First Movers Fellowship

Where leaders catalyze transformative change

The Aspen Institute First Movers Fellowship Program is the leading global network and professional development program for corporate social intrapreneurs.

First Movers are accomplished innovators inside companies who are creating new products, services and management practices that increase business value and make the world a better place.

Since 2009, the Fellowship Program has strengthened the capacity of social intrapreneurs to lead change within their company and industry, which collectively, over time, will redefine how business is done and how success is measured.

Announcing the 2026 Class of First Mover Fellows

The 18th class of First Mover Fellows represent a diverse range of companies, from Amazon, Chevron, Paramount Pictures, BCG, and more!

354Fellows

across 18 classes

186companies

headquartered in 26 countries

About the Program

The year-long Fellowship includes three seminars, structured around four core components: innovation, reflection, leadership, and community.

Blogs

Make Your Values Mean Something
Blog Posts

Make Your Values Mean Something

First Mover Fellow Eric Myers reflects on how the Fellowship gave him the confidence and tools to make the case for organics recycling.

Bet on Human Connection with Your Own Vulnerability
Blog Posts

Bet on Human Connection with Your Own Vulnerability

First Mover Fellow Rahul Raj reflects on courage, vulnerability, and how his Fellowship experience shaped his leadership journey.

Let Good Enough Be Good Enough
Blog Posts

Let Good Enough Be Good Enough

First Mover Fellow Chris McKnett shares how listening, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace imperfection have shaped his approach to leadership.

Meet the Design Team

The Design Team includes experts from business, leadership development, and academia. They design and facilitate the seminars—and guide the overall Fellowship experience.

Why the Aspen Institute?

The First Movers Fellowship Program fits squarely within the Aspen Institute’s mission: to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues.