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Justin Milano
Founder & CEO Abroad.io | Executive Coach | ExecEd | Edmund Hillary Fellow
Professional Background
Justin Milano is an exemplary leader and the Founder and CEO of Abroad, a pioneering organization that transforms leaders and organizations, enabling them to effect meaningful changes in the world. His journey into leadership began with a life-altering experience in Bhutan, which sparked the creation of Abroad and a global speaking initiative aimed at spreading awareness about mental health and leadership effectiveness.
Under Justin's guidance, Abroad developed a sophisticated 15-minute psychometric assessment in partnership with former Yale University Wellbeing Director. This assessment engages leaders in a data-driven examination of mindset and mental health, providing crucial insights into how these factors influence performance, decision-making, and team culture. More than 1,300 visionary leaders have participated in this initiative, which produced a landmark study emphasizing the significant correlation between leadership mindsets and organizational outcomes.
Education and Achievements
Justin graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Communications from Florida State University. His academic background has been instrumental in his work, allowing him to effectively communicate his mission and empower leaders across various sectors. Recognized for his innovative approaches, Justin has gained acclaim from prestigious organizations, including the Edmund Hillary Fellowship in New Zealand. This distinctive fellowship draws social entrepreneurs committed to tackling global issues, and Justin's contributions over the past five years have set a precedent for future leadership endeavors in New Zealand.
In collaboration with the New Zealand government and local stakeholders, he has made substantial strides in enhancing the resilience and leadership capabilities of the country's emerging leaders. These initiatives have garnered significant attention and support from venture capital funds and innovation ecosystems, demonstrating a solid evidence-based impact on leadership development.
Pioneering Executive Education
Motivated by insights from his experiences with founders and executives, Justin has leveraged traditional wisdom to address contemporary challenges in leadership. His recognition of the profound lessons embedded in global traditions prompted him to return to Bhutan, where he designed immersive executive education programs. These experiences have been profoundly transformative, with numerous executives from leading global companies, investment funds, and family offices praising them as "life-changing." Many of these leaders have since partnered with Abroad, investing in its mission and vision.
Justin’s commitment to a regenerative business model and sustainable leadership is further evident through Abroad's initiatives, which support the guardians of traditional wisdom in Bhutan and beyond. One of the hallmark projects is the development of a Traditional Wisdom Center in Gelephu, Bhutan. In partnership with Dorje Phagmo, the female Rimpoche, this center aligns with the King's vision for a Mindfulness City, a place designed to embody and uphold sustainable, fulfilling human existence on Earth.
Academic Contributions
Adding to his impressive portfolio, Justin serves as an educator at the Booth Executive Education program at the University of Chicago, where he teaches Purpose-Driven Innovation. This role not only reflects his dedication to the field of innovative leadership but also positions him as a thought leader in integrating human values into entrepreneurship and executive education. Justin's unique methodology, which blends entrepreneurship with traditional wisdom, provides invaluable insights for leaders aiming to innovate responsibly and sustainably.
In conclusion, Justin Milano embodies a potent blend of experience, insight, and visionary leadership that places him at the forefront of leadership transformation. Through Abroad, he continues to pioneer paths for leaders, helping them harness traditional wisdom to tackle modern challenges effectively. His work promises to inspire a new generation of leaders dedicated to contributing positively to their organizations and the world at large.
