How one team leveraged global collaboration under pressure to drive their own learning

Our mass experiential learning programs are designed to build the skills and mindsets necessary for purpose-driven careers. But what does that look like in practice? It’s not just about tackling real-world problems and exploring potential solutions; it's also about developing mindsets and competencies — like multicultural collaboration, resilience and teamwork — through direct experience.

This intense, hands-on learning experience is encapsulated by the story of one of our November 2025 Bootcamp teams (Team 1-m), whose three-day journey through the program shows how being pushed outside your comfort zone can lead to skills like adaptability, empathy and critical thinking.

Our Global Sustainability Project Bootcamps take place virtually over three days, with students and early-career professionals working in interdisciplinary, interinstitutional teams. Together they tackle real-world sustainability challenges, guided by our global network of experts, educators and near-peer coaches. Participants who successfully complete the program earn a digital credential to showcase their new skills, and gain exclusive access to work-integrated learning opportunities. 

A high-intensity start

Team 1-m was ready to hit the ground running at the start of their Bootcamp. However, the team quickly faced its first challenge: the early departure of a member due to external commitments.

While the four remaining members quickly adjusted, the intense schedule meant the loss of capacity was deeply felt. However, this process was already encouraging them to learn a vital skill — adapting to changes in your professional teams is an unavoidable reality of modern work.

The team was under pressure, but managing the sudden setback was just the beginning of their adaptability test. 

The Awards Ceremony at the November 2025 Bootcamp

Division and decision

Almost two days later, after many hours of hard collaborative work, and with the final presentations in sight, the team received an unexpected request from the How to Change the World team: would they be willing to integrate a new participant for the final day? 

The team was instantly divided. On one side were the practical concerns: adding a new person meant rapid onboarding and extra risk at a critical time, especially for team members who already felt stretched beyond their comfort zone. On the other hand, some team members felt strongly that a new person would bring different and beneficial knowledge, perspectives and skills to the group. 

The decision became a practical exercise in purpose-driven leadership. After quickly assessing the team dynamics, one team member, Anneline (based in South Africa), shared that her strategy was to remove pressure from the more hesitant members, assuring them she and another teammate would handle the integration and support the new individual to get up to speed.

What’s more, she emphasised the unique low-risk nature of this opportunity. With no impact on grades or job security, experiential learning environments are designed to be a safe place for experimentation, which creates space for developing critical skills in the process. 

"We had nothing to lose and everything to win. If we had said no, we would have robbed ourselves of an opportunity."

Anneline, Team 1-m

Execution and reward

Once the decision was made, Team 1-m made quick progress. They assigned the new team member a high-value task, leveraging her existing skills in video production. In turn, the new team member was keen to immerse herself in the project, volunteering herself for tasks and contributing proactively to the group dynamic. 

What’s more, the initially hesitant member connected instantly with her new teammate over shared cultural commonalities — an example of multicultural collaboration emerging organically.

Mindsets and competencies for an impactful, purpose-driven life

Not only did Team 1-m deliver a successful final project but they also gained valuable mindsets — such as a global mindset and a growth mindset — to support them as they move forward through their careers and lives. The team members said they were also able to practice vital interpersonal skills like emotional intelligence, negotiation, accountability and cultural competence — competencies that will stand them in good stead as they navigate an increasingly global workforce. 

They also developed meaningful relationships that have lasted beyond the Bootcamp – becoming what Anneline refers to as “global intellectual friendships.” 

For teammate Pauline (based in Bulgaria), there was real value in expanding her network beyond her immediate professional sphere, successfully breaking out of her country-specific LinkedIn algorithm to connect with like-minded global peers.

“Our LinkedIn group has not only helped me keep in touch with teammates but also means I can see posts from outside of [Bulgaria] for people who are also interested in [sustainability]. It has been an eye-opening experience”

Pauline, Team 1-m

Ultimately, Team 1-m proved that intentional empathy and strategic thinking can turn every setback into an opportunity for collective growth.

This team's story demonstrates the value of mass experiential learning: rather than students engaging passively with content, they gain real-world experience within a safe environment, equipping them with the competencies, mindsets and global networks essential for building impactful, purpose-driven careers.