The academic year for the Key Executive MBA program at the UCU Business School began with profound and meaningful discussions. The first module created an environment that integrated business, culture, and history into a unified context, allowing every participant of the 2024 intake to explore new challenges and opportunities in today’s complex world. Participants not only delved into theoretical concepts but also immersed themselves in real-life cases, engaged in dialogues with thought leaders, and developed the strategic vision essential for managers in today’s dynamic environment.
A Day of Discussions: “Narratives on Complexity”
The discussion day titled “Narratives on Complexity Contexts” brought together participants from the Key Executive MBA, MSc in Managing Impact-Driven Organizations, and MSc in Technology Management programs. The day began with a panel discussion exploring the economic, cultural, social, business, and spiritual dimensions of the Ukrainian context. Speakers included Hlib Vyshlinsky, Executive Director of the Center for Economic Strategy; Nataliya Kryvda, Professor at Taras Shevchenko National University and Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation; Oleh Romanchuk, Director of the UCU Institute of Mental Health; Sofia Opatska, Founding Dean of the UCU Business School; and Father Andriy Zelinskyi, a political scientist and chaplain of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The discussion was moderated by Ievhen Hlibovytskyi, Founder and Chair of the “Frontier Institute” and member of the Supervisory Board of Ukraine’s public broadcaster, Suspilne.
Societal Trends with Ievhen Hlibovytskyi
Following the panel, Ievhen Hlibovytskyi delivered a lecture on societal trends, providing a comprehensive integration of personal, local, and global contexts. He spoke about the transformative journey each UCU student embarks upon, shedding light on the unique characteristics and opportunities this path entails. Hlibovytskyi shared insights into the diverse experiences and values of the UCU community and encouraged participants to embrace the creative tension inherent in this environment.
“UCU is a place of broad exploration. Be open to diverse experiences and people here. The university does not own your progress; you are responsible for it. Your task is to find a place where you can make a contribution and fulfill your mission,” Hlibovytskyi said to the participants.
Learn more about the Key Executive MBA program.
Narratives on Complexity with Dave Snowden
Participants gained unique insights into aspects of complexity and decision-making from Dave Snowden and Oleksii Molchanovskyi. Dave Snowden, a management consultant and researcher in knowledge management and complexity science, is the founder of The Cynefin Company. For the first time, he delivered a lecture to UCU Business School students.
This session focused on the necessity of adapting to instability, analyzing multifactorial situations, and managing risks in the business world. It equipped participants with tools to handle information overload, account for the human factor, and assess the long-term implications of decisions, particularly their ethical and social dimensions. As a practical exercise, participants analyzed the impact of these trends on their organizations, employees, and clients, developing management strategies for tackling challenges in complex environments.
Read more: History, present, and future from the founders and leaders of UCU Business School at Big Start 2024.
Culture as a System at the Jam Factory Art Center
On the third day of the module, Key Executive MBA participants moved off-campus to the Jam Factory Art Center for a course titled “Culture as a System” led by Mykola Skyba, a cultural anthropologist and project manager in culture and creative industries.
“Culture emerged and evolves around the theme of death, as this question prompts people to reflect: where we come from, why we exist, and what we leave behind. Caring for the memory of the deceased became the foundation for culture as a phenomenon,” Skyba remarked, setting the tone for the course.
Andriy Linyk, Director of LKP “Lviv Radio,” shared his experiences with cultural projects in Lviv, including initiatives like the House of Sound and House 42. He highlighted contemporary art directions such as science art and bio art, which fuse science and technology with creativity, fostering an innovative artistic environment.
The participants also toured the Jam Factory with its Executive and Operational Director, Tetiana Fedoruk, a 2023 graduate of the Key Executive MBA program. The day concluded with a conversation with Harald Binder, historian and investor in the Jam Factory project, who shared his motivation for investing in Ukraine’s cultural development.
“I am a historian and have always believed that society is not only about material things. A nation comprises people, their economic assets, and resources, but also culture. Culture is not only exhibitions and theaters; it is everything that creates values shaping society,” Harald shared.
“Great Books for Great Business” with Yaroslav Hrytsak
The module concluded at the House of Franko, where participants discussed Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. This book is one of 12 featured in the “Great Books for Great Business” course, taught by Yaroslav Hrytsak as part of the Key Executive MBA program.
The culmination of this intensive module laid the foundation for profound reflections that will continue throughout the academic year. Integrating culture, business, history, and societal challenges enabled participants to view the world through the lens of complexity and uncertainty—an essential perspective for leaders shaping the future. The module not only inspired participants for new achievements but also set the groundwork for their professional and personal growth.
Learn more about the Key Executive MBA program: https://lvbs.top/24k
