The ATHENA European University Alliance members continue their success story in organizing seminars and courses on employment-related topics. In collaboration with the University of Maribor (Slovenia), FONTYS University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), Holon Institute of Technology (Israel), Western Galilee College (Israel), Wiesbaden Business School (Germany), Gordon College of Education (Israel), Yezreel Valley College (Israel), University of Bielsko-Biala, Poland, University of Applied Sciences in Tarnow (Poland), Fagskolen Innlandet (Norway), the Erasmus Virtual Exchange Program IMPACT and the Hellenic Mediterranean University is planned the 3rd round of soft skills-related topics. This year, the topic will be Leadership Skills. 

The online sessions start on the 3rd of March 2025 and will be completed on the 12th of May 2025. They will happen every Monday from 1500 - 1700 CET. For more information about the online sessions, please check this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hYFk3I-fdbx94Rddl4UcIf02C03aUzg1/view?usp=sharing 

The site workshops will take place from the 2nd to the 6th of June 2025 in Chania, Greece.

The BIP number is:  2023-1-EL01-KA131-HED-000114775-6 

Please register here:  https://forms.gle/YiPnkyKZhKzp573M6 

Online Session #1: Core Concept, 3rd of March, 2025 

Online Session #2: Leaderhip and Language & Entrepreneurial Leadership, 10th of March, 2025

Online Session #3:  Leadership in Technology and Managerial Leadership, 17th of March, 2025

Online Session #4: Political Leadership, 24th of March, 2025

Online Session #5:  Grassroots Leadership, 31st of March, 2025

Online Session #6: Leadership in Education, 7th of April, 2025

Online Session #7: Leadership, Climate and Sustainability, 14th of April, 2025

Online Session #8: Leading for the future, 21st of April, 2025

Online Session #9: Self Awareness, 28th of April, 2025

Online Session #10: Ethical Leadership, 5th of May, 2025

Online Session #11: Students' Presentations, 12th of May 2025

with WIlly Wijnands and Kristina Fritsch (eduScrum)

Abstract: 

Date: 2nd, 4th, and 6th of June  

Duration: 90 - 120 minutes for each session 

with George Kakavelakis and Konstantinos Petridis (HMU, Greece)

Abstract: 

Effective public speaking is essential for academic and professional success. This workshop aims to equip participants with key strategies for delivering clear, confident, and engaging presentations. Through interactive exercises, participants will learn techniques for structuring content, managing stage presence, using visual aids effectively, and handling audience engagement. Special emphasis will be placed on overcoming anxiety and adapting presentations to different contexts. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have enhanced their communication skills and gained practical tools to improve their public speaking performance.

Date:  2nd June, 2025

Duration:  45 minutes

with Dr. Samia Zeid (WGC, Israel)

Abstract: 

The session aims to cultivate communication strategies that enable leaders to express their vision clearly, build meaningful connections with others and foster collaboration with confidence and empathy. Special emphasis will be placed on the use of diplomatic language and the development of other language-related skills. 

Date:  2nd June, 2025

Duration:  45 minutes

with Dr. Yoel Tawil (HIT, Israel)

Abstract: 

Leaders are neither born nor made, and soft skills aren’t innate or always acquired. Both leadership and soft skills are performed. This session harnesses insights from creativity studies and playback theater to demonstrate how these skills are enacted before an audience or other social actors. Whether drawn from authentic or simulated experiences, students will learn to augment or create empathy, creativity, and leadership and craft a convincing performance whose elements can later be internalized as part of a personal set of soft skills

Date:  2nd June, 2025

Duration:  90 minutes

with Ralph Peters and Yelda Ozturk (FONTYS, Netherlands)

Abstract: 

Date:  5th of June, 2025

Duration: 3 hrs 

with Nava Shaked (HIT, Israel)

Abstract: 

Engineers, designers, and technology developers of the digital era must understand the technologies themselves and the technology's relationship to the market and the forces that govern it.  In the workshop, we discuss "game changers" and "disruptive technologies" and their role in the market. We examine the effects of social networks on buying, selling, communication, advertising, and education. We explore the past, the present, and touch on the future, in an attempt to determine which technologies will continue to evolve and which will become obsolete. Discuss real-world examples of market trends and developments and analyze the pros and cons of their approach to society and our role as technology leaders in this ecosystem.

Date:  5th of June, 2025

Duration: 2 hrs 

with  Mrs  Stefania Oikonomou (W2L, Greece)

Abstract: 

In a highly interconnected and data-abundant world, young citizens must acquire the skills and be allowed to lead data-driven initiatives for societal resilience and empowerment. The talk will present the potential of this approach within higher education by showcasing successful examples of student-led data-driven actions for a social purpose (especially in emergency settings).   This talk is rooted in citizen science, a universal approach connecting science and society, with openings to social action, sense of initiative and advocacy.

Date: 4th of June 

Duration: 90 minutes

with Prof. Elad Segev  (HIT, Israel)

Abstract: 

In this engaging and interactive workshop, discover how to harness your creativity for real-world projects. We'll bridge the gap between your personal experiences and academic concepts, equipping you with practical applications to benefit your own projects. Using simple exercises and demonstrations, we will uncover our creative spark and develop the ability to identify creativity drivers. We also will learn to ask questions that lead to innovation. 

Date: 4th of June, 2025 

Duration: 90 minutes 

with Prof. Anna  Stefanowicz-Kocol (University of Applied Sciences in Tarnow, Poland)

Abstract: 

The workshop will introduce the problem of cultural differences in a workplace, giving students the chance to reflect on the culture of their own country and the way leadership is understood and implemented there. Analyses of case studies will provide practical examples of problems and solutions in this area. Small groups will be able to compare and discuss the reflections, focusing on several key points such as e.g., critical/positive feedback, the decision-making process, motivation, collaboration, and attitude towards success and failure. 

Date: 3rd of June, 2025 

Duration: 90 minutes 

with  Dr. Agnieszka Zielinska, University of Bielsko-Biala, Poland

Abstract:

Effective leadership is the cornerstone of high-performing teams. This workshop explores the key principles and strategies that great leaders use to inspire, motivate, and develop their teams into champions. Participants will learn how to cultivate a culture of trust, empower team members, and foster collaboration to achieve collective success. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees will gain insights into transformational leadership techniques that drive productivity, innovation, and team cohesion. 

Date: 3rd of June

Duration: 120 minutes