Civic Engagement Collective

What does it take to lead a nation effectively? In conversation with James C. from J.P. Morgan, TBI Executive Chairman Tony Blair discusses the importance of strategy, direction, policy and empathy in effective leadership – whether it’s as a political or business leader. ‘On Leadership: Lessons for the 21st-Century' is featured on the 2025 J.P. Morgan NextList, a list of must-read books and experiences that honour the past but embrace the future. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eKtYh28s  Find out more about ‘On Leadership: Lessons for the 21st Century’: https://lnkd.in/enNNb8ge #leadership #nextlist #policy #book  

My first startup failed. We almost raised our Seed round. I almost became a millionaire (on paper) at 28 — but instead, we shut down. I was 28 when I started Staq and I had just one goal: build something people want (and get rich). We raised a total of $100k for our pre-seed round. In talk with some of the largest digital lenders in SG to be our customers for pilot tests. And, for a while, my cofounder and I thought we were on the right track. We were raising $1M for our Seed round. We thought we gonna make it and close the deals with a lead investor. From 10 potential lead investors became 10 rejections: • 5 rejected us • 3 pulled out saying "This is a tough space" • 2 said "We need to see more traction" We were burning $5k per month with $10k in the bank. We were dying with 2 months of runway left. At that point, we knew it was over. 2 months later, we decided to shut it down. 📌 3 learnings: 1. If I were to do it all over again, I'd focus on identifying the right problem and solving the problem for customers. No fundraising round or PR can save you if you're not solving problem for your customers. 2. Building a startup is mentally and emotionally taxing. You should only build a startup if you care enough about solving a problem and you think you're the right team to solve it. 3. Never raise money when you're desperate for money. Alway raise money in the position of strength, not the other way round. That's why I'm building The Runway Ventures — a weekly newsletter to help you learn from startup mistakes and become a better founder. My 1st startup failed terribly because of my costly mistakes. Don't be like me. Join 10,000+ founders here (it's free!): https://lnkd.in/gdDrhgtq What was the biggest mistake you made in your startup? 🤝🏻 #startup

Dillard University’s Board of Trustees appoints Dr. Monique Guillory as the Ninth President of Dillard University! For more information on this announcement, visit the links below! https://lnkd.in/gyhJzRCi https://lnkd.in/gWjrRh2n

After 20 years of exceptional service as President of Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE), Wendy W. Kavanagh, CAE will be stepping down from her role, effective February 28, 2025.   We are extremely grateful for Wendy’s contributions to the Society and wish her every success in her next chapter. We look forward to identifying a successor who will build upon the Society’s past achievements and lead us into a thriving future serving the association management and supplier community in the Southeast. The GSAE Board of Directors will share plans for the executive transition in January. Read more: https://bit.ly/41N3Hzt

2024 was an intense year, in a very exciting way. At the beginning of the year, I was participating in the selection process to assume the role of Executive Director of UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme). This nomination was a recognition of my professional journey, a confirmation that I have been following my purpose and that it was all worth it. While awaiting the results of the selection process, I had the pleasure of keeping working with my dear colleagues at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, developing numerous impactful projects and outcomes. Those two years at this amazing institution provided me with countless opportunities to learn, share, and co-create new realities and pathways for the future. Thank you for everything! Starting as Executive Director at UN-Habitat brought a mix of emotions: gratefulness from the trust placed in me, anticipation of the challenges ahead (especially with #WUF12 so close!), and joy for achieving such a significant role, enabling me to do even more for housing worldwide while being surrounded by so many brilliant people. 2024 was an incredible year, full of challenges, changes, and hard work. Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey. I hope 2025 will be even better, and that we continue working together to create a new world!

As a resume writer and career coach, my “toxic trait” is encouraging women professionals to apply for jobs they’re only 50% qualified for. 🚩🚩🚩 If you’ve ever spoken to me, you know I’m that person. 💡 Studies show that women typically apply for jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications, while men apply if they meet just 60% While you are questioning your value, others are landing those roles after meeting only a fraction of the requirements. ❌ You don’t need to check every box. ❌ You don’t need to wait until you’re “ready.” ✅ You DO need to believe in your potential. Remember, job descriptions are wish lists—not checklists. If you can showcase your transferable skills and demonstrate your ability to deliver results, you’re already a strong candidate. ➡️ Follow me for more expert career tips, resume strategies, and job search advice! ———————————— ✨ I’m Inayah - Certified Professional Resume Writer and Career Transformation Coach. ✨ I design transformational resumes, cover letters, and optimized LinkedIn profiles to help mid to senior-level women achieve career alignment and confidently maximize their earnings.

You gave Miami $39.5 million! This post is just the start of many exciting data points we’ll be unpacking over the next few months. Stay tuned to see all the different things you gave to your community during this year’s Give Miami Day. #GiveMiamiDay

In my final post of 2024, I’d like to introduce two remarkable individuals I met recently: David Jeng and Rita Aku-Shika Diabah. David, from The Gambia, is a force of nature. With boundless energy and optimism, he proudly calls himself an ‘IP evangelist’. The youngest person to be on the board of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce, David first encountered IP in 2018 at a WIPO conference – an experience he describes as eye-opening. As an entrepreneur, he quickly saw the strategic link between IP, business growth and supporting African innovation. Soon he had enrolled in the joint master’s program we offer with ARIPO at Africa University, launching two businesses: a fintech company and an IP management consultancy after graduation. The latter, Bliss Executives, reflects a common trait among WIPO alumni – a passion for sharing knowledge and expertise. David has helped fellow entrepreneurs register over 50 IP rights, partnering with WIPO on projects like our IP Agribusiness Program for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa. Backed by Japan’s Funds-In-Trust, this initiative supported over 100 women with coaching and training on how to use IP to grow and scale. David acted as mentor to several entrepreneurs, including Rita Aku-Shika Diabah, founder of Yesli ICE, a Ghanaian brand specializing in low- and zero-sugar ice creams and yoghurt. When starting out, Rita was skeptical about IP finding it theoretical and abstract. “How could a trademark add more value than materials and machines?” she wondered. But her view changed as she encountered WIPO and gained new knowledge and skills. Rita – now a proud trademark owner – worked with David to refine her business strategy, taking a fresh look at everything from production to packaging. Through the WIPO program, she also connected with suppliers in Zanzibar and new outlets in Botswana and Zimbabwe, growing her business. David and Rita happen to come from Africa, but their story of young entrepreneurs with energy and ideas who need help to scale their business is universal. This is why even in a historic year where we celebrate 2 new multilateral IP treaties, we also need to keep at our work in building innovation and creative ecosystems not just at the national, strategic levels, but at the same time go to the ground by providing skills through the WIPO Academy, build more Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs) – and help them go up the value ladder to become Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), provide toolkits, studies and research papers, and work with partners and Member States on meaningful projects that target specific beneficiaries to use IP in an impactful and tangible manner. Thanks again to David and Rita for being such an inspiration, and on this note, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, a restful holiday season and the very best for 2025! #WIPO #IntellectualProperty #TheGambia #Ghana #Gambia

Happy Birthday to me 🥳🥳🥳 It was in 12/14 actually but I’m celebrating all week! Celebrating more than a few milestones both personally and professionally as I make another trip around the sun. One of the things I’m most proud of this year has been my ability to face adversity with integrity and a growth mindset. This year is as with every year is about growth but most importantly being present in the moment. Celebrating more of the small wins and becoming more and more self aware. A few things I accomplished this year: • Was featured in Entrepreneur Middle East as an Achieving Woman in the Middle East • Was named to Inc. Magazine Top 250 Female Founders for 2023 • Completed programming with ‎أنجال ز | Anjal Z • Launched my digital learning platform Enrichly in the Middle East specially Abu Dhabi • Hosted my first dinner for Royal Families in Dubai in partnership with @theprivateoffice • Attended my first ForbesWomen Event in Abu Dhabi • Was Featured in USA Today for the work I’ve done through my company. • Won the Globant Women That Builds National and Global titles 🏆 • Got into Hub71 🥳 • Featured in WIRED Middle East • Spoke on a panel with the CFO of OpenAI😮 • Inked my biggest Enterprise Client Deal ever • Pitched at ADFW 🎤 Cheers to another year 🥳🥂

Big news from Atlanta! At the HOPE Global Forum, I announced on behalf of Operation HOPE, we've raised $98.3 million toward our $100M goal to empower individuals and small businesses with financial literacy and economic tools. Key pledges include: ✅ $20M from Truist ✅ $5M from iHeartRadio (Bob Pitman) ✅ $300K from Southern Company (Chris Womack) ✅ $200K from Target Foundation ...and more! Plus, Peacock & MSNBC pledged $1M for a documentary honoring Ambassador Andrew Young, premiering MLK Day 2026. Together, we’re building a better future. #FinancialFreedom #HOPEGlobalForums #EconomicJustice #OperationHOPE