Member Challenge

CEF will sponsor one employee from a participating member organization, all expenses paid, to join a prestigious leadership development program led by renowned polar explorer and environmental leader Robert Swan OBE-- the first person in history to walk to both the North and South poles.

Leadership on the Edge Program: International Antarctic Expedition 2011
March 3-18, 2011 (Tentative dates, subject to confirmation).

In March 2011, a diverse international team of corporate leaders, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, teachers and young people will embark on a life-changing journey through the Antarctic Peninsula. The “Leadership on the Edge” Program led by polar explorer Robert Swan OBE, is not a 2-week cruise — it's a commitment for life. The Program encompasses leadership development, environmental education, communication skills, team-building, and survival training. Guest experts on the environment, climate change, sustainable development, and outdoor leadership host presentations, debates, and lessons in the dynamic classroom of the Antarctic, giving team members a broad, practical base to start the process of change. By their return home, team members are uniquely equipped to be powerful sustainability leaders.

Program leader Robert Swan OBE is the first person in history to walk both the North and South poles. Swan founded the “2041” non-profit organization to help preserve Antarctica by the promotion of recycling, renewable energy and other sustainable practices. He led the first corporate expedition to Antarctica in 2003, during which 42 people from 18 nations participated. Since then, over 400 corporate leaders, educators, students and entrepreneurs from around the world have experienced Antarctica with Swan's 2041 team.

Application and Selection Process

CEF will sponsor an employee from a participating member organization, all expenses paid, selected from a pool of applicants by a jury composed of members of the CEF Advisory Board and Robert Swan. Applicants must be from a participating CEF member company, which may advertise this opportunity as they see fit within their organizations.