HONOLULU — The Omidyar Fellows, a forum designed to shape leaders in Hawai‘i, is seeking applicants for its second class. “We are looking for emerging leaders here in the state who have the passion and drive to stay here and
HONOLULU — The Omidyar Fellows, a forum designed to shape leaders in Hawai‘i, is seeking applicants for its second class.
“We are looking for emerging leaders here in the state who have the passion and drive to stay here and lead in Hawai‘i,” said Kalei Stern, director of Omidyar Fellows. “We want people who are willing to make a positive and lasting change.”
Stern will be on Kaua‘i on Thursday to meet with applicants who contact her prior to her visit. Interested persons may request an interview by completing the meeting request form at www.omidyarfellows.org.
The inaugural class is at the halfway point of a 15-month program. Up to 15 leaders are sought for the second class. Those with around 10 years of working experience with an interest in exploring other sectors of government, nonprofit, and private business are encouraged to apply.
Marissa Sandblom, Grove Farm vice president, is among the 13 participants of the inaugural class.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to really hone their leadership skills, no matter what their interests or passions,” Sandblom said. “It is a very comprehensive and academically well-rounded leadership training program that also focuses on individual values.”
The class is about to enter the third phase and Sandblom said she is looking forward to the individual learning excursion. The customized training for individual participants is focused on stretching leadership skills.
Participants are given a unique sabbatical experience with a community project. A speaker series in conjunction with the Hawai‘i Leadership Forum brings in top consultants from around the country.
As the only Kaua‘i participant, Sandblom wants others to know about this learning opportunity. It requires a commitment, she said, but is worth the time and investment.
“The experience has been amazing, life changing,” she said.
Stern said that applicants should be open to feedback and new ideas. They should be willing to go beyond their comfort zones in the spirit of working for the benefit of the community.
Participants dedicate around 16 hours per month. They are flown to O‘ahu overnight for a day of classes once a month. They also have required reading and “tech talks” with consultation with experts.
It is possible to maintain the full time job and participate, Stern said.
The fellows have access to leadership resources, lectures, and web-based learning platforms. They take part in orientation activities, executive coaching, networking, self-reflection, and personal growth opportunities.
Participants spend the first two months identifying their strengths and challenges of their own leadership abilities.
The second phase is about building effective teams and management styles.
The third phase puts all of that together, Stern said. Visiting speakers present on leadership in all sectors of the community. It is a broad perspective of location and industries to develop personal and community-building skills.
Leaders are more than about skills, Stern said. They are people who like to associate with others constructively and have ties to the community. Leaders have a good vision of themselves and their organizations, but they also need to incorporate that into a community vision, she added.
The application process is started online with a resume, an essay, and a letter of recommendation. The essay asks for a vision of themselves and community, and what is a 21st century leader.
The selection process begins by narrowing the field to 50 semifinalists by July. Those moving forward are asked to prepare for a phone interview on the topic of leadership.
Twenty finalists will be flown to Honolulu in mid-September for a 20 minute interview on the topic of leadership and community. The board of directors conducts the interviews and selects 12 to 15 fellows based on secret ballot scores.
The finalists tend to be people who can articulate the essay and interview questions on leadership and their vision for a better community, Stern said.
Applicants should demonstrate a level of cultural knowledge that reflects an understanding of what it takes to work in the unique island state of Hawai‘i, she said. This includes the history and culture, and the way people interact in a very positive and unique way.
