"Leaders of Russia" Competition Enters Second Year: Ambitious "Managers" Compete for Top Jobs!

Last Wednesday, the second all-Russia contest for young managers, "Leaders of Russia", was launched. The competition is part of the project titled "Russia – Land of Opportunity." Applications can be submitted up until October 24th. The results will be announced in March.

Last Wednesday, the second all-Russia contest for young managers, "Leaders of Russia", was launched. The competition is part of the project titled "Russia – Land of Opportunity." Applications can be submitted up until October 24th. The results will be announced in March. The eligibility requirements were significantly changed this year. First, the age limit was brought up from 50 to 55. Second, the geography of the contest was expanded. The contest is no longer limited to Russian residents: people living abroad are welcome to apply. Contestants must have a good command of the Russian language and the will to work in Russia and for the good of Russia.

Olga Armyakova found out how the country is building up its talent pool.

 

– Say "hooray"!

– Hooray!

They're smiling and even trying to sound happy despite being absolutely exhausted. One thought is spinning through their heads: they did it, they've conquered Mount Elbrus. Several seconds of the triumph are followed by recognizing the unlimited possibilities lying in front of them.

"We exercised every morning during our climb Mount Elbrus".

They've overcome their fears and doubts by taking the risk and trying to become true leaders.

Maxim Tereshenko, Industry and Geology Minister of the Sakha Republic: “I'm from a small town which is mainly known for the Baikal-Amur Mainline. Today, I'm working hard trying to do as much as I can for the Far Eastern region and for our country.”

Having won the contest "Leaders of Russia", he became the industry minister of the Sakha Republic. Now, his job is to attract new investments to the region and serve as a liaison between the local government and the business community.

- Do you maintain and repair this machine-tool on your own?

- Yes, we do it all ourselves.

They set ambitious goals and find creative solutions, and that's what leaders do. To some, it's a means of social mobility, to others, it's a chance to show their worth.

- Do you remember me asking you if you'd like to move to Moscow earlier?

- Do you regret staying in Perm Krai?

- I think me staying there was the right decision at the time. I'm very grateful to you for all the advice that you gave me.

Usually, meetings like this are held behind closed doors. It's a reunion of a leader and her mentor and one of those meetings where the mentor doesn't only share her experience but also considers bringing a new employee on board.

Tatyana Golikova, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia: "We can learn a lot from them because they have a different outlook on life and a very different rhythm".

Anna Kazitsina's new job in civil service comes with new opportunities. She's quickly making her way up the career ladder.

Anna Kozitsina, Head of the Civil Service and Corruption Prevention Department of Perm Krai: "When I was offered to work for the governor's administration, I was drawn by interesting projects, the idea of working with the youth and having a lot of responsibilities. I realized that there's life, energy, and room for growth there".

Meanwhile, Novgorod Oblast is adopting a new approach to education. That's where Pavel Tatarenko moved six months ago.

- Hey guys, what are you studying? What's this class about?

– The letter "O". – The letter "O"?

- I see.

A former top manager of Sberbank received the job of the Minister of Education without any connections or references. Today, he spends most of his time learning as well.

Pavel Tatarenko, Minister of Education of Novgorod Oblast: “Digital technologies are at the core of modern education. They allow you to get in touch with and talk to children from any region of the country or even the world.”

Of course, the finalists of the contest were expected to get a chance to move up in their careers. But no one thought it would bring them such an overwhelming success. The large number of new applications is no less surprising. Last year, nearly 200,000 people applied to participate in the contest. An even higher figure is expected this time.

Sergei Kirienko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration of Russia: "Let me remind you that the competition was commissioned by the president of our country, Vladimir Putin, who set the goal for us to create opportunities so that great talents can be discovered, nurtured, and developed. The government's goal is to give talented citizens a chance to fulfill their potential and to create so-called social upward mobility opportunities for them".

They've become ministers, governors, and top managers of some of the largest companies. The leaders of today will be mentors to the leaders of tomorrow.

Alexey Komissarov, Vice-Rector of RANEPA: "Twenty companies have decided to partner with us. They'd like to fill a number of senior positions with our contestants. We're confident that a large number of winners will be able to move up in their careers".

There're only winners and no losers here. Anyone under 55 who has experience in a management role is eligible to apply. Only the best of the best will make it to the finals. They're the new generation of managers.

“I didn't expect this from our government. Turns out, the competition is fun, creative, and completely transparent. Anna Sirota, winner of "Leaders of Russia":

“It's a competition for bright, responsible people who are true leaders and who can and want to help the country and fulfill their own potential.”

Maxim Abushaev decided to start by helping his own city first. After winning the competition, he stayed in his hometown of Chelyabinsk. The manager of the local branch of a large marketing agency likes to make creative social advertisements about the Southern Ural in his spare time.

Maxim Abushaev, Director of the Chelyabinsk branch of Region-Media: "I really like our region, our nature, our lakes, and mountains. That's something not many people in our region and especially in the rest of Russia know about and something I'd like to tell them about so they have a better idea of our home".

These exciting people full of innovative ideas are the country's invaluable talent pool. After participating in the contest, Oleg Salagai, an ex-manager of the Communications Department of the Ministry of Health, became a deputy minister.

Oleg Salagai, Deputy Minister of Health of Russia: Those who take part in the second season of the Leaders of Russia definitely won't regret it.

- Aren't you afraid of the competition? Future leaders might make it harder for you to keep your job.

- No, quite the opposite. That's what the contest is all about. Competition is a positive thing.

The competition is fierce, but everyone has an equal chance of winning. The winners from all parts of the country, from Vladivostok to Kaliningrad, will receive grants and an ocean of unique opportunities.

Olga Armyakova, Viktor Vinogradov, Tatiana Stepovaya, Alexandr Fadeev, and Nikita Korneev, Vesti — News of the Week.