Empowering Leadership Amidst Adversity: Reflections from the Global Leadership Summit Ukraine 2023

September 3, 2024

In the face of adversity, the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) in Ukraine shone as a beacon of hope and unity. Amidst ongoing challenges, this annual gathering continued to inspire and empower leaders from all walks of life. Despite the backdrop of conflict, the GLS in Ukraine remained steadfast in its commitment to fostering leadership excellence. From seasoned attendees to newcomers, participants converged to glean insights and forge connections, undeterred by the prevailing circumstances.

 Highlights from the #GLS23 Ukraine

 The GLS was hosted over the 7th and the 8th of December 2023, online and live with more than 550 participants from all regions of Ukraine. The live event took place in a new modern hall where the participants of the GLS movement enjoyed the welcoming ambiance and meaningful fellowship.

Attendees were immersed in a dynamic program brimming with impactful elements. Eight thought-provoking video messages from esteemed international speakers captivated hearts and minds, offering profound insights and wisdom. Four Ukrainian speakers shared compelling stories, igniting a sense of purpose and vision in every leader present. Participants had opportunities to engage in meaningful networking opportunities, fostering communication and collaboration within teams.

 Global Speakers

• Notable speakers, each contributing their unique expertise and perspective to the collective experience, included:
• Condoleezza Rice, 66th US Secretary of State and Advisor to President George W. Bush
• Craig Groeschel, Founder & Senior Pastor, Life.Church
• Dallas Jenkins, Creator, Director, and Co-Writer of The Chosen series
• Albert Tate, Founding & Lead Pastor, Fellowship Church;
• James Clear, Best-Selling Author of the “Atomic Habits” book
• Liz Bohannon, Founder of SSEKO Designs, Author
• Krish Kandiah, Founder of The Sanctuary Foundation, TV presenter
• Megan Marshman, Speaker, Author, Pastor

 Each speaker contributes their unique expertise and perspective to the collective experience.

 Local Ukrainian Speakers

 Vadym Shypilov: Pastor of Emmanuel Church, Bishop of the “Blaha Zvistka” (Good News) Church, and Chairman of the Ukrainian Interchurch Council. Vadym Shypilov shared insights on the essential traits of authentic leadership with a focus on vision, foresight, mentorship, and continuous personal growth.

Ruslan Kukharchuk: As the Country Leader of the GLS in Ukraine and leader of the “Vsi razom!” (All together!) movement, Ruslan Kukharchuk delivered a compelling speech titled “Leader Overcomes Evil.” He underscored the pivotal role of leaders in confronting adversity and fostering positive change.

Ivan Fedorov: Ivan Fedorov, Mayor of Melitopol, shared his remarkable story of leadership amidst crisis.

Vladyslav Yeshchenko: A war veteran and head of the charity foundation “Pobachymo peremohu” (We will see the victory), Vladyslav Yeshchenko shared his inspiring journey of resilience and service. Despite losing his sight and hearing during his military service, Yeshchenko embarked on a mission to support fellow veterans and individuals affected by the war. His foundation, “Pobachymo Peremohu,” aims to provide assistance and hope to those in need and within 5 minutes almost UAH 29,000 were raised on the spot.

Embracing Hope Amidst Adversity

Amidst the Summit’s hopeful energy, Ruslan Kukharchuk, Country Leader of GLS Ukraine, reassured attendees of their safety, announcing the availability of a bomb shelter in case of emergency. On the second day, as the morning dawned, an air-raid siren pierced the silence. In unity, the organising committee, volunteers, and international leaders of the GLS joined in prayer for an end to the alert and the possibility of continuing the GLS and by 9:30 am, the air-raid alert ceased, allowing the Summit to continue as planned, a testament to the power of hope and resilience.

Voices of Inspiration: Testimonials from the Global Leadership Summit Ukraine 2023

 “I am glad that I could come here to a live event, to meet people who are doing something interesting and useful. Every time I bring my team with me here at GLS, I understand that a live event helps to better absorb information and get the most ideas. And right during the Summit my team and I are discussing, planning and implementing some of our goals for the upcoming year, before the next Summit.” – Vladyslav Mikula, Pastor of the SDA church, Vinnytsia

“The GLS always helps me to reach a new level of leadership. I am currently developing my own business, and I can assure you that the values I receive at the Summit help me build a strong team. And for secular (unchurched) people, these principles that my team uses in their work are a good example and a testimony in itself. In the future, this will contribute to our good relationships. And we all know that good relationships are a solid foundation for any business.” – David Malakhov, Entrepreneur, Kyiv

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