A letter from Jul 05, 2025

Dear Mark, You made it. You just completed the Leaders in Innovation Advance Fellowship Programme — and right now, you’re feeling both full and humbled. You stood alongside innovators from across the globe. You listened, learned, and shared stories from the Philippines — not as a guest, but as a contributor. You didn’t just bring bamboo; you brought a movement. You reminded the world that sustainability is not a trend — it’s a necessity. And you showed that social innovation can be both deeply local and powerfully global. You leave London not only with new tools and networks but with a stronger sense of purpose. You are no longer just building a business — you're building a legacy rooted in circularity, justice, and compassion. Promise yourself this: don’t lose the momentum. The hard work begins now. Take what you’ve learned, scale what works, refine what doesn't, and continue to serve with humility and boldness. This is your promise to yourself — a declaration that the lessons, connections, and clarity gained from the Leaders in Innovation Advance Fellowship will not fade into memory, but be transformed into action. Over the next six months, you commit to: 1. Scale with Purpose
Accelerate the reach of BAMBUHAY's circular innovations, starting with at least one key product or market expansion that directly uplifts more farmers and reduces environmental waste. 2. Deepen Impact
Launch or strengthen at least one community-based program that empowers marginalized groups through sustainable livelihood and climate resilience. 3. Strengthen Systems
Improve internal operations — from team structure to impact monitoring — ensuring BAMBUHAY becomes more scalable, efficient, and accountable. 4. Share the Story
Speak on at least three platforms (conferences, media, schools, etc.) to share the BAMBUHAY journey and inspire the next generation of changemakers. 5. Build Strategic Partnerships
Solidify collaborations locally and globally with organizations that align with your mission — including those you connected with during the fellowship. 6. Stay Grounded in Faith and Purpose
Maintain your spiritual discipline, humility, and integrity. Remember: success is not just measured by metrics, but by how many lives are lifted and how deeply your work honors God. Mark, you’ve been given a rare opportunity — not just to innovate, but to lead with heart. Use these next six months wisely. Create boldly, serve humbly, and grow faithfully. Keep going. For the planet. For your people. For the future. Signed,
Mark Sultan Gersava
July 2025