Join the Leadership School of Freedom Institute

Apply and learn how to create positive change in the world!

About the school

Welcome to the Leadership School – a place where the passion for change meets practical knowledge. We gather individuals who co-create the future of Poland.

We shape the leaders of the future. History is happening now, and our graduates are the best example that we are creating it together. Our team consists of individuals who succeed in the world of business and public life, contributing daily to the development and positive transformation in Poland and worldwide.

The Leadership School of the Freedom Institute was created to bring together people from the world of business, politics, media, culture, administration, non-governmental, and local government institutions. The goal of the program is to support the development of a young generation of leaders from across the country who engage in community activities. We seek individuals who will be responsible for shaping the future of our country, Europe, and the world.

We believe in:

  • engagement
  • responsibility
  • initiative
  • entrepreneurship
  • collaboration
  • openness to change
Igor
Janke Founder of the Leadership School, President of the Freedom Institute

Partners of the 9th Edition

  • 8

    editions

  • 60

    speakers

  • 800

    graduates

  • 8

    thematic tracks

  • 11

    meetings

  • 2

    days of lectures,
    workshops
    and networking

9th Edition of the Leadership School

Join the group of SPIW Graduates

Apply the Leadership School

Alumni
Club

As a graduate of the Leadership School, you join an exceptional community.

 

You will co-create the future with us, benefit from our network, and develop your skills through collaboration with the best. Networking and the space for exchanging experiences and viewpoints will bring you invaluable benefits. You are invited to participate in integration meetings, discussions with representatives from the world of business, science, and politics, development workshops, and analytical projects.

Check Previous Editions

  1. 2015 I Edition
  2. 2016 II Edition
  3. 2017 III Edition
  4. 2018 IV Edition
  5. 2019 V Edition
  6. 2020-2021 VI Edition
  7. 2022 VII Edition
  8. 2023 VIII Edition

Lecturers

  1. Andrew Michta

    Director of the Scowcroft Strategy Initiative at the Atlantic Council of The United States and a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council

  2. Katarzyna Wierzbowska

    Co-founder of the female network Anielic Biznesu and the Black Swan Venture Capital Fund. Founder at the Foundation K.I.D.S. – Club of Children’s Hospital Innovators.

  3. Zbigniew Jagiełło

    Member of the Supervisory Board at Asseco. Former long-serving President of PKO Bank Polski.

  4. Krzysztof Pawiński

    Co-founder and CEO of the Maspex Group.

  5. gen. Rajmund Andrzejczak

    Polish Army General, former Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces.

  6. Ben Hodges

    Former Commanding General of the United States Army in Europe. Senior Advisor at Human Rights First, Senior Mentor for NATO logistics.

  7. Rafał Brzoska

    Founder and CEO of InPost and an investor at FoodWell.

  8. Adam Kruszewski

    Health Care expert, enterpreneur, fund raiser, turnaround specialist, VC/PE experience

  9. Aleksander Siemaszko

    Zastępca Dyrektora, Departament Współpracy Międzynarodowej i Handlu w Ministerstwie Rozwoju i Technologii. EN.

  10. Aleksandra Przegalińska

    Prorektor ds. Współpracy Międzynarodowej i ESR – Akademia Leona Koźmińskiego, Kierownik Centrum Badawczego HumanRace.

  11. Andrzej Zybertowicz

    Advisor to the Presidents of the Republic of Poland, professor of social sciences.

  12. Anna Maria Dyner

    Analyst at the Polish Institute of International Affairs, specializing in security policy and Belarus.

  13. Bartłomiej Pawlak

    Wiceprezes Zarządu PFR

  14. Beata Górka-Winter

    Doctor of Social Sciences in the field of political science, expert in disinformation.

  15. Bogusław Chrabota

    Editor-in-chief of the ‘Rzeczpospolita’

  16. Cezary Kaźmierczak

    Former opposition activist in the Polish People’s Republic, President of the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers.

  17. Dominik Andrzejczuk

    Polish entrepreneur who was raised and educated in the United States.

  18. gen. Waldemar Skrzypczak

    Military personnel, retired General of the Polish Armed Forces. Graduate officer of armored forces.

  19. Gertruda Uścińska

    Lawyer and political scientist, professor of social sciences. President of the Social Insurance Institution.

  20. Igor Janke

    Founder of the Leadership School, President of the Freedom Institute, author of the Open Pact.

  21. Jadwiga Emilewicz

    Politician, political scientist, and cultural manager. Former Minister of Development.

  22. Jakub Wiech

    Editor-in-chief of the portal Energetyka24.pl.

  23. James Carafano

    Vice President at The Heritage Foundation.

  24. Jan Śpiewak

    Social and local government activist. Co-founder of the ‘City Is Ours’ Association, Chairman of the ‘Free City Warsaw’ Association, and Vice-Chairman of the ‘Energy of Cities’ Association.

  25. Joanna Czarnecka

    Coach, trainer, mediator, facilitator, art therapist, author of training and educational programs, author of training game scripts.

  26. John Allen

    U.S. Marine Corps General, former Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan.

  27. Justyna Gotkowska

    Deputy Director of the Centre for Eastern Studies named after Marek Karp, and Head of the Security and Defense Team.

  28. Katarzyna Leszczyńska-Bohdan

    Executive & Business Coach, communication and business strategist, organizational psychologist, HRBP.

  29. Katarzyna Pisarska

    Founder and Chairperson of the European Academy of Diplomacy.

  30. Krzysztof Dyki

    President of ComCert

  31. Larry Hirsch

    President and Co-founder of Highlander Partners LP.

  32. Laure Mandville

    Expert of Le Figaro newspaper.

  33. Łukasz Jankowski

    President of the Supreme Medical Chamber.

  34. Łukasz Jasina

    Former spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

  35. Maciej Milczanowski

    Professor at the University of Rzeszów.

  36. Marcin Olender

    Menedżer ds. Polityk Publicznych i Relacji Rządowych dla regionu centralnej i wschodniej Europy w polskim oddziale Google.

  37. Marcin Szumowski

    President and CEO of OncoArendi Therapeutics SA

  38. Marek Budzisz

    Columnist, historian, journalist. Anti-communist opposition activist and expert in Russia and post-Soviet areas.

  39. Paweł Przewięźlikowski

    Co-founder and CEO of the biotechnology company Ryvu Therapeutics.

  40. Piotr Ciacek

    Managing Partner at Stibitz.

  41. Piotr Cieszewski

    Coach, leader, speaker, Mount Everest conqueror.

  42. Radosław Pyffel

    Analyst, commentator, sociologist, China expert.

  43. Rafał Dutkiewicz

    Former President of Wrocław. President of the Employers of the Republic of Poland.

  44. Robert Kozak

    Journalist, manager, management expert, business trainer, academic lecturer, author of business books.

  45. Tadeusz Chełkowski

    Founder of the Patronite platform.

  46. Tomasz Kruk

    International expert in the field of anti-corruption and compliance.

  47. Tomasz Siemoniak

    Politician and economist. Former Minister of National Defence.

  48. Wiktor Janicki

    CEO of AstraZeneca.

  49. Wojciech Hann

    Former President of the Environmental Protection Bank, Super Advisor at KPMG.

  50. Wojciech Morawski

    CEO of Via Moda company (formerly: Atlantic).

  51. Wojciech Myślecki

    Polish electronic scientist, opposition activist in the Polish People’s Republic, honorary professor at the University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wrocław.

Apply the Leadership School

The Track of the 9th Edition
of the Leadership School

  • Leadership

    We introduce and discuss the latest trends and methods in the field of leadership. In the school, we teach how to cope with crises and implement changes in life and organizations. Together, we explore design thinking as a tool for creatively solving problems. We refine communication skills, both within a team and with clients. We teach you how to motivate and engage employees and how to negotiate and resolve conflicts.

  • Strategy and Security

    Alongside experts, we analyze the geopolitical situation in Europe, the USA, and China, examining the possibilities and challenges facing the Polish military. We delve into the civilian consequences of armed conflicts and strategies for coping with them. You’ll be introduced to key issues concerning the formation of Poland’s foreign policy. We educate about information security, cyber safety, and methods for protecting against cyber threats. Additionally, we focus on effectively distinguishing disinformation, recognizing it, and combatting its effects.

  • Business and Economy

    We exclusively collaborate with practitioners who will teach you the essential skills required to run a business. You’ll learn how to start your own business or expand an existing enterprise. We guide you in building a personal brand and crafting your image. Through our School, you’ll discover the connections between business, politics, and public affairs. You’ll explore whether it’s possible to earn money while contributing to the common good. Gain insights into the Polish economy and investment funds.

  • International Relations

    You’ll discover Poland’s relationship with Germany and how it impacts Europe and the world. You’ll delve into Poland’s eastern policy, its goals, and challenges. Secrets of soft diplomacy will be revealed. You’ll understand how the European Union operates and gain insights into Polish foreign policy, its priorities, and strategies. You’ll learn about diplomacy as an art of negotiation and compromise. Explore Poland’s relations with Asian countries and the non-European world. Discover the perspectives of Polish foreign policy regarding Belarus.

  • Management of New Technologies

    You’ll discover the role of technology in business and its influence on competitiveness and innovation. You’ll explore Big Data and Artificial Intelligence and how they assist in data analysis and decision-making. You’ll uncover how to create innovative projects. Our experts will present topics related to data verification, fake news, information warfare, and methods to defend against them.

  • Case studies

    You’ll meet renowned entrepreneurs and activists who will share their successes and failures in business management. You’ll learn about the decisive factors behind a company’s or project’ssuccess or failure. You’ll understand the strategies, tactics, and tools that aided or hindered in achieving goals. You’ll discover both good and bad practices in management, marketing, sales, finance, and other business areas.

  • Institutions

    With us, you’ll learn how institutions are established, developed, and transformed. You’ll grasp the objectives, tasks, and competences of various institutions and their mutual relationships. You’ll comprehend how institutions influence people’s lives and societies. You’ll learn how to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of institutions and methods to enhance them. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and converse with experts and practitioners from various fields related to institutions.

  • Energy Transformation

    We teach methods to improve the energy efficiency of your home or business. We explain energy policies and regulations shaping the energy market in Poland and Europe. With us, you’ll discover electromobility and its benefits for the environment and finances. You’ll gain knowledge about energy storage technologies and their applications. You’ll learn about the role of the fuel industry and its impact on the economy. You’ll also explore the development of nuclear energy and its potential.

  • Apply the Leadership School

Recruitment Schedule

  • 01

    November 20th, 2023

    Commencement of recruitment

  • 02

    From November 20th, 2023 to December 8th, 2023

    Stage I of recruitment

  • 03

    From December 9th, 2023 to December 15th, 2023

    Stage II of recruitment

  • 04

    December 15th, 2023

    End of recruitment

  • 05

    December 16th, 2023 to December 20th, 2023

    Announcement of results

  • 06

    January 13th, 2024 to January 14th, 2024

    Firt Session of the 9th edition Leadership School!

Apply the Leadership School

Team

  1. Igor Janke

    Creator of the Leadership School, President of the Freedom Institute, host of the “Open System” podcast, columnist, author, and business mentor.

    Previously, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Polish Press Agency and the Head of the Political Department at Rzeczpospolita. He co-founded the Independent Publicist Forum Salon24, hosted radio (TOK FM) and TV programs (TVP, Polsat News, TV Puls), and authored hundreds of political analyses, reports, and interviews. He also worked in the public relations sector for several years.

  2. Przemysław Antas

    Vice President of the Freedom Institute, lawyer, specializing in business law, taxes, and the organization of justice system.

    He currently runs his own law firm and previously served as a manager in an international consulting company. He co-managed a specialized portal on intellectual property rights. He has an interest in the economic analysis of law, public finances, and modern management techniques. He is also graduate of the second edition of the Leadership School at the Freedom Institute.

  3. Edyta Piętak

    Vice President of the Freedom Institute, an expert in management, strategy, and business development.

    She is the Managing Director at DEVTALENTS, co-founder and Strategy Director at AnyRobot, with experience in the IT and service industries. As a technological and business advisor, she assists companies in undergoing digital transformation. She is interested in cybersecurity and the use of artificial intelligence in process optimization. She is also a graduate of the fifth edition of the Leadership School at the Freedom Institute.

  4. Agnieszka Bolecka

    Director of the Freedom Institute.

    She is an experienced practitioner and manager in public affairs, specializing in international relations, communication, cultural management, and diplomacy. Her professional experience includes international cooperation, public administration, and the fourth sector. She was the director of the Polish Institute in Brussels and the former deputy director of the Polish Institute in Dusseldorf, responsible for Polish public diplomacy first in Western Germany and then in Belgium and Luxembourg.

  5. Katarzyna Iwanicka

    Project Coordinator at the Freedom Institute.

    She has previously managed office administration in a law firm and has experience working as a legal assistant and a court stenographer. Her educational background includes studies in canon law and a doctorate (Phd) in social sciences within the discipline of canon law. She graduated from the Faculty of Canon Law at the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University and participated in the 8th edition of the Leadership School at the Freedom Institute. Within the Freedom Institute Foundation, she oversees projects and collaborates with the team to develop organizational strategies, ensuring their implementation.

  6. Damian Piłat

    Head of the Alumni Club.

    In the past worked in major international consulting firms, specializing in legal and tax advisory services primarily for global corporations. Currently, he runs his own law firm, providing assistance primarily to small Polish companies. He is a graduate of the third edition of the Leadership School at the Freedom Institute.

Lectures

  • 50 lectures
  • Prior to each meeting, participants receive materials in the form of articles, books, or other resources selected by the instructors. These are shared with participants on Google Drive.
  • Additionally, mandatory online lectures with foreign guests are integrated with sessions at the Polish-Ukrainian School of Leadership. Among the guests are Ben Hodges, Laure Mendville, Rafał Brzoska, Larry Hirsch, James Carafano, and John Allen.

  • We introduce and discuss the latest trends and methods in the field of leadership. In the school, we teach how to cope with crises and implement changes in life and organizations. Together, we explore design thinking as a tool for creatively solving problems. We refine communication skills, both within a team and with clients. We teach you how to motivate and engage employees and how to negotiate and resolve conflicts.

  • Alongside experts, we analyze the geopolitical situation in Europe, the USA, and China, examining the possibilities and challenges facing the Polish military. We delve into the civilian consequences of armed conflicts and strategies for coping with them. You’ll be introduced to key issues concerning the formation of Poland’s foreign policy. We educate about information security, cyber safety, and methods for protecting against cyber threats. Additionally, we focus on effectively distinguishing disinformation, recognizing it, and combatting its effects.

  • We exclusively collaborate with practitioners who will teach you the essential skills required to run a business. You’ll learn how to start your own business or expand an existing enterprise. We guide you in building a personal brand and crafting your image. Through our School, you’ll discover the connections between business, politics, and public affairs. You’ll explore whether it’s possible to earn money while contributing to the common good. Gain insights into the Polish economy and investment funds.

  • You’ll discover Poland’s relationship with Germany and how it impacts Europe and the world. You’ll delve into Poland’s eastern policy, its goals, and challenges. Secrets of soft diplomacy will be revealed. You’ll understand how the European Union operates and gain insights into Polish foreign policy, its priorities, and strategies. You’ll learn about diplomacy as an art of negotiation and compromise. Explore Poland’s relations with Asian countries and the non-European world. Discover the perspectives of Polish foreign policy regarding Belarus.

  • You’ll discover the role of technology in business and its influence on competitiveness and innovation. You’ll explore Big Data and Artificial Intelligence and how they assist in data analysis and decision-making. You’ll uncover how to create innovative projects. Our experts will present topics related to data verification, fake news, information warfare, and methods to defend against them.

  • You’ll meet renowned entrepreneurs and activists who will share their successes and failures in business management. You’ll learn about the decisive factors behind a company’s or project’s victory or failure. You’ll understand the strategies, tactics, and tools that aided or hindered in achieving goals. You’ll discover both good and bad practices in management, marketing, sales, finance, and other business areas.

  • With us, you’ll learn how institutions are established, developed, and transformed. You’ll grasp the objectives, tasks, and competencies of various institutions and their mutual relationships. You’ll comprehend how institutions influence people’s lives and societies. You’ll learn how to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of institutions and methods to enhance them. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and converse with experts and practitioners from various fields related to institutions.

  • We teach methods to improve the energy efficiency of your home or business. We explain energy policies and regulations shaping the energy market in Poland and Europe. With us, you’ll discover electromobility and its benefits for the environment and finances. You’ll gain knowledge about energy storage technologies and their applications. You’ll learn about the role of the fuel industry and its impact on the economy. You’ll also explore the development of nuclear energy and its potential.

Information

Requirements

Only 2 steps separate you from this adventure:
We invite individuals who have completed higher education and are proficient in English to participate in the recruitment process.

  • Fill out the application form, attach your CV, or provide a link to your LinkedIn profile.
  • Complete the survey that you’ll receive in response to your application.

Spend the upcoming year with us at the Leadership School! Here, you’ll learn how to implement change and pursue your dreams.

Opinions of graduates

  • I recommend participation to everyone who is changing their surrounding reality and has the potential to be a true leader. Being part of such a group is an honor. I am proud to have become an SPIW graduate!

    Grzegorz, 2th edition Leadership School, 2nd edition

  • The distinguishing factor of the Leadership School from other similar initiatives is the fact that participants can draw from the knowledge and experience of the most outstanding individuals, including deputy prime ministers, ministers, bank directors, and international experts. During the training, I met many wonderful people and incredibly expanded my networking. Upon completing the course, the active Alumni Club enables continuous development through joint initiatives within the Freedom Institute. As a graduate of the second edition of the SPIW, I can confidently recommend participation to anyone concerned about Polish affairs.

    Maciej, 2th edition Leadership School, 2nd edition

  • Participating in the Leadership School at the Freedom Institute was a truly inspiring and fascinating adventure. I met many amazing people there, and the diversity of classes contributed to my personal and intellectual growth. Geopolitics classes led by experts opened entirely new perspectives for me in considering geopolitical issues. Thanks to networking sessions, I could better get to know other program participants, who are now valuable contacts in my network. It was a unique adventure that enriched my life and knowledge.

    Marta, 8th edition Leadership School, 8th edition

  • The Leadership School is the most effective investment of our time in terms of all-round development. There, we can meet fantastic lecturers and participants, learn many practical skills, expand our knowledge, be inspired to actively lead our business and social path, and all while having a great time. It is probably the only program that combines all these features and offers us tremendous development opportunities.

    Rafał, 2th edition Leadership School, 2nd edition

  • The Leadership School is an extraordinary intellectual adventure offering a unique approach to shaping young leaders and developing leadership skills. The program provides a wide range of meetings covering diverse topics from energy issues to military leadership, cyber security, and networking. SPIW is also, perhaps above all, about the people – those who create the school and the participants – all united by the mission of development and broadening horizons, not only to develop their own career paths but mainly to create an efficient state and support our country in becoming a better place to live. SPIW is one of the best investments I have made recently and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone!

    Natalia, 8th edition Leadership School, 8th edition

  • These were the best four months invested in my life. Inspiring lectures, practical workshops, and above all, incredible, energetic, and positively motivated people who make you expect more from yourself. The most important thing that remains after completing the Leadership School is belief in your own abilities.

    Marcin, 2th edition Leadership School, 2nd edition

  • If you’ve ever wondered how the Polish state operates at the intersection of politics, big business, media, diplomacy, the military, as well as science and culture, then the Leadership School at the Freedom Institute is meant for you. This prestigious, unique program aimed at future leaders will enable you to quickly reach a higher level. Thanks to the School, I have access to a network of contacts that significantly facilitates the implementation of my plans related to public activities.

    Adam, 8th edition Leadership School, 8th edition

  • The decision to participate in the Leadership School was by far the best one I’ve made recently. Thanks to the program, I not only had the opportunity to interact with outstanding specialists in their fields but also gained insights into various perspectives on the societal issues we face. I also received a handful of practical career advice, such as managing people or building effective teams. Above all, I met an exceptional group of people from all over Poland, with whom I enjoy spending my free time today. In my opinion, to fully benefit from SPIW, one must remember that this initiative stands on two pillars. It’s important to be open to acquiring knowledge and engaging in lively discussions, while equally vital are having fun and a genuine curiosity about others. Participation in the next edition, as well as continued involvement in the Alumni Club activities, can be a source of new professional opportunities and the start of beautiful friendships.

    Aleksandra, 8th edition Leadership School, 8th edition

  • The Leadership School helped me answer many pressing questions, but more importantly, it showed me better questions. I had the opportunity to meet people behind major companies, institutions, and initiatives. Learning about their methods of operation was helpful, but even more valuable was grasping their approach. It’s remarkable that each SPIW participant has distinct interests, which significantly broadened my horizons. Participating in this program provided me with new knowledge in business management (including startups), invaluable networking, and faith in the future.

    Paweł, 8th edition Leadership School, 8th edition

  • The school gave me the courage to try and change something; it awakened the sense that it’s worth deciding on it and convinced me that I have someone to do it with.

    Adrian, 4th edition Leadership School, 4th edition

Wideo opinie uczestników

Recruitment will start soon

Instytut Wolności

ul. Hoża 27/14
00-521 Warszawa

Do you have any questions? Write!

spiw@instytutwolnosci.pl

Leave your email to receive information about the start of the enrollment process for the Leadership School.

    Leave your email to receive information about the start of the enrollment process for the Leadership School.

    Thank you for your application to the Leadership School!

    Jeśli Twoja aplikacja nas zainteresuje, otrzymasz link do ankiety z prośbą o jej wypełnienie.

    Leave your email to receive information about the start of the enrollment process for the Leadership School.

    Zgłoszenie nie mogło
    zostać wysłane

    Spróbuj ponownie lub skontaktuj się z nami!

    spiw@instytutwolnosci.pl

    Frequently asked questions

    • If the recruitment process is currently ongoing, you can submit your application through the application form. Provide your email address and attach your CV or leave a link to your LinkedIn profile. If the recruitment is currently closed, leave us your email address to receive information about the opening of the registration for the program.

    • The Leadership School is aimed at individuals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are socially active, eager to develop themselves, and drive positive change. They should have completed or be currently pursuing higher education and possess proficiency in English. If you’re looking to enhance your skills and acquire new practical abilities, apply to the Leadership School at the Freedom Institute. To apply for the program, fill out the application form with your email address and attach your CV or provide a link to your LinkedIn profile. Upon submission, you may receive a link to a survey to complete. Participation in the project requires payment, but in collaboration with our partners, we can offer you highly favorable conditions at a course fee of 3900 PLN. Additionally, you will be asked to accept the regulations and sign an agreement.

    • The Leadership School program consists of 8 themed modules: leadership, strategy and security, business and economy, international relations, management of new technologies, case studies, institutions and energy transformation. The classes take place in Warsaw on weekends, approximately once a month, with at least a 3-week break between sessions. Each meeting lasts for 2 days and includes lectures, workshops, and evening meetings. Participants also receive materials from instructors to prepare for the classes. Between sessions, there is one online discussion group meeting led by the alumni leader of the Leadership School at the Freedom Institute. Completing the program requires writing an essay and completing a project as well as 80% attendance, as clearly outlined to qualified participants.