Amulya George - Common Purpose, Global Leadership Programme, Dublin

Global Leadership Programme – Dublin 2024

"Dublin was the highlight of the month, truly offering a unique lens on Global leadership."

Memorable moments

One of the absolute highlights? The day we explored the city with our university crew.

Picture this: a bunch of us from different courses, armed with nothing but our curiosity and a Google map, setting out to uncover Dublin's social enterprises. From the inspiring visits to TU Dublin, The Sanctuary, DePaul, Bee8, Frontline Make Change and Loaf Cafe to the vibrant nightlife, Dublin showed us the true meaning of community and social impact.

By the end of the day, we were buzzing with excitement. We'd seen a side of Dublin that tourist tours don't show you, and we'd gotten to know each other in a whole new way. Those inside jokes and shared memories, they're going to stick with us long after.

Experience

The city's commitment to sustainability was impossible to miss. Everywhere we turned, Dublin's eco-conscious ethos was on display. Reusable cups weren't just a trend, but a way of life. This green mindset extended beyond waste management. We noticed abundant bike lanes, it was inspiring to see how sustainability was woven into the fabric of daily life, setting an example.

Contrasting with this modern, eco-friendly approach was the Guinness, a tradition steeped in the city's history. The aroma of freshly toasty bread wafted through the streets, giving Dublin a distinct and appetizing scent. It showed us how a city can honour its past while actively shaping a responsible future.

Challenges during the programme

Primarily in bridging the gap between our diverse academic backgrounds and experience levels. Our team comprised a mix of undergraduates, postgraduates, and PhD candidates from fields ranging from environmental science and law to business and bio medical engineering.

Initially, this diversity posed communication challenges, particularly when discussing social enterprises and urban development. For instance, when brainstorming, our approaches varied widely based on our disciplines.

The breakthrough came during our self-guided tour of Dublin. As we explored the city together, we began to appreciate the unique insights each team member brought to the table. We realised our different perspectives were actually our greatest asset.

Embracing this diversity, we developed a collaborative approach where each member presented ideas through their disciplinary lens, followed by group integration discussions. This experience taught us the essence of global leadership: synthesizing diverse viewpoints into cohesive, impactful solutions. While challenging at times, this process resulted in proposals far more robust and innovative than any individual could have developed alone.

Making friends

From day one, our diverse group just clicked. Making friends was surprisingly easy and natural. We quickly bonded over shared adventures and the excitement of being in a new place together.

As we discovered hidden gems and favourite hangouts cafes, these friendships formed fast but deep, built on shared experiences and cultural exchange.

The best part? Many of us are still in touch, sharing memories and updates long after the programme ended.

Advice

Learn a local sport or any activity, even if you're terrible at it. Joining locals in their favourite pastime will fast-track your cultural understanding and create memories you'd never get from tourist activities.