Olena Makeieva, an alumnus of the “Responsible Leadership” seminar — 5, participated in the leadership seminar “Philosophy and Practice” in Germany

The latest leadership seminar, “Philosophy and Practice,” was held in Germany.

For four days, participants engaged in dialogues about value-oriented leadership, moral dilemmas, responsibility and freedom, and strategic and everyday decisions in a life of constant challenges. Drawing on the works of classical and modern philosophers and with the help of moderators, everyone had the opportunity to uncover the values fundamental to leadership. Participants focused mainly on understanding the challenges of developing one’s leadership thinking.

The Aspen Institute Kyiv nominated Olena Makeieva, Chair of the Board of Directors of “Aksonova & Associates” to participate in the seminar. Here is how Olena reflects on her experience:

“My first experience with Aspen was in 2011 in Crimea. In my feedback, I wrote that the Aspen-experience cannot be described in words; it must be lived. I never imagined that 13 years later, I would have a second opportunity to relive this experience with an international group from Aspen, Germany.

For me, Aspen is always about diversity, trust, and leadership. It is about the diversity of people, life experiences, perspectives, perceptions, and expectations. It is about faith in strangers who become your closest friends in just a few days. Leadership is a journey, not a state of being. International Aspen is also about the diversity of cultures and worldviews.

This is how the Universe speaks to me — sending me the right texts and teachers when needed. During times of war, philosophical texts have become a source of support and inspiration for me because I can find answers to all questions in them. It was pleasant to return to Aristotle’s texts and talk about happiness, with Immanuel Kant about rational existence and human dignity, and to learn diplomacy and the art of argumentation from Martin Luther King.

I am grateful to The Aspen Institute Kyiv for this opportunity. You make the Way great. For all of us.”

Today, leadership in crisis is one of the acute challenges of Ukrainian society, and we are sincerely grateful to the Aspen Institute Germany for their openness, new experiences, and the opportunity to include participants from Ukraine!