The document discusses challenges facing consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies and the need for business acumen training. It outlines seven lessons learned for effective business acumen programs, including understanding strategic priorities, avoiding information overload, and ensuring social interactions. A case study highlights a successful cohort-based program at a Fortune 500 food company that improved financial literacy and linked operational decisions to financial outcomes.

1. Teaching Business Acumen At CPG Companies Bjorn Billhardt, CEO John Gillis, Director Business Acumen Programs Enspire Learning

4. Awards

5. Challenges facing the CPG Industry

6. Challenge: Rising Commodity Prices

10. The Need For Business Acumen Training

18. Misunderstanding Priorities Objective Potential Formats Strategic alignment among senior leaders Classroom-based team experience; coaching Solve specific tasks related to financial health (working capital, forecasting, etc.) Webinar; video message from CEO; managerial directives Better decision making processes across company Comprehensive blended educational programs Grow select leaders in company High-potential programs

19. Academic Theory vs. Company Needs Academic Company Needs How to calculate Beta How to make investment decision How to solve a clean problem set How to make decisions without perfect data and information How to read complex statements How to argue for a budget

20. Information Overload vs.

21. Generic Training vs. Your Company

22. Outsourced Design vs.

23. Event-based Experience vs. Cohort-based Program Online pre-work / reference Educational sessions Online simulation games Action learning projects Coaching / mentoring Individual development plans Assessments

24. Social Interactions vs.

25. Case Study: Fortune 500 Food Company