How Strategy Workshops for Philanthropy Leaders at Google.org, MacArthur and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation led to a $2.4M Grant.

Leadership Coaching · Systems Thinking

The Result

Leaders United Across Silos

By designing play-based workshops rooted in shared challenges and personal values, leaders moved beyond their silos — building the trust and common ground that makes real collaboration possible.

A Replicable Convening Model

The learning design framework demonstrated it could move senior leaders from insight to action — and has since been replicated across AVPN programmes.

$2.4M Grant Awarded

AVPN received funding to establish the Commission on Asian Philanthropy, modelled directly on this convening and coaching approach.

The Challenge

Senior philanthropic leaders across Asia worked in silos, and existing forums were dry and uninspiring. Without genuine common ground, opportunities for collaboration — and the capital that follows it — were being lost.

The Solution

Designed and facilitated one-of-a-kind learning experiences combining learning-by-doing, improv theatre and personal values exercises
Surfaced shared goals across leaders from Google.org, MacArthur, Visa, UBS & Gates Foundation
Created the conditions for genuine collaboration — not just conversation
Delivered as part of the AVPN Academy team, with key workshops designed and facilitated independently