What motivates you to be part of the team of Leaders for new beginning?
The COVID-19 crisis gave me a chance to reflect both on what it takes to make a better world and on my own contribution to a better world. I awakened to the knowledge that when the world is faced by a dilemma- there will be those who seek solutions only for themselves but there are those who will do it for others around them and the world at large. These later kinds of people do not advertise themselves and in many cases may not be listed among the leaders in the minds of the majority and in the ‘court of public opinion’. However, the contributions they make cause positive change for millions of people. So when Marina and Justine told me about their intention to write this book, I was thrilled because it would give me time to research and understand the characteristics of such leadership and share it with others and hopefully create a momentum to focus on sustainable leadership in different domains.
What was your part in writing the book?
I enjoyed researching and discussing with the main writers Marina Stefanova and Justine Toms and in reviewing the beautiful sketches of featured leaders created by the artist – Eszter Gombas. My insights in leading without borders are reflected in the book and I am proud that my experience as an international development worker was useful in this creation. Most importantly I participated in creating a book with colleagues who are not only interested in writing but in contributing and informing the world and especially young people that sustainable leadership is not only a good way to lead but the best way to lead and that there are examples around the world of people who demonstrate those characteristics…
New leadership – what are the qualities, that people have to develop, to work more on?
The world faces and will continue to face many challenges, therefore new leaders need to equip themselves with capability to navigate the challenges faced and to understand how to transform those challenges into great opportunities! In order for them to achieve this they will need to have ability to lead change, have empathy and humility and must develop ability to envision solutions that also involve, engage and respond to people. In their leadership they should always ask themselves the question. Who is left behind and how can I get them on board?
How new leaders rise and how we could support and develop new leaders among the young generation?
Through this book we are exploring and demystifying the characteristics of sustainable leaders at the same time it is important to engage with young people, leaders in different domains, academia and individual to listen to their views and experiences that would shape the next steps and keep moving ahead. But it is important to model some of the qualities to our children and young people from a young age and that way we can invest in leadership for the future even as we mold existing leaders,
Your message to people who want to change, but don’t know how to make
the first step?
I believe that the first step is self-reflection to understand what your current style of leadership is and what type of leader you want to be! This book gives you some of the characteristics. The world is not lacking in challenges – so a leader can then choose an area they would want to lead in and lead the change engaging others and co-creating solutions. Of course, there are courses on sustainable leadership and there also role models that can mentor those who want to change.
