Virginie le Barbu, Global Sustainability Director at Lenovo, embarked on the Ashoka Leadership Journey in February 2023, admitting, "I had no idea what to expect. I stepped in with curiosity—and what I walked away with was truly transformative". Her experience was so impactful that she later co-developed a dedicated version of the program for the Lenovo 360 Circle community in partnership with Ashoka. 

Her journey yielded three powerful takeaways that have since guided her professional work and personal purpose: 

Guided Leadership Program
Virginie le Barbu, Global Sustainability Director International Markets at Lenovo (center)
  • Inner Leadership Begins with Self-Awareness: Virginie explains, "The Ashoka Leadership Journey deepened an already ongoing process of self-discovery. It reminded me that authentic leadership starts from within—by consistently reflecting on who I am, what I value, and the legacy I want to leave behind. This program helped me reconnect with those questions and reaffirmed the importance of leading with integrity, purpose, and alignment—starting by nurturing myself in order to show up fully for others". 
     
  • The Power of Collective Learning and Connection: She highlights the program's community aspect: "One of the most enriching aspects of the journey was the safe and diverse community it created. Learning side by side with people from different industries, cultures, and experiences – especially in our learning circle – was eye-opening. There was magic in our differences and strength in our shared purpose”. 
     
  • Dream Bigger – Without Limits: The program instilled the confidence to think ambitiously. "I discovered that my superpower lies in inspiring and mobilizing others around a shared purpose".

Virginie's vision is clear: "My personal ambition today is to convert as many people as possible into sustainability champions, accelerating the adoption of sustainable business models and practices. I want to become a trusted transformational leader, guided by a deep desire to amplify the impact of collective change". 

 "This clarity of purpose now guides me every day as I lead the Lenovo 360 Circle". 
 

Systemic Change Through Collaboration 
Participants at Guided Leadership Journey

The program addresses common corporate challenges like resistance to change, organizational silos, and a lack of clarity around purpose. Lenovo has embraced a strong community-based approach to sustainability, recognizing that "no organization can drive this transformation alone".

The Lenovo 360 Circle, fostering both individual and collective learning, embodies this vision. The Guided Leadership Program is a natural extension, aligning with Lenovo's belief that "collaboration is essential to driving systemic change". 

This year, it brought together 19 employees from Lenovo and channel partners from North America and Europe. The experience ignited a shared commitment to driving long-term social and environmental impact, equipping leaders to champion change at work. Concrete collaborations emerged, and members connected beyond commercial boundaries. “These connections became not just professional networks, but true sources of inspiration, accountability, and collective growth. It showed me how community can be a catalyst for deep transformation,” Virginie remembers. 

Participant evaluations highlight a strong positive impact: nearly all respondents reported a shift in their perspective on the kind of impact they aim to achieve, and an equal number expressed greater confidence in their ability to drive social and environmental change. 

Looking ahead, the company will launch the second cohort of the Lenovo 360 Circle Guided Leadership Journey and continue expanding its changemakers activation – supporting more leaders in finding their voice, their mission, and their power to drive meaningful, systemic change. 
 

About the 2026 Guided Leadership Journey – open to all companies
Guided Leadership Program

The 2026 Guided Leadership Journey, a nine-month hybrid program, invites mid- to senior-level corporate leaders who are deeply motivated to foster an impact culture within their company. It offers personalized coaching, peer learning, and access to Ashoka social innovators, providing participants with a clearer sense of purpose and resilience to drive positive change.

Applications for the 2026 journey are open until October 30th, 2025.

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*The insights, ideas, and messages in this article have all been extracted and developed by humans. An AI assistant supported the writing.