Leading The Way

We hope that wherever this newsletter finds you in the world, you are enjoying some great weather and are able to embrace outdoor living and all that's available at this wonderful time of year. On a more sombre note however, at Mountbatten Institute Alumni Society we were all so saddened by the shocking events that have taken place internationally over the last couple of months and indeed express our condolences to all those affected by the resulting loss of life and hardship from this.

This month's newsletter features several entrepreneurs, one of who focuses on social entrepreneurship, whilst two others have had their business ventures featured in various magazine or newspaper publications over the last month. It seems the Mountbatten entrepreneurial spirit continues to grow.

So enjoy the good weather whilst it lasts, have adventures, and don't forget to share your updates, Mountbatten anniversaries, career changes, academic achievements, and other life event experiences with us.

Sexy Socks goes to Washington DC!

Sexy Socks, a social enterprise founded by Dave Hutchison (London, March 2013) continues to grow from strength to strength. Dave has recently returned from the World Bank Global Youth in Development Forum, held at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC, where he was representing Sexy Socks. The World Bank invited about 250 young global change agents from around the world – with particular emphasis on the Developing World – to discuss challenges facing the youth in the world today. The conference was made up of social entrepreneurs, members of NGOs, and various public sector participants. Dave was the only entrepreneur invited from South Africa, and his presentation focused on his belief that social entrepreneurship is the way out of the poverty trap for the youth in South Africa.

Aside from being an amazing opportunity to meet some incredible people from around the world, Dave found it inspiring to be surrounded by so many like-minded people. He said, "I have come home more certain than ever before that we are on the right track. Doing good is good business, and I believe that what we are doing in South Africa has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of the youth in South Africa."

Sexy Socks is set to hold its fifth Sock Drop on Mandela Day (18 July). They have 5000 pairs of socks to give away over a series of drops between now and the end of August. Follow their progress at sexysockssa.com, and on social media using @sexysockssa.

Alum
of the Month

John Tierney
London, Aug 2007

"Prior to Mountbatten, my only work experience was at my parent's Dairy Queen. Mountbatten was actually the catalyst that allowed me to shift from fry-cook to a career in finance...(also), I met my beautiful wife during the year, that was pretty memorable. She was one of a collection of people who I met that I continue to remain in touch with. This speaks volumes about the experience we all had."

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