FAQ

Founders Jim Bolt and Richard Kimball strongly believe that the biggest challenges facing the world are, at their core, challenges of leadership.  They believe that only exceptional leadership can make a dramatic difference, and that improving the quality of leadership in the world is hugely important.  Bolt and Kimball created FRED to help develop new, more innovative solutions for developing the kinds of leaders needed for today and the future.

What does FRED hope to achieve?
By working with key executives and those who are responsible for developing leaders internationally, we envision a new kind of leadership: Extraordinary leaders who are fit to succeed in a complex, global future and who forge organizations that excel in traditional business terms and also make significant contributions to the health and vitality of our planet and society. A key means for achieving this vision is the annual FRED Forum.

How is the FRED Forum different from a typical conference?
 There are several unique aspects of the FRED Forum:

> The inspiring mission.  Elevating the quality of leadership in the world.

> Diverse mix of participants and organizations.  Business, non-profit, NGO, academic, government, education, and military organizations are represented.  The optimum diversity of participants, organizations and cultures makes for an incredibly rich experience. 

> Intimate, selective peer group.  An invitation-only policy and a size limit of approximately 65 allows an unusually high level of participantion, resulting in deep dialogue, sharing and building strong relationships and networks.

> Innovative, inspiring design.  No sitting on your hands listening to a parade of speakers droning on.  Short, thought-provoking presentations of fresh ideas as a catalyst for deep discussion, immersion in truly unique experiences, visits to exemplary organizations, inspiring life stories from role-model leaders, and real-time translation of ideas into action.

> A process and community, not just an event.  Participants become members of the growing FRED online community that continues to gather and work via the private FRED Online Community website after the Forum.

Who attends the annual FRED Forum?
 Leaders who have a passion for leadership and the responsibility for developing leaders.  While many have senior positions in human resources, a typical session includes a wide, global mix that makes for valuable sharing and thought-provoking dialogue.  Every Forum includes optimum diversity with representatives from for-profit, non-profit, and NGO organizations, educational institutions, the social and government sectors, and multi-generational leaders.

What is the FRED NextGen LeadersSM Program?
Young leaders early in their careers who do not have the funds available to participate in the Forum are eligible for scholarships to attend through the generosity of FRED Champions.

What does a typical Forum agenda include?
There are three key components to each Forum:  1) Compelling thought leaders (exemplary leaders, scholars, consultants, etc.) who present new ideas and fresh perspectives on leadership, organization excellence and leadership development;  2) Deep experiences that immerse participants viscerally in non-traditional ways to learn about leadership, learning and development;  3) Hands-on work to identify key ideas that require action both in the individual organization, and with other participants to transfer broader ideas into action after the Forum.

How can I get invited to attend?
 While attendance is by invitation, you can be nominated by a past participant and you may also apply to attend by completing the application on this website.