Leadership and Values in Action: Aspen Institute Kyiv Held a Seminar with Representatives of the “Ascania” Group of Companies and Alumni in the Carpathians

From October 8 to 12, 2025, in the Carpathian Mountains, the Aspen Institute Kyiv held a seminar for top managers of the “Ascania” Group of Companies in synergy with alumni of Aspen seminars. The event focused on reflecting on values, leadership, and resilience in times of uncertainty.

During the seminar, participants discussed contemporary challenges, explored how philosophical ideas can help businesses act responsibly and strategically, and analyzed their own experiences. The dialogue covered topics such as society during wartime, ethical dilemmas, the dimensions of justice, a dignified life, and civic nationhood. Among the sources for reflection were the works of Seneca, Frankl, Clausewitz, Bauman, Zuboff, Erhard, and modern Ukrainian thinkers. A special part of the seminar was a creative project — a space for teamwork, reflection, and shared search for meaning.

Denys Poltavets, Director of Program Development at Aspen Institute Kyiv, and Viacheslav Rudnytskyi, CEO of the educational company Savvy and co-founder of the NGO New Vision moderated the seminar. 

Such group formats help business leaders make sense of ongoing processes in Ukrainian society, integrate value-based approaches into strategic decision-making, foster a culture of dialogue and trust within teams, and strengthen inner resilience in challenging times.

We thank all participants for their openness, trust, and profound discussions! We believe this experience will become a source of inspiration, new ideas, and meaningful solutions.