Turn Your Experience into Impact.
Become a coach with Stanford Seed.
Looking for what’s next? Eager to give back? Ready for adventure?
Volunteer as a Stanford Seed coach and you’ll have what many say is the most fulfilling “job” of their lives. As a Seed coach, you’ll work directly with established entrepreneurs in Africa or South Asia to help them take their businesses to the next level. It’s a one-year, on-the-ground commitment that’s designed to transform companies, communities, and lives…including yours. Seed is a Stanford Graduate School of Business-led initiative working to end the cycle of global poverty by providing training and support to entrepreneurs in emerging economies.
Make an Impact.
Format
In Person
Commitment
One Year, Full Time
Location
Africa or South Asia
Compensation
Pro Bono with Major Expenses Covered
Seed has given me so much joy. If you can leave for a year, you should do this...What I love is that you get to work with people who are so eager to become successful entrepreneurs, who want to listen to you, who take everything you say with welcoming ears. You walk in the room and they're practically cheering, because they know you're going to bring them the knowledge that they need. Seed has made me realize that it's never too late to take your business skills to a place where they'll be highly valued."
Nancy Glaser, Stanford Seed Coach
Hear from Coaches. Get Program Details.
Becoming a Seed coach takes courage and commitment. So we asked former Seed coaches to share their actual experiences with you.
Details
Seed Coach Eligibility
The most successful Seed coaches have more than just strong work experience. They are also flexible, empathetic, collaborative, curious, and know how to thrive in new contexts. While experience working or living in an emerging market is highly valued, it’s not required. And applicants don’t have to be affiliated with Stanford or have an MBA.
Minimum Qualifications
- At least 10 years of professional, senior-level business experience.
- A successful track record of managing companies/operational divisions and conceiving and executing growth strategies.
- A commitment to Seed’s mission: to partner with entrepreneurs in emerging markets to build thriving enterprises that transform lives
- Fluency in English; for Seed West Africa, conversational proficiency in French is desired but not required
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15 MARCH 2025
All placements to be confirmed by 1 July 2024
Program Term: January–December 2025
Responsibilities
Here’s what you can expect from Seed… and what’s expected of you.
Your Responsibilities
LIVE in the region for one year and work closely with eight to 10 companies.
PARTICIPATE in pre-departure and in-country training.
SUPPORT leaders in their growth plan and diagnose company needs and barriers to progress.
TRAVEL to countries in the region on company visits.
Seed Provides
LOGISTICAL SUPPORT for visas, vaccinations, flights, general country advice, and other information.
TRAINING to cover basic program logistics, cultural sensitivity, and how to be an effective coach.
COVERAGE for expenses including:
- Round-trip economy airfare
- Housing
- Stipend for day-to-day expenses
- Settling-in allowance
- International health and emergency evacuation insurance
- Transportation and lodging when visiting sites
“Don’t Think. Just Do It.”
Laurie Fuller explains why becoming a Seed coach was one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. And entrepreneurs discuss the impact of her coaching.
Not ready for a full-year commitment?
Consult with Stanford Seed.
Volunteer for short-term projects and make a long-term impact with the Seed Consulting Program. It’s remote, rewarding, and only requires two to three hours per week.
Learn About the Seed Consulting Program
If you have the right attitude — one of humble inquiry — and you're prepared to roll up your sleeves, act as a 'partner' with these enterprises, and help them get on the road to transformation, then you can have a lasting impact on a company, and even a country."
Jim Bratnober, Stanford Seed Coach
