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From the Founding Director
Dear Friends of the Inspired Leadership Initiative,
It feels as though time has taken on a different character in this most unusual period. Most of us are traveling less, connecting with others in person sparingly and carefully, and working to find the silver lining in those things that are altered due to the continuing pandemic and the surfacing of injustices in the wake of the horrible killing of George Floyd in my hometown. What I have found most inspiring is that a great institution, like Notre Dame, has much to offer with respect to both of these pressing issues led by great faculty, students, and leaders.
Since we last wrote in April much has happened. The University has put in place very thoughtful and careful plans to reopen this fall for its undergraduate and graduate students, and we have decided to postpone on our next, and third, cohort to a January start. Details on this decision can be found below.
This issue also profiles an ILI alumnus, captures the highlights of our academic year in a recorded commencement address given by a recent alumna, and showcases a wonderful initiative at Notre Dame.
In addition, we are thrilled to announce the launch of a new digital series featuring discussions with leaders from across disciplines and industries. “Inspiring Conversations” will be co-hosted by the University’s colleges and will address a different theme each semester. Each guest speaker will share stories, perspectives, and lessons learned from their own experiences as leaders, both within their organizations and in their communities. Participants will explore the concepts of human-centered leadership—mission, empathy, courage, and adaptability. It is our intention that participants will walk away enriched and inspired to take action within their own communities. This digital series is open to all and offers a unique and engaging opportunity to learn from industry leaders and Notre Dame’s academic leadership. “Inspiring Conversations” will be exclusively offered through ThinkND: Notre Dame's open, online learning community. We anticipate it will give you all a sense of the types of issues and leaders we, and our fellows, regularly engage with at the Inspired Leadership Initiative. You will receive details on this series soon.
It is my hope that you all have the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the summer and, most importantly, remain safe and healthy.
With Warm Regards,
Tom
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ADAPTING TO LIFE WITH COVID-19
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Last fall, as the Inspired Leadership Initiative (ILI) Fellows were taking classes in lecture halls, going to football games, having coffee with students, and traveling to Chicago, the group was as blissfully unaware of the future impact of COVID-19 as any of us.
And as normal as those activities felt at the time, is as foreign as they seem now.
When the University of Notre Dame campus essentially shut down in March to prevent the spread of the virus and instruction moved online, it was an abrupt and shocking end, but as Phil White, says, it was also a beginning. Read more.
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If you are interested in the Inspired Leadership Initiative (ILI), now is the time to apply. We are in the stages of the final admission for cohort #3 and encourage you to express your interest before the end of September. Further, if you know someone who would be an excellent candidate, please be in touch with them or with us, and we will be sure to reach out.
Please visit our admissions page to apply online, or call 574-631-8070 for more information.
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VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT 2020
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The ILI celebrated commencement virtually this year, with family and friends joining from around the world. Fortunately, the ceremony was recorded—because if you haven’t heard Cathy David’s remarks, you’re missing out. She was chosen to speak on behalf of the cohort, and her message, much like her nature, is memorable, heartwarming, and witty. Watch below.
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Evon “Terry” Vogt would tell you he “backed into” an opportunity, “fell into” a new career path, or maybe even “ran into the right person,” if you asked about his truly incredible life and career.
And while you can certainly appreciate his gentle humility, you can’t deny the facts about this Inspired Leadership Initiative (ILI) alum: he speaks five languages (dabbles in more), graduated from Harvard, went straight from earning an MBA (while coaching lacrosse) into international banking with Wells Fargo, and started a private equity firm in Rio—yes, the Carnival place—and he did it so early on that he and his colleagues didn’t even know what to call it.
And at that point, he was just getting started . Read More
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| Terry Vogt and Camille Rudge featured during Notre Dame Day 2019
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As people around the world take steps to stop the spread of COVID-19, travel and commuting have slowed, and there have been some signs of relief for the environment. Perhaps you remember the satellite images of the air pollution wane in places like Seattle, New York City, and San Francisco.
But one of the activities that remains—enjoying food and meals, both prepared at home and purchased from restaurants—is among the top contributors to environmental damage, according to ESTEEM student Rian Mc Donnell. Read more.
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Nominate a Fellow
Nominate an accomplished leader with the potential to become an ILI Fellow for a future cohort.
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