to protect American consumers, we felt it was important to communicate more about what we’ve seen with providers who may still be fighting these adversaries.

Prevention of Cyber Attacks

No system is immune to cybersecurity attacks. Technology companies and wireless providers like ours experience hundreds and sometimes thousands of attempted attacks of various degrees every day, so my team and I must stay vigilant. We work each day to stay ahead of what’s to come, constantly adjusting our approach as bad actors adjust theirs.

Following some incidents we experienced a few years back, we set out to undertake a cybersecurity major transformation, making a massive investment in our program and focusing on enhancing four key areas:

Layered defenses that more effectively deter attacks, essentially a series of gates that are increasingly difficult to passProactive and more robust monitoring to detect unusual activityRapid response capabilities to quickly shut down activity and mitigate impactConstant vigilance to stay ahead of evolving threats, promptly detect suspicious activity, and rapidly respond

As we know that attackers will not stop and neither will we, so we’ve gone even further, investing in new enhancements and bolstering measures we already had in place such as:

MFA or multi-factor authentication for our entire workforce; requiring FIDO2 (external devices that enable passwordless logins) where possible. MFA requires users to provide multiple forms of verification to access an account, helping prevent unauthorized access through phishing.Separation of our systems and networks to hinder a bad actor’s ability to move beyond the initial system that they may have compromised.Comprehensive logging and monitoring to rapidly alarm on and track unauthorized activity.Accelerated patching and hardening of systems to address any security vulnerabilities.More security tools to ensure laptops, servers, and network devices are connecting to approved trusted sourcesConstant testing of our systems and advanced attacker simulations to identify security weaknesses, and offering rewards for finding potential security vulnerabilities in our systems

Also, it’s important to mention that T-Mobile’s modern and advanced telecommunications infrastructure provides additional security advantages. Our wireless network built on standalone 5G technology offers advanced device authentication, enhanced encryption, and improved privacy protections. It tends to be newer and has more security capabilities versus older 4G systems. (You can check out more on the benefits of 5G standalone technology here.) Additionally, T-Mobile has minimal operations in wireline networks (e.g., cable, copper, or bulk fiber) and provides service almost exclusively within the U.S. This simplifies the management and security of our systems. Our consumer fiber offerings are also separate isolated networks from our wireless network infrastructure.

These are just a few examples of what we’re building and supporting but our work is never done. Cybersecurity is a journey not a destination.

Our Commitment

As an industry and country, we are now seeing activity from the most sophisticated cyber criminals we’ve ever faced, and as such, we can’t make any promises with absolute certainty. But I can tell you that our commitment to our customers is clear: T-Mobile will work tirelessly to keep customer information secure, safeguarding our network, responding swiftly to threats, and investing in security. We are humbled by the trust our customers place in us, and we do not take this responsibility lightly.

SEATTLE, October 27, 2024 /3BL/ – At Lenovo Tech World ’24, global technology leader Lenovo and the Scott-Morgan Foundation (SMF), a non-profit pioneering innovative assistive tech, revealed an AI-powered solution for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other severe disabilities. The new, scalable tech reveals new possibilities for applying generative AI to accessibility challenges and further advances a shared vision of delivering Smarter AI for all.

The integrated solution combines a circular keyboard interface designed by SMF and built by Lenovo, predictive AI from Lenovo, personalized AI voice replicas from ElevenLabs, hyper-realistic avatars from D-ID, and eye-tracking tech from IrisBond to provide fast, accurate, and personal communication.

The proof of concept, now in active testing with SMF’s community of people with ALS and leading clinicians, builds on years of collaboration between SMF and Lenovo to reimagine and scale assistive technology. Focusing on ALS, a neurodegenerative disorder that typically leads to full-body paralysis, inspires solutions that benefit countless other diseases and disabilities.

Lenovo Tech World opened with a story of a father recently diagnosed with ALS using the technology to tell stories and sing lullabies to his two young children in his own voice.

“This is Smarter AI for All: applying transformative technologies to the most pressing human challenges,” said Linda Yao, Vice President of AI Solutions and Services at Lenovo. “With compassionate partners like the Scott-Morgan Foundation and a bold vision to bring AI to everyone, we are using our AI expertise and portfolio to show how bright the future can be.”

The collaboration emerged from the SMF mission to break down barriers between technologies and democratize life-changing solutions that ensure a universal right to thrive.

“We live in a world where over half a billion people are silenced, not by choice, but by disability,” said LaVonne Roberts, Executive Director of SMF. “Imagine a world where even the most severely disabled individuals can fully express themselves, where cutting-edge technology gives voice to the voiceless. We’re not just imagining this world—we’re building it together with Lenovo. With over 500 million people worldwide grappling with muscular or neurological conditions, our work has the potential to impact lives on a massive scale.”

Live at Lenovo Tech World

Erin Taylor, a disability advocate and botany enthusiast with ALS, used the technology to introduce herself and then welcome Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang to the stage at Tech World.

“I find renewed strength and hope when I see what is possible through technology, especially with the latest advances in AI,” said Erin, who shares her experiences and perspective with a rapidly growing social media audience. “Speaking with my voice as it sounded pre-diagnosis is incredible, of course, but what excites me most is participating in the development of smarter technology for others.”

Erin also helped demo the technology on the show floor and continues to offer key feedback to the development team.

Building on early designs first unveiled at CES 2024, Lenovo spearheaded the development of a fully functional, fully integrated prototype.

“We prioritized human-centric design and leveraged our expertise in innovative user experiences,” said Lenovo UX prototyper Daniel Pollock, who led the interface development. “It’s an absolute privilege to contribute and collaborate on this project and incorporate such powerful AI technology.”

Building a consortium of AI innovation

Traditional voice banking is an arduous process, often limited by the vocal deterioration that can emerge as an early symptom of ALS. Past models also suffered from a clear lack of emotional expressiveness, limited to robotic cadences and unnatural rhythms—but AI has changed all that. Now, limited audio samples, even of poor quality, can generate a compelling, on-demand AI voice.

“Over the past year, we’ve been deeply inspired by individuals reclaiming their voices despite all the challenges, and we’re grateful for the chance to play a small part in that process,” said Mati Staniszewski, CEO of ElevenLabs. “Now, with the incredible support of the Scott-Morgan Foundation, we’re taking these efforts to the next level. We’re proud to help remove communication barriers and empower people.”

That customized voice feeds directly into the avatar technology from D-ID. Again, scalability and ease are a priority with assistive tech, and D-ID is able to generate lifelike avatars from still photos or very limited video.

“This powerful technology is so often used for business or entertainment—which of course we love to see and support—but promoting social good is where we see it make a lifechanging impact. D-ID has a long track record of leveraging its technology to help worthy causes such as combatting domestic violence, raising awareness of sex trafficking, and numerous education and advocacy efforts,” said Gil Perry, co-founder and CEO of D-ID. “Working with this collaboration perfectly fits our strategy of using AI to make the world better and more connected.”

The complete solution currently runs on Lenovo’s ThinkPad x12 detachable PC, which offers an ideal union of power and portability. The detachable form factor helps the device mount readily on a variety of surfaces—from kitchen tables to wheelchairs—and integrate IrisBond’s eye-tracking hardware and software. Here, IrisBond used their Hiru camera, which works across platforms and under different conditions to precisely track eye movement. Lenovo is also developing more personalized AI models to facilitate communication.

“We’ve been working with SMF for a few years to help disrupt the assistive tech landscape and give people greater agency and independence,” said Eduardo Jauregui Torrecilla, CEO of IrisBond. “We have a history of hands-on support and development for people with ALS, cerebral palsy, and countless conditions where the eye is our greatest tool to communicate—and AI is transforming what’s possible in extraordinary ways.”

The Scott-Morgan Foundation will work directly with clinicians, technologists, and people with ALS to further refine and test the technology.

This solution was one of the dreams of visionary roboticist Dr. Peter Scott-Morgan, who passed in 2022. At the time, rendering an avatar or speaking with a banked voice was time-consuming, expensive, resource-intensive, and far less expressive and accurate than what’s possible with generative AI.

“The technology has leapt forward immeasurably in just the past two years, driven by AI,” said Andrew Morgan, CEO of the Scott-Morgan Foundation. “We have always believed that AI is the gateway for a revolution in assistive technology, but we need to bang the drum and advocate for these solutions—to give a voice to those who need it most and include them in the process. We are still in uncharted territory, and I can’t wait to see what solutions we pioneer and democratize next.”

Albertsons Companies’ Mid-Atlantic team and CPG partners came together to give Greater Goods, a food pantry by Sunday Love Project in Philadelphia, an incredible makeover. Nearly 20 associates joined forces to install new grocery fixtures, stock shelves, clean, decorate and more to resemble a grocery store where clients can shop with dignity.

See original post on Instagram and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

Originally published by Nation’s Restaurant News

The inaugural recipient of the Ted Balestreri Leadership Accelerator Award is James Fripp, Chief Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer for YUM! Brands, Inc. James was recently recognized at the 2024 Prosper Forum on August 26th in Amelia Island, FL, for his exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing equity and inclusion across the industry.

Continue reading here.

Feature by Alexandra van der Ploeg

After 14 years of championing social entrepreneurship and social innovation, we’ve learned a few things. But one stands out above the rest: ecosystem development is everything. So why are so few investing in it?

It’s easy to pour funds into the next big idea, but without a robust ecosystem to support these innovations even the most groundbreaking social enterprises struggle to scale their impact. That’s why at SAP we’re putting our money where others won’t – into unrestricted funding for organizations such as the Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship, Catalyst2030, or the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF). These organizations are the backbone of social innovation yet often operate on shoestring budgets and tight resources. It’s high time we all recognize that building ecosystems isn’t an overhead, but essential infrastructure.

Ecosystem development isn’t just another way of funding organizations. Think of it as creating interconnected pathways that enable social enterprises to thrive. Over the years, we’ve discovered three critical areas where focused efforts can make a transformative difference: integrating social enterprises into supply chains, fostering radical collaboration, and empowering social entrepreneurs worldwide, especially the next generation.

Integration into Supply Chains: A Game Changer and the Biggest Lever

Integrating social enterprises into mainstream supply chains is our biggest lever. Through SAP Business Network, SAP runs the world’s largest B2B marketplace, where more than US$5.3 trillion in annual commerce is transacted across 190 countries. If SAP can help its customers shift a small percentage of that spending to impact business suppliers, we can create a significant financial investment in sustainable development.

As of November 2023, SAP Business Network recognizes verified social enterprises, and in less than a year the number of verified social enterprises on SAP Business Network has surged from 1,200 to over 4,400. Beyond the numbers, this growth is about creating real opportunities for businesses that prioritize social and environmental impact. By enabling these enterprises to identify themselves as potential sellers, we provide them with access to B2B opportunities, allowing them to scale their operations and increase their influence on global supply chains. In addition, we support a unified standard for social enterprises called the “People and Planet First Verification” in partnership with the Social Enterprise World Forum, which reaches social enterprise suppliers in more than 120 countries.

Frankly, this is not an altruistic move, but fulfills the cliché of a win-win situation. We’ve learned that by opening doors for impact-driven businesses to compete on a level playing field, we’re enriching the entire supply chain with innovation, sustainability, and social value. To help prepare markets for these kinds of trading relationships, we are hosting social procurement roundtables in multi-stakeholder settings and are also integrating social procurement into more customer-facing events and campaigns, helping to ensure our customers have the tools and resources to prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.

Ultimately, when social enterprises succeed, we all win. Integrating them into supply chains transforms their businesses and ours, fundamentally changing the procurement system.

The Urgent Need for Radical Collaboration

Integrating social enterprises into supply chains is just one piece of the puzzle. Today, offerings to social enterprises are too fragmented. Non-profits, private sector initiatives, and governmental programs often operate in silos, duplicating efforts and diluting impact. Radical collaboration is something that’s needed on all ends.

That’s why, for example, we collaborate with Unilever, EY, and MovingWorlds to run the TRANSFORM Support Hub – an on-demand acceleration platform that provides personalized guidance, access to consultants, mentors, and coaches, and introductions to sales and partnership opportunities. We’re collecting and summarizing the offerings, breaking down barriers, and creating a location for unified support.

Just last year, 120 SAP employees completed 51 projects via the TRANSFORM Support Hub, providing pro-bono consulting to social enterprises and generating an in-kind contribution of $458,835. One of these employees was David Elliott, a senior user assistance developer who collaborated with Faces Up Uganda, a youth development NGO that uses arts and crafts education to help young people overcome psychosocial challenges and develop essential personal and professional skills. He leveraged his expertise to review the organization’s website and strategic plan, enhancing the communication of its vision, mission, and values, and wrote grant applications to help secure funding.

But collaboration must go beyond platforms. It requires a collective shift in mindset. It’s time we stop asking, “What new thing can I create?” and start asking “What can we achieve together?” and “What is already out there?”

To sum it up with a fact: 70.6% of young social entrepreneurs believe access to relevant global connections is critical to their work while 94.1% believe increasing collaboration with other organizations is important. So, corporations should start to open their networks and resources to connect industry experts with social entrepreneurs to foster the entire social innovation ecosystem.

Empowering the Next Generation of Social Entrepreneurs

While we are already talking about young social entrepreneurs, let’s not overlook them, as they are the future of this movement. They face unique barriers – limited access to funding, mentorship, and networks – that can stifle their potential before it even takes root.

We’re investing in programs that provide tailored support to young innovators. Through mentorship opportunities, capacity-building workshops, and access to our global networks, we’re leveling the playing field. Collaborations with organizations like Social Impact Award, We Are Family Foundation, and initiatives like Africa Forward can ensure that the next generation doesn’t just have a seat at the table, but is helping to set the agenda.

Let’s talk about Africa Forward, a critical step in our strategy to empower the next generation of African social entrepreneurs. Co-created by African members of Catalyst2030, this initiative is designed to advance progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and address the continent’s most pressing challenges through a partnership-driven approach.

This is about investing in long-term solutions by building a Pan-African data platform, promoting policy reform, and facilitating leadership training. Africa Forward is helping to create an ecosystem where social businesses can thrive. The goal is to enable a new wave of innovators, giving them the tools and opportunities they need to scale their impact. By focusing on capacity-building, youth training, and financial development, we’re laying a foundation for lasting change in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A Call to Action

So, after 14 years, what’s our biggest takeaway? Real change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we invest in the connective tissue – the ecosystems – that empower social enterprises to scale and succeed. I’m challenging corporations, investors, and policymakers to rethink their approach. Don’t just fund the next shiny project; invest in the infrastructure that supports them all.

Why are so few willing to invest in ecosystem development? Perhaps it’s not as immediately gratifying as funding a new app or launching a big campaign to reach a big number of people. But if we truly want to tackle systemic issues – poverty, inequality, climate change – we need to dig deeper. We need to build the foundations that allow solutions to grow sustainably.

We’d like to invite you to join us. Let’s pool our resources, break down the silos, and build an ecosystem that accelerates social impact on a global scale. Together, we can transform not just businesses but entire industries.

So, here’s the question: Are you ready to invest where it counts? Are you ready to invest in social entrepreneurship ecosystems?