Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Kroll.
Jonathan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 2005, after graduating with a master’s in university administration, I traveled to Nicaragua to serve as a volunteer English-language instructor for six months. In addition to teaching English, I facilitated leadership development program for the Language Center staff and students, local university students, and mid-managers of Ford subsidiary. Due to the interest in leadership education, I returned to Nicaragua once or twice a year for the last decade to continue these programs.
Over the last two years, since earning my PhD, I have established a nonprofit organization to increase the impact of these programs. The Leadership Institute for Development, Education, and Research (LIDER) is launching our first program this summer (2017) – the Leadership Trainer Certification Program (LTCP) to train young professionals and university students on how to facilitate leadership development training programs.
LiDER is structured to grow into a two-tier operation – with a Community Center that will host a youth leadership experience, mentoring programs for women entrepreneurs, and corporate trainings / community programs. LiDER will also serve as an Academic Center by providing Certificate Program (LTCP and Leadership Coaching) as well as master’s degrees in leadership and organizational development.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We’ve only just formally begun. We’ve raised enough funds to launch our inaugural program – which is great! The tough part is motivating people to donate funds to support leadership initiatives abroad. Although there are certainly leadership training needs in the USA, we, generally have incredible opportunities for leadership development and exploration as youth – and beyond. We participate in sports programs, Big Brothers / Big Sisters, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts – and other experiences through our community centers, schools, and houses of worship. Then in college the opportunities expand immensely with co-curricular experiences and even some academic courses. And as professionals, we have networks and associations – and some of our organizations have internal leadership training and development departments. Almost none of this exists in the Global South – Nicaragua in particular.
This leads to a leadership paradigm that emphasizes leadership rooted in power, position, and prestige. “What’s in it for me?” This ‘leadership for personal reward’ leads too easily to corrupt behaviors which is debilitating for most individuals in communities and societies. LiDER wants to shift our understanding of leadership to be about the authentic person (who am I? What are my values? What is my vision/) and the purpose for why one leads (what can I do in this moment in time to create the change that is needed?)
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Leadership Institute for Development, Education, and Research (LiDER) – what should we know?
The Leadership Institute for Development, Education, and Research (LIDER) provides intentional leadership development training, mentoring, and resources to students, women, and entrepreneurs in the Global South – Nicaragua preliminarily.
We are most proud of getting off the ground and launching our first program this summer. After raising funds over the last years, we are excited to begin training young professionals and university students in leadership theory, effective practices, and the facilitation skills so that they can be prepared to provide leadership development opportunities in their contexts.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Much love and gratitude is due to our Board – and all of the initial investors who provide the seed funding that has enabled us to offer our inaugural program.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheLiDER.org
- Email: Jonathan.Kroll@TheLiDER.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadershipinstituteDER/
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