“It’s important for me not to stop at what I’ve already achieved”
How it all started
“I was selected for the LEAP Leadership Program 2025 — the flagship leadership program organized by oikos International and Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). The six-month program focuses on developing leadership and project management competencies. It includes monthly workshops, group learning sessions, and individual coaching, where we worked on active listening, effective communication, and conflict management. I was an active participant throughout the program, and when I learned about the case competition, I decided to give it a try. I wanted to put my newly acquired skills into practice and test my idea in front of experts.”
About the competition
“The PRME Business Case Competition aimed to develop meaningful business ideas that address complex sustainability challenges. Participants created projects that could be implemented in the private sector, society, or local communities and defended them before an expert jury to advance to the second round. The competition had two stages: submitting a project description and a 10-minute video, followed by an interview and presentation before a panel of four judges. The goal was to demonstrate that your idea is scalable, beneficial to society, and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
About the project
“My project is called Green B2B Match – The Sustainable Business Connection Platform. It’s designed to help companies seeking to reduce their environmental footprint connect with verified suppliers and service providers who follow sustainable practices. Using AI-based matching and ESG-compliant filters, companies can quickly find partners whose values and operations align with their sustainability goals. Suppliers would be verified according to international standards to minimize the risk of greenwashing. I was inspired by the idea of creating a tool that makes sustainable business more accessible and efficient. The project supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by offering a practical solution for building environmentally responsible supply chains.”
About the victory
“I didn’t know how many applications there were overall, but with about a hundred participants in the program, the competition felt quite intense. To stand out, I decided to take a creative approach — for instance, I designed a branded background with the project title for my video presentation to make it look cohesive. During the interview, I tried not just to answer questions but to engage the judges, be natural, and honestly explain why this idea matters to me. I was a bit nervous — public speaking under questioning is always stressful, especially on such a complex topic as sustainability. When they announced the winner, I felt both joy and surprise — it was incredibly rewarding to see my project recognized for both its concept and its practical potential.”
“The win gives me a unique opportunity to present my project internationally — at the Thought Leadership Summit, with all expenses covered: flight, accommodation, and related costs. There, I’ll be able to share my idea with an audience of business and academic leaders, gain valuable feedback and support to help turn the project into reality. The program also provides coaching and mentoring to strengthen presentation and leadership skills. Participating in the case competition is valuable not only for the victory itself but for developing strategic thinking, presentation skills, and seeing how your idea can make a real impact on business and society. Even the process of preparing and defending the project is an invaluable learning experience that opens new opportunities for growth.”
About HSE and studying at HSE GSB
“Studying in the HSE GSB master’s program is exciting and full of opportunities. I’m currently on a mobility semester in Germany at FAU University, where I’m spending the winter term. It’s been two weeks since I arrived, and I’m adapting to a new academic environment with many interesting courses and projects ahead. I’m very grateful for such opportunities — for instance, I already took part in a winter school in Hungary in early 2025, which inspired me to develop new ideas and research directions.”
“The master’s program combines academic depth with practical projects and international initiatives. It helps me develop analytical and leadership skills, reflect on my values and professional goals, and apply my knowledge in real-world contexts.”
Future plans
“I try to make the most of every opportunity for professional and personal development. Recently, I completed two programs — LEAP 2025 and the Online School on Human Rights, which provided me with new insights into leadership, sustainability, and human rights. I’m currently involved in a joint project with the University of Goa, where we’re preparing a report on creating sustainable and safe workplaces in Russia and India. I also keep an eye on new university and external programs, competitions, and initiatives related to my interests — and I try to participate in those that offer practical experience and allow me to apply my knowledge. It’s important for me not to stop at what I’ve already achieved, but to keep developing my ideas and competencies.”