The Responsible Leaders Network is a community of joy. People are dancing.

The core of our work

Responsible Leaders Network

CONTENTS

A Community of Purpose

What is the Responsible Leaders Network?

The BMW Foundation’s Responsible Leaders Network currently connects more than 2,300 Responsible Leaders in over 117 countries. It’s a community of purpose working jointly towards a common goal: a more peaceful, just, and regenerative future. Through regular regional network gatherings and other local dialogues, the Network provides a space to build relationships, exchange ideas, and collaborate. Every member commits to playing an active role in shaping it. This includes sharing their experiences or knowledge, co-creating, and starting initiatives to reach our shared goal. Together, they make more impact than they would on their own.

Connecting Responsible Leaders

Our Role as an Organization

What began as a network of individuals is now a network of communities that helps us scale the Responsible Leadership mindset toward a global movement. Collective work across the Network is primarily facilitated by Network Organizers and Network Drivers. Each regional network is managed by one or more Network Organizers, who build a local community of Responsible Leaders and work to understand the needs of the region. Network Organizers can be part of the BMW Foundation team or consultants with expertise in the region. 

Group of Responsible Leaders and team taking a selfie.

Network Organizers are supported by Network Drivers, community-builders who share the voices of leaders in the region. Network Drivers are committed members of the Responsible Leaders Network, working on a pro or low bono basis. They support our work, reach, collaborations, and strategic approaches.We see our role in the Network as a connector. We connect dots, people, and organizations to support projects initiated by Responsible Leaders. We help them solve challenges by connecting them with partner organizations or Responsible Leaders in other regions, and incorporate ideas that come out of the Network into our programming and practices.

Deep-Rooted Relationships

Characteristics of the Network

Relationships are the heart of the Responsible Leaders Network — they’re what builds the communities in each region and connects the regional networks. Much of the work the Foundation does to support the Responsible Leaders Network is to create spaces for relationships to grow.The qualities of strong relationships are what characterize the Network: joy, trust, support, respect, and a sense of belonging and community. Our goal is to continue to foster and strengthen those qualities through each shared experience, network activity, immersive leadership program, and gathering.

The Responsible Leaders Network is:
  • Relationship-driven: Relationships within the Responsible Leaders Network are built on trust, respect, and shared purpose.They’re how we get the work done across cultures and borders.
  • Diverse: Hailing from over 117 countries, members of the Network are highly diverse in culture, profession, and experience. People in the Network rarely enter as peers in their experience, but become peers in Responsible Leadership.
  • Prioritizes belonging: Our network activities bring members together for deeply impactful shared experiences, fostering a lasting sense of belonging.
  • Encourages vulnerability: The spaces in our programs encourage people to sit with their vulnerability individually and collectively in the spirit of building lasting trust.
  • Joyful: The work of changing the world for the better is challenging, but the attitude of the Network is joyful. Countless friendships have been formed within the Network, and when we gather, positivity and excitement fill the space.

Scaling Impact

How We Grow the Network

Becoming part of the Network is a commitment to furthering Responsible Leadership within yourself, your community, and ultimately the world. Once a candidate attends one immersive leadership program and shows they have the potential to inspire others, lead by example, drive change, and generate impact, we invite them to become a part of the Network.

Here’s how Leaders join:
  • Recommendation: Network Drivers and Responsible Leaders identify and recommend people in their region’s communities.
  • Outreach: Our program staff and Network Organizers reach out to people with expertise relevant to a current Foundation project or field.
  • Application: Leaders can apply to our fellowship and accelerator programs for consideration.

Understanding global trends

Our Regional Networks

The BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders Network operates in five regions around the world: Europe, North America, Latin America, North Africa and West Asia, Africa, and India. The activities of each regional network are driven by the unique makeup of the region’s communities, culture, challenges, and people.

Regional Networks