One of the most important set of skills required in a changing world are the skills of leadership. In the new business climate of globally focused emerging growth technology companies, leaders are not 'bosses' or 'commanders'; rather, leaders are people who have a compelling vision and are able to attract others to that vision. In other words, they are able to "create a world to which people want to belong." This type of leadership demands special tools and know-how in order to effectively and successfully bring visions into action.

The aspirations, insights, experience and vision of the founder of an emerging growth technology company create the initial foundation for building the typical start up company from conception to IPO. There are distinctive skills and abilities that a founder must develop in order to properly promote his or her company vision. They include the ability to communicate a vision so as to attract and choose management and key employees who can share a passion for the vision and who can become committed to making this vision a reality. Typically, strong technology alone will not make a successful company for the long term. The development of a solid understanding of the future challenges facing a prospectively venture-backed startup will likely determine the success or failure of a new company.

This program examines some of the essential skills and tools that are required to create a successful 'start up' and make it attractive to potential investors. Many of the skills presented in this course have been modeled from and were inspired by effective leaders and managers from around the world. These skills relate to forming and clarifying one's own dreams and ideas, sharing those ideas with others, and engaging the help of others to create a plan which will bring those dreams and ideas into reality. Participants will explore motivational skills, organization skills, and gain a clear understanding of what to expect when raising funding from potential investors. Group members will receive insight and coaching on how to form a concise message that will attract investors looking for the best possible return on their investment, and learn how to step out of their own perspective and into that of an investor.

The specially designed Seminar/Investor Conference format will involve "hands on" exercises and opportunities for individuals and groups to practice making presentations and receive feedback. It will provide invaluable information and experience for entrepreneurs, investors, consultants, financial and legal advisors and company leaders. Entrepreneurs will learn what to provide potential investors in order to strengthen their valuation, and investors will learn what to look for in start ups. The experiential format will also provide consultants and company leaders with tools to stimulate entrepreneurship in others. Special 'break out' periods give participants time to explore investment leads and potential alliances.

Some of the topics covered during the workshop included:

• Releasing natural leadership abilities through the identification and clarification of your vision
• Learning strategies that allow individuals and teams to move from vision to action
• Identifying and focusing on a core technology
• Placing this new technology into a context which has meaning for others
• Communicating the value and benefits of the technology to:
  • prospective partners/managers and key employees
  • investors and service providers
• Identifying prospective alliances which can provide a springboard for the company
• Forming a realistic plan for execution that takes into account likely obstacles
• Modeling successful behaviors and processes