A very warm welcome

The art of disruptive innovation

Philanthropy as a necessary component of an organization ’ s DNA

Making the world a better place

Katharine Boshkoff , Global Vice President of Career Development & Alumni Relations , kicked off the weekend with a warm welcome to all the attending alumni . She seized the opportunity to encourage alumni to stay involved and visible in the Hult community by joining Hult Connect and the Alumni Mentorship Program .

“ When you graduate from Hult , you leave with more than just a degree . This unique student experience does not stop after graduation , since Hult provides the tools and resources to keep you engaged . Stay connected to your peers , professors , and colleagues and you will have access to a global network that provides an array of opportunities .”

Andrew Grill , Global Managing Partner in Social Consulting at IBM , formally opened the summit by explaining what companies need to know to stay ahead of the digital curve . His presentation , “ Disrupt or Be Disrupted ,” had the audience thoroughly engaged .

Grill said , “ Digital disruption is not just around the corner . Every industry is being disrupted by digital technologies and new business models … companies need to act now .” He urged companies to infuse their business models with digital technology , and placed a significant emphasis on affirming that “ digital disruption should not be seen as a threat , but as an opportunity to transform companies and make them more efficient .”

An inspirational talk by Ebony Frelix , Senior Vice President , Philanthropy & Engagement at Salesforce , emphasized that companies must help build sustainable communities around the world , and asserted that young professionals are becoming increasingly committed to this cause .

“ Employees want to have an added value and volunteer . Companies have to provide vehicles for employees to have these experiences and give back to the world .” Frelix also described the “ 1-1-1 model ” Salesforce created with the aim of improving the state of the world : “ We call this integrated philanthropic approach the 1-1-1 model because it started with a commitment to leverage 1 % of Salesforce ’ s technology , people , and resources to improve communities around the world .”

This formula framework was particularly well-received by alumni , who voiced their renewed sense of commitment to give back to their community .

The three Master of Social Entrepreneurship students from the San Francisco campus presented their $ 1 million idea to the attending alumni in preparation for the 2016 Hult Prize Global Final in New York . Team Musana aims to improve the lives of millions of people by distributing solar-powered Musana Carts that provide more efficient infrastructure to street vendors . In January , the team piloted their model in Kampala , Uganda , and have already raised 110 % of their funding targets .

Having only presented to a large audience twice , Team Musana seized the opportunity to gather constructive feedback . “ We knew that the alumni would be a challenging audience … We received good advice on how we can better tailor our pitch and figures . Alumni had encouraging words and mentioned that they were impressed by the work we have done in only few months ,” said team member Manon Lavaud .

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