Inspiration, creativity and leadership: the second cycle begins in Riga
The second cycle of the “Succeed in Business” project began with an inspiring two-day thematic workshop held in Riga on 2–3 December, bringing together a vibrant group of motivated participants, partners and experts. From the very first minutes, the atmosphere in the hall was filled with curiosity, energy and the willingness to grow — the perfect beginning for a journey that will develop entrepreneurial skills, confidence and strategic thinking.
The event opened with a warm welcome from the project team and an introduction to the goals, structure and opportunities of the new training cycle. Ice-breaking activities helped participants quickly connect and build an open, collaborative environment. One of the morning’s highlights was the personal entrepreneurial story shared by Jelena Sterhova, Leading Content Expert, whose experience illustrated both the challenges and the unique rewards of starting and growing a business. Her session on cultural diversity and communication added depth to the discussions and set the tone for the inclusive learning experience ahead.
The first day continued with a meeting with entrepreneur Michelle Shehurina, co-founder and CEO of Braingency. Her insights into turning a vision into a real business resonated strongly with the audience, sparking thoughtful questions and lively dialogue. The day concluded with dynamic teamwork: participants brainstormed, created original national symbols and applied creative methods to bring ideas to life – discovering how powerful group creativity can be when roles, structure and inspiration come together.
The second day brought a shift into leadership, strategic management and sustainable business thinking. Diana Safira, Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of Inchcape Motors Latvia, offered an engaging perspective on the difference between managing and leading, backed by examples from real business practice. Professor Andra Zvirbule (LBTU) expanded the conversation by linking business competencies with sustainability, bioeconomy and green innovation — topics that increasingly shape the future of entrepreneurship in the Baltic Sea region.
The workshop’s practical part introduced participants to the Six Thinking Hats technique, allowing them to explore different modes of thinking, test their decision-making styles and experiment with creative and analytical roles in group tasks. This exercise, combined with a final team challenge, encouraged participants to look at problems from multiple angles and strengthened their confidence as future entrepreneurs and managers.
The first thematic workshop of the second cycle set a strong and inspiring foundation for the upcoming modules. It created a space for dialogue, discovery and community – a place where ideas can grow, skills can sharpen and entrepreneurial journeys can truly begin. We look forward to seeing how participants transform these insights into action throughout the “Succeed in Business” project.
