On 3rd October, the Varna University of Management (VUM) had the honour of hosting the world-renowned coach and leadership expert, Arif Anis. His captivating lecture touched the hearts and minds of students, faculty members, and guests, challenging them to rethink their paths to success.
The event began with a warm welcome from the President of VUM Assoc. Prof. Dr. Todor Radev, who emphasised the importance of such meetings in inspiring future leaders. Right from the start, Arif Anis posed a thought-provoking question: “Who is the most successful person in this room?”. The audience instinctively began pointing at others – lecturers, fellow students, and even Mr Anis himself. However, he quickly shifted the perspective by reminding everyone that true success is not solely measured by achievements, but by the resilience shown in overcoming failures along the way.
Anis shared a unique approach with the audience, asking them to review a résumé that was written in an unconventional way. Instead of listing achievements, it detailed failed projects – ones that were pursued with determination but didn’t lead to success. However, these failures were not presented as final outcomes, but as crucial steps on the path to success. Through this, Mr Anis demonstrated that each setback is an opportunity for growth and learning. “Failures are stepping stones to success,” he remarked, encouraging the audience to embrace failure as an integral part of personal development.
The audience responded enthusiastically, chanting “Never give up!” as they absorbed the powerful message that the road to success might not be just one step, but sometimes 10,000 – with that last step being the one where we finally feel successful.
The second part of the lecture was even more interactive. Anis presented the participants with a challenge – to connect nine dots, arranged in a square, using only four lines without lifting the pen. This exercise highlighted that we are often limited by our own mental barriers and that we need to think outside the box to find innovative and effective solutions. This lesson left a lasting impression on everyone present, urging them to break boundaries and embrace creativity.
One of the most inspiring moments of the lecture came when Arif Anis shared video clips from his COVID-19 relief initiative. He recounted how, together with a group of volunteers, they provided hot meals for doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers on the frontlines of the pandemic. “True leadership is about taking action for the benefit of others,” Anis stressed, sharing his philosophy of service to the community.
Following the lecture, Arif Anis and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Todor Radev convened a roundtable discussion, where they explored possibilities for future collaboration. This partnership could enrich VUM’s academic offerings and lead to joint initiatives aimed at developing leadership skills among students.
This event left a deep and lasting impact on all attendees, who will not only remember the inspiring words of Arif Anis but also the practical life lessons on success and perseverance that they gained. VUM extends its sincere gratitude to Mr Anis and eagerly looks forward to future joint projects.
“We are proud to have been part of this inspiring experience!”, the organizers shared at the conclusion of the event.
