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GLS 24, Ukraine

The Global Leadership Summit 2024 Season Kicks Off in Ukraine with a Powerful Gathering in Kyiv

The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) season in Ukraine has officially launched in Kyiv, marking an unforgettable two-day event that gathered over 600 passionate leaders. On November 28-29, both in-person and online participants from across Ukraine and beyond came together for this transformative experience, creating an atmosphere of unity and growth. For two inspiring days, leaders from diverse backgrounds—entrepreneurs, community leaders, academics, and pastors—gathered to receive practical and thought-provoking insights from some of the world’s most respected voices in leadership. Attendees didn’t just listen to the speakers; they engaged, shared ideas, and forged new connections. A notable aspect of this year’s GLS was the significant participation of online delegates. Teams of 10 to 50 members joined the summit in real time from homes, offices, and churches throughout Ukraine. Photos and videos of these team viewings were shared, offering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose even across distant locations. Key Ukrainian Leaders Lead the Way The GLS program in Kyiv was a blend of powerful local and international voices. Eight global speakers shared their expertise through video messages, and four Ukrainian leaders—each representing different sectors of society—added valuable insights. The musical accompaniment provided by the worship band from Light Up Church helped set a reverent tone for the event. The summit was officially opened by Ruslan Kukharchuk, National Director of GLS Ukraine. He expressed the importance of GLS in uniting diverse leaders to refine their skills and inspire positive change in their communities. “It is both a great pleasure and a cherished tradition for us to host the Global Leadership Summit in Ukraine,” said Kukharchuk. Taras Sen, pastor and director of the mission “Christ Is the Answer” in Rivne, began the event with a powerful reading from the Scriptures, focusing on the example of Joshua as a model of leadership. Ukrainian Voices Address the Moment Several key Ukrainian speakers also addressed the current challenges and opportunities for leadership in Ukraine. Ruslan Kukharchuk spoke passionately about the role of Christian leadership in today’s Ukraine, emphasizing that the nation’s identity and statehood are deeply rooted in Christian values. He outlined two critical steps to overcome Ukraine’s struggles: Ukrainocentrism and Christian ethics. Ihor Fostenko, founder of the company Enjoy The Wood, shared his remarkable journey from homelessness to entrepreneurship, offering valuable lessons on leadership and resilience. Fostenko’s personal story, along with his entrepreneurial insights, inspired the audience, particularly through his product innovations like the wooden world and Ukraine maps. Philip Savochka, Bishop of the “Salvation” Churches, gave a thoughtful talk on leadership within the church, outlining three levels of leadership: a servant, an elder brother, and a father. His speech sparked engaging conversations about church ministry and leadership. Taras Topolia, leader of the band ANTYTILA and a devoted family man and serviceman, spoke on conscious leadership, reflecting on his unique experiences as both an artist and a soldier. His heartfelt talk was followed by a dynamic talk show where he answered questions from the audience. Other influential Ukrainian leaders, including Lieutenant Colonel Ivan Nevmerzhytskyi, also addressed the summit. Nevmerzhytskyi focused on the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, a sentiment that resonated deeply given Ukraine’s ongoing challenges. International Voices Deliver Global Wisdom As expected, the GLS stage hosted renowned international speakers, whose messages added an extra layer of depth to the summit. Craig Groeschel, founder and Senior Pastor of Life.Church, kicked off the event by discussing the importance of passion in leadership. He challenged attendees to be fully engaged and obsessed with their purpose. Joni Tada, founder of Joni and Friends, captivated the audience with her powerful talk on “The Paradox of Leadership Through Weakness,” sharing her journey of overcoming disability and leading with vulnerability. Hospitality expert Will Guidara spoke on the timeless power of hospitality, urging leaders to focus on the simple yet profound human need to feel cared for. Meanwhile, Erwin McManus shared insights on the seven frequencies of communication, exploring how effective leaders connect with their teams. David Ashcraft, President and CEO of the Global Leadership Network, delivered an insightful talk on the hidden forces that can sabotage our legacies, while Arthur Brooks, Harvard professor and bestselling author, explored how to find greater happiness in an unhappy world. Megan Fate Marshman, a pastor and author, spoke about rejecting cultural pressures to constantly produce and embracing a leadership that walks step by step with God. Kindra Hall, a storytelling expert, wrapped up the international session with a talk on “The Power of Story,” highlighting how narratives can transform leadership. Looking Ahead The GLS season in Ukraine has once again proven its value as a pivotal event for leaders at all levels. From the wisdom shared by seasoned entrepreneurs and pastors to the inspiring stories of Ukrainian resilience, this year’s summit reaffirmed the power of leadership rooted in faith, community, and purpose. The Global Leadership Summit in Ukraine typically spans cities like Kyiv, Chernivtsi, Dnipro, and Poltava, with more than 1,200 participants attending last season. As the GLS season continues, leaders across Ukraine and beyond will undoubtedly carry the insights gained from this summit into their personal and professional lives, furthering the cause of transformation in their communities. The journey of leadership never ends, and with events like GLS, the future of Ukraine’s leaders has never looked brighter.

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