22 Apr 2022
While our Award Ceremonies are powerful moments of global recognition, the work behind the scenes to help our Finalists accelerate their ideas truly kicks into gear in the months that follow.
Each year, our Finalists embark on a 12-month Fellowship Programme designed to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to scale their solutions and drive transformative impact.
Having completed the Preparation Phase of the Fellowship Programme ahead of the Awards in Cape Town last year, February marked the start of the next stage for our 2024 cohort of Finalists: the Activation Phase
At this point in their journey, Finalists focus on kickstarting their LEAPs – ambitious growth commitments made at the start of the Programme to help their solutions push boundaries, challenge norms and drive change at scale.
A key moment in this phase was the Activation Sprint. Over four days of virtual sessions, Finalists took part in expert-led masterclasses, strategic insights, and collaborative discussions, all structured around three core pillars: Leadership, Growth, and Storytelling.
Across 11 high-impact sessions, Finalists had the opportunity to speak openly and candidly with Earthshot Prize Council Members, Board Members, Global Alliance Members, Fellowship Coaches, and previous Finalists, gaining invaluable insights to accelerate their work.
A Fireside Chat with Wanjira Mathai, Earthshot Prize Council Member and global environmental leader, set the tone for the week.
Sharing lessons from her mother, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai, she spoke about the importance of resilience, conviction, and staying true to one’s purpose.
In a session led by National Geographic Explorer in Residence and Earthshot Prize Finalist with Pristine Seas, Enric Sala, Finalists discussed strategies for scaling impact beyond traditional growth models.
Introducing the concept of “exo scaling,” Enric challenged the idea that organisations need to grow internally to expand their impact:
Great storytelling isn’t just about sharing information, it’s about creating connection.
In a session with Dame Christiana Figueres, Earthshot Prize Chair and global climate leader, Finalists learned how to engage audiences with authenticity, vulnerability, and purpose:
Public speaking can be daunting, but Nomzamo Mbatha, Earthshot Prize Global Ambassador, encouraged Finalists to embrace their unique voices.
Reflecting on her own journey, she shared how she learned to see her energy and personality as strengths rather than something to tone down:
Throughout the week, Finalists found motivation and renewed focus amid the challenges of driving change in an unpredictable world.
Reflecting on her experience, Rita El Zaghloul from the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People found the Activation Sprint provided her with clarity and encouragement. While, for many like Mary Allen, Creative Director at NFW, it was about more than just expert-led learning, it was about the power of the Earthshot community.
The possibility to connect virtually with some of the most influential and prestigious leaders in the environment space was very refreshing.
An inspirational moment was when Enric Sala asked the question, “What would I do if I had 1 more month to live, or 1 more year?”
The Fellowship Sprints are an invaluable opportunity to come together as a cohort and learn from each other—sharing our experiences across industries, continents, and impact areas in support of a common goal: to preserve and heal this planet for future generations.
Fellows had the opportunity to go even deeper into leadership, collaboration, and operational strategy through expert-led coaching.
Each session equipped Fellows with practical tools to refine their strategies and sustain their momentum beyond the Sprint.
With the Activation Sprint complete, our 2024 Finalists are now focused on driving their LEAPs forward.
Next up: the LEAP Sprint in April, where they will receive targeted support in this final phase of the Fellowship to ensure they continue moving towards their ambitious goals.
As they continue this journey, the Earthshot Prize community remains committed to helping them navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and turn ambition into action.
Because when they win, we all win.
