The LEAP Conference is a student initiative designed to highlight the experiences of global leaders who have taken a leap of faith and driven change throughout the world. Every year, students come together to put on this unforgettable event, which empowers their peers to explore thought-provoking topics and participate in both interactive workshops and networking activities.
And this year was no different. The 2019 LEAP Conference, held on our Segovia campus on April 27, brought together a diverse group of attendees for an inspirational afternoon of stimulating talks and workshops.
Navigating the unknown
This year’s conference was centered around the idea of discomfort. As any successful entrepreneur or game-changer knows, taking risks and exploring new opportunities are often accompanied by a feeling of uncertainty. That feeling of discomfort can make or break you; success can depend on how you handle it.
In order to drive change and make an impact on the world around us, we cannot avoid discomfort; we have to embrace it. This year’s LEAP Conference highlighted the importance of navigating the unknown, and how this skill can propel both our professional and personal goals forward.
Thought-provoking speakers
All hand-selected to share their experiences with attendees, this year’s group of speakers explained how welcoming discomfort with open arms has allowed them to achieve their goals and make an impact on the world.
This year’s lineup included talks from Miguel Barreiro, IE University professor and partnerships building advisor at the UN; Itziar Lomba, consumer and market research senior manager at P&G; Ynzo Van Zanten, storyteller for Dutch chocolatier and human rights advocate, Tony’s Chocolonely; Eva Herber, clinical psychologist and professor; and Lorent Saleh, founder of the NGO Operación Libertad and former political prisoner.
Through discussions on topics such as democracy in the 21st century and the role of storytelling in the fight against stereotypes, our guest speakers armed students and attendees with the tools needed to go against the grain, overcome discomfort, and become next-generation disruptors in today’s fast-paced and constantly changing world.
Hands-on workshops
In true IE University fashion, the conference included four interactive workshops allowing attendees to join in on the conversation and think outside the box. This year’s workshops explored a unique range of topics relevant to the theme of discomfort.
From a workshop focusing on the difference between racism and white privilege
to the benefits of giving to others, attendees looked at various issues
relevant in their daily lives.
Networking and exchange: a winning combination
Although both the talks and workshops are essential to LEAP’s success, the main objective of the conference is to bring motivated and curious individuals together to network and exchange ideas. Both during and after the main event, attendees had the opportunity to socialize and grow their personal and professional networks.
And thanks to Protos, one of the event’s main sponsors, participants were able to take part in a personalized wine-tasting experience—the perfect way to cap off a successful and inspiring event.
An event for students, by students
The LEAP Conference is an event which defines what it means to be a student at IE University. Alongside access to a world-class education and expert faculty who are both leading academics and top executives, we pride ourselves in offering our diverse student community countless opportunities to put their thoughts into action. Through constant dialogue and discussions, IE University students are primed to become the next generation of game-changers, ready to fight off the discomfort that might have held them back from setting the world ablaze.
