Rwanda | Fred Swaniker at African Leadership University

“Critical thinking skills, how to lead yourself, how to lead others, how to manage complex tasks and projects, how to communicate for impact, how to think like an entrepreneur, how to analyse data and use it to make decisions. These are the things that matter.”

Fred Swaniker, founder of the African Leadership Group, offered this blueprint at the 2024 graduation ceremony of the African Leadership University in Kigali.

It’s a rallying cry to cultivate entrepreneurial leadership as a driving force for Africa’s future. At Acumen Academy, our Fellowship curriculum teaches that leadership starts from within, leading yourself before leading others, and how to challenge traditional ways of working to reshape the people, organizations, and systems around you.

Acumen Fellows put these principles into action every day, building ventures that empower youth, strengthen education systems, and promote circular economies. These aren’t abstract values; they’re practical strategies for solving real problems.

Nigeria | Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji‑Bello at LASU

“Use your knowledge and skill to drive meaningful change wherever you find yourselves globally.”

At Lagos State University’s 28th convocation, Vice Chancellor Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji‑Bello offered a powerful reminder: Specialized knowledge is just the beginning.

As the world’s school for social change, we prepare leaders with the hard skills to build scalable solutions and the harder skills of moral leadership to ensure those solutions serve the people and communities who need it most.

Our Fellows are turning opportunities, skills, and insights into impact: from health-tech platforms reducing maternal mortality to clean energy startups transforming off-grid communities. They’re living proof of what it means to act with intention and integrity… anywhere in the world.

India | Prof. Dr. Jay Parkash Yadav at SGT University

“As you step into the world, let these timeless values [of education, truth, and service] guide you.”

In a fast-changing world, professor Yadav’s words remind us that values are an anchor.

At Acumen Academy, moral leadership is about holding complexity, acting with humility, and staying rooted in dignity, even when the path isn’t clear.

But perhaps the bigger question is, why does moral leadership matter? Because the world needs brave people willing to redefine success through inclusion, fairness, and through service. 

Moral leadership is a practice that requires courage along with community and constant renewal.

Colombia | Guillermo García González at UNIR

“Make the future of work not only more efficient, but more humane, fairer, and more inclusive.”

At the Universidad en Internet (UNIR) graduation in Bogotá, professor Guillermo García challenged students to shape a more just and inclusive world of work.

At Acumen Academy, we believe efficiency alone doesn’t solve injustice. Leadership today means designing systems that deliver beyond productivity, and include the voices and experiences of communities who are often unheard, but have the most to lose.  This is especially true in the age of AI, because real progress isn’t progress at all unless it includes everyone.

United States | Simone Biles at Washington University

“The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be bold, it needs you to care, and to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. So go out there and write your own story – one that only you can tell.”

At Washington University’s 2025 commencement, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles offered a powerful reframing on leadership being about presence rather than perfection.

To make the world a better place requires curiosity, a sense of possibility, and willingness to see and do things differently. At Acumen Academy, vulnerability is a strength. Courage often looks like starting where you are, showing up through fear, and leading with empathy.

Simone’s words echo our values: that the best leaders aren’t flawless; they’re authentic. They keep going. And they inspire others to do the same.

What the world is telling its future leaders 

Across continents and contexts, the world is calling for leadership rooted in courage, conviction, and commitment. These speeches remind us leadership isn’t about titles or accolades but about showing up, standing firm in our values, and choosing to build a better world.

Dive into all things leadership with us! At Acumen Academy, we provide paths to start for those curious about social entrepreneurship and for those who are actively building their businesses.