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Dace Lubane and Martins Gailis traveled from Latvia to Finland for a three-day leadership module at Aalto EE.
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Leading with Impact is part of the Global Leader program and can also be taken as a stand-alone program.
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The program is flexible: participants can choose to complete the full Global Leader program or attend individual study modules based on their development needs.
We asked Dace Lubane and Martins Gailis about their experiences with the program.
Dace Lubane, VP Business Centre and Operational Procurement at Norwegian Air Resources Latvia
How would you describe your overall experience of the program?
"It was very intense but also very rewarding. The program stood out compared to other courses because it combined theory with hands-on workshops. It felt practical rather than just academic, and the teaching style, especially that of facilitator Ira Lange, created space for reflection and meaningful discussion. Overall, it was a unique and impactful learning experience."
How was the program structured?
"The program was well-balanced. It included both conceptual frameworks and practical workshops where participants could apply what they learned. There was also pre-assignment work before sessions, which helped to deepen the understanding."
What is your current role and responsibility?
My current role involves coordinating across multiple teams and stakeholders in different locations. There are both direct and indirect reports, and responsibilities span areas such as procurement, data privacy, and business support. The work is highly cross-functional and international.
How relevant was the program to your role?
“It was very relevant and came at the right time in my career. Previous work experience made it easier to fully benefit from the program and contribute to discussions. The participant group was also experienced, which enriched the learning.”
How did you come across or access this program?
"The program was available through the education opportunities for Latvian business leaders, so this was a great opportunity to join."
Have you participated in similar leadership or development programs before?
"Yes, I have been on some courses of similar themes related to leadership development, and it is a great continuous learning."
What stood out the most in the program?
“The Hogan assessment, which provided deep self-reflection. Workshop discussions that emphasized open communication and human-centered leadership and a shift from purely task-oriented management toward more authentic, people-focused leadership.”
What was the participant group like?
“Participants were experienced professionals, which led to high-quality discussions and shared learning.”
What kind of role does continuous learning play in your work?
“Continuous learning is essential. The work environment is constantly evolving, and staying up to date is critical to avoid stagnation. It also helps in adapting to new generations entering the workforce with different expectations and perspectives.”
How is AI impacting your work and industry?
“AI is already influencing work by automating certain tasks and freeing up time for more strategic work. The organization is actively exploring how to use AI while also considering regulations and policies. It is expected to significantly change the way work is done.”
How do you support continuous learning in your organization?
“There are structured leadership and expert development programs across regions. These initiatives help employees grow, collaborate internationally, and continuously improve their skills.”
How does the Leading with Impact program align with your leadership style?
“It aligns very well. The program emphasized people-first leadership, understanding individuals, and fostering meaningful connections, values that match the participant’s own leadership approach.”
Have you already applied what you learned?
“Yes, especially in communications focusing more on listening, asking questions, and creating space for others instead of just giving directions. Some concepts from the program come to mind in everyday interactions.”
What is your overall takeaway from the program?
“The program was a meaningful and practical experience that reinforced self-awareness, improved leadership skills, and provided tools that can be applied directly in daily work.”
Martins Gailis, Partner at Ellex Legal in Latvia
How would you describe your overall experience of the program?
“I found the program very useful. It gave me a chance to pause and reflect, which is rare in day-to-day work. What stood out most was the opportunity to think more deeply about leadership, especially how I manage my team and interact within broader leadership dynamics at our law firm.”
How does your leadership context influence your experience of the program?
“My situation is quite unique. I’m one of ten partners, and we are all essentially equal, which creates a distinct leadership dynamic. At the same time, I also lead a smaller team where my role is more traditional. Initially, I expected the program to focus mainly on improving my leadership of my own team. However, I realized that it also helped me reflect on how to operate within a leadership group, particularly on how to manage and, at times, lead other leaders. In our company, partners are also shareholders, and together we form a leadership team of about 60 people. We have a further position of associate partners who also play a role in the leadership structure at our firm, which adds another layer of complexity to the leadership dynamics.”
Were there any specific topics in this module that resonated with you?
“Yes, the topic of psychological safety was especially impactful, along with introspection on my fears. It gave me useful insights into creating a safer and more open environment and helped me think about how to handle challenging situations more effectively.”
How did you access this program?
“I participated through an initiative by the Digital Accelerator of Latvia. They run a program that offers business managers the opportunity to attend international training modules like this one. A group of nine participants from Latvia attended this program together.”
Have you done similar programs before?
“Yes, I have participated in Lex Mundi Institute Foundation Management Program. Our law firm is a member of Lex Mundi, a professional services network of independent law firms. Lex Mundi organizes intensive leadership programs for law firms, usually lasting about 5 days, focused on leadership challenges, business development, and client relations management. This program was somewhat different, as it placed more emphasis on reflection and leadership dynamics.”
What is your professional background?
“I started at my firm as a summer student in 2002 and then joined full-time in 2005 after finishing my studies. I’ve been with the same firm for more than 20 years, became an associate partner in 2018, and a full partner in 2022.”
How important is continuous learning in your field?
“It’s essential. As lawyers, we are required by the Latvian Bar Association to continuously update our knowledge and qualifications. Beyond that, we also invest in leadership, professional and technical skills development through a range of training programs.”
How is AI affecting your industry and your work?
“AI is becoming increasingly important in the legal field. It’s making tasks like legal research and drafting much faster, and clients are beginning to expect its use. However, AI does not replace lawyers, you still need experienced professionals to develop the strategy for any case as well as review and validate any output produced by AI. Besides, a significant element of legal services is human interaction, be it between the attorney and the client, among parties in negotiations or in court proceedings. One concern is that junior lawyers are needed less for basic tasks, potentially creating a gap in training future professionals. A popular slogan these days among lawyers is that AI is an eager junior associate who works very fast.”
How do you support continuous learning within your firm?
“We strongly support ongoing education. Legal training is required, but we also encourage broader professional development, including leadership training, particularly for partners and senior staff.”
Did the program align with your personal leadership values?
“Yes. I think the program was more about providing us with tools and ideas for handling leadership challenges and building a great leadership team, while remaining agnostic and flexible about the kinds of personalities and leaders we are. Psychological safety and handling difficult situations were particularly relevant for me.”
Have you already applied what you learned in your daily work?
“It’s more of a long-term process. Some key ideas have already stayed with me and will very likely influence how I approach leadership going forward.”
