The “Impactful Leadership for Rectors & University Executives” intensive program, held at AlmaU from June 13 to 15, became an unprecedented platform for professional reflection and for exploring solutions to some of the most pressing leadership challenges in higher education.
The program was designed to address the practical challenges that university presidents, rectors, and senior executives face on a daily basis – from strategic uncertainty in institutional development to a lack of alignment within leadership teams and increasing pressure from external stakeholders. Delivered in partnership with the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) and the Canadian center Higher Education Strategy Associates (HESA), the program combined regional perspectives on university governance with global expertise.
Over the course of three days, participants explored topics related to leadership and institutional impact, examined strategies for digital transformation and AI adoption, and discussed the complex dynamics between university leadership and governing boards. The program featured in-depth conversations on servant leadership and the balance between supporting individual employees and advancing institutional goals. It also included workshops on building sustainable international partnerships, where participants explored approaches to identifying potential risks and imbalances at the early stages of collaboration.
The intensive brought together a distinguished group of experts with extensive experience in transforming educational institutions. Insights were shared by IAUP President Sean Chen, AlmaU Founder and President Assylbek Kozhakhmetov, Caucasus University President Kaha Shengelia, HESA Director of International Cooperation Dara Melnyk, Institute Learning Planet researcher Pavel Luksha, Independent Director Zhanat Berdalina, and AlmaU Vice-Rector for Global Partnership Sholpan Tazabek.
The value of this exchange of experience was highlighted by one of the participants, Dr. Aneta Szymańska, Vice-Rector for MBA and Postgraduate Programs at Wrocław Business University:
“It was extremely valuable for leaders of educational institutions. There were many practical workshops, panel discussions, and lectures on how to lead a university in today’s turbulent environment.”
According to Dr. Szymańska, the most valuable topics included fostering a culture of innovation, building responsible international partnerships, and integrating artificial intelligence into university operations.
“I received many practical insights on how to transform a university through automation and the use of AI agents, helping educational institutions become AI-native,” she noted.
The final day of the intensive took place at Chamberlain Country Club and focused on crisis leadership practices. This off-site module combined a unique environment for reflection with the philosophy of Natural Horsemanship, giving participants an opportunity to experience leadership concepts in practice.
Under the guidance of Marina Bukanova, founder of the club and business trainer, the rectors participated in HorseDream leadership exercises involving horses. The methodology allowed participants to demonstrate leadership qualities in real time and observe how their actions influenced those around them.
In the open arena setting, participants explored crisis leadership, decision-making under uncertainty, and non-verbal communication while receiving immediate feedback from the animals. This made the learning process highly practical, engaging, and emotionally impactful.
In conclusion, the program became an important milestone for the university community, demonstrating that true leadership requires not only strategic vision but also a continuous willingness to evolve and transform. By combining academic depth with practical experience, the intensive provided university leaders not merely with new tools and approaches, but with inspiration to drive meaningful change across the higher education sector.
Participants left the program with a clear understanding that effective leadership depends on the ability to remain adaptable, authentic, and open to innovation – qualities that will serve as the foundation for the sustainable growth and success of their institutions in the years ahead.