An Oustanding Learning Experience

The Fellows' second Learning Experience (LE2) was a two week immersion in the Scottish business environment. The programme was led by world-class Babson faculty with over fifty leaders from Scottish business and the public and charitable sectors feeding in their views on the challenges and opportunities facing Scotland.

The ten current Saltire Fellows returned from the US after six months at Babson College (the world's #1 for Business School for entrepreneurship - http://bit.ly/lZ2MPu) and undertaking strategic projects with IBM, Shawcor, Liberty Mutual and Veolia. Fresh from their State- side experiences, LE2 provided the Fellows with the welcome challenge of applying their 'learns' to Scottish businesses in both Scottish and global environments.

LE2 lived up to its name with learning taking place through more traditionally structured lectures and seminars mixed with master classes, live case studies, panel discussions and networking evenings. Current Fellow, Joanne Haggerty describes the two weeks as: "outstanding - the world class teaching of Babson was continued and we had visitors and speakers from throughout Scottish industry, and many networking events where we got to meet some truly inspiring entrepreneurs". Evening events widened the field of participants, providing dynamic discussion and debate while facilitating excellent networking opportunities.

Saltire CEO, Sandy Kennedy said described the fortnight as "outstanding". He gave special thanks to Bob Keiller, Chris van der Kuyl and Professor Colin Mason who delivered exceptional Master Classes". Reflecting on her first month back, current Fellow Sandrine Seinche says: "The support we've received since getting back has been inspirational and a great boost to our return home".

The Fellows will graduate in July after completing externships with Scottish high- growth firms including Clintec, Ciqual and Sistemic.