Brian Trelstad: Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative

In Series 10 of 4-Quarter Lives Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with the leaders of a growing number of university faculties developing programmes for individuals looking to change direction in their 3rd Quarter of life. She discusses the origins and motivations for these programmes and how they fit into the evolving role of higher education. In this episode, she talks with Brian Trelstad, faculty chair of Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative. Amongst other topics they discuss

* The origins of ALI and the three trends it was designed to address: longer lifespans, the complexity of global problems, and higher education’s role in public problem-solving.

* ALI’s focus on impact — equipping fellows to address problems they care deeply about, whether through launching initiatives, joining existing platforms, or building a portfolio of meaningful activities.

* The “person-problem-pathway” framework for aligning leadership skills with social change goals.

* Who thrives in ALI: accomplished professionals with curiosity, humility, and a readiness to learn and unlearn.

* How the program is expanding its before-and-after support — from recruitment to alumni engagement and project acceleration.

* Why humility, curiosity, and experiential learning are essential for shifting from private sector leadership to social impact work.

* The evidence linking purpose, pro-sociality, and longevity — and why ALI is, in a way, a health program.

Whether you’re considering your own third chapter or just curious about how universities are reimagining leadership education for a 100-year life, this conversation offers a rich insider’s view of the field’s pioneer.

Brian Trelstad is the William Henry Bloomberg Senior Lecturer of Business Administration and the Joseph L. Rice III, Faculty Fellow at Harvard Business School and the Faculty Chair for the Advanced Leadership Initiative for Harvard University. He teaches social entrepreneurship and systems change, impact investing, and business ethics. Outside of Harvard, Brian is a Partner and Board Member of Bridges Fund Management, a pioneering impact investment fund.

Useful Links:

* Learn more about ALI: advancedleadership.harvard.edu

* Brian’s Harvard profile

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