Seminar on “Innovative approaches to support leadership in human resource management in times of change”
On October 1, 2025, in hall 2-127 of the University of Economics – Varna, a seminar with international participation was held within the framework of the project “Impact of Digitalization on Innovative Approaches in Human Resources Management”, funded by the Scientific Research Fund. The event was hosted by Chief Assist. Prof. Velina Koleva, PhD.
The guest lecturer in the initiative was Marionela Bozhkova – PCC ICF, Learning & Development Manager in the Talent Management Department for Yazaki EMEA, Germany. She shared practices from her extensive experience as an HR manager in several large Bulgarian and international organizations, then presented in detail the concept of the “Leadership Skills Development Academy” in Yazaki EMEA – the main goals and objectives of the project, the stages in its development, the expected results and the team implementing it. The main focuses were on:
- supporting leaders in Yazaki to acquire the skills necessary to successfully perform their role, which has a strong impact on employee engagement, high team productivity and improved business results;
- improving leaders’ skills through competencies and introducing a leadership program in the organization’s divisions in Europe, the Middle East and Africa;
- setting clear expectations for leaders in the company “how to lead in Yazaki”;
- sharing a “common language of leadership”;
- creating an internal training academy by training and certifying a team of facilitators.
After the presentation of the project, the topic of the seminar was set – “Innovative approaches to support leadership in human resources management in times of change”. Fourth-year students of the “Management” bachelor program at the University of Economics – Varna participated in the discussion. They argued about their positions as representatives of generation Z, commenting on current socio-economic and political realities, and the new role of the leader in them. This provoked an open discussion in which everyone could ask questions, express a position or share experience. A positive atmosphere of open dialogue and exchange of interesting ideas was created, which left all participants in the seminar with a sense of satisfaction. At the end of the event, the students were invited to join the international team implementing the project related to the development of leadership skills in Yazaki EMEA. Some of them, inspired by the interesting discussion, applied for specific positions.
