Champions 2024
Teacher of the Year
As the head of the Learning Solutions Center and deputy head of the MCI Academic Council, Dr. Mössenlechner has over 25 years of experience in teaching leadership, self-leadership, and communication. Her pioneering work in integrating educational technology into traditional and online learning environments has significantly influenced the modern educational landscape.
"Membership in CEEMAN is a testament to one's affiliation with an esteemed group of experts dedicated to advancing the quality of management, while navigating a dynamic environment. This is particularly crucial given the significant and disruptive challenges the global higher education sector is currently facing. I am truly honored and grateful to be receiving the CEEMAN Champion Award as it is a fantastic opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to my team, all my peers and also my students. Teaching is like leadership, it is never a one-way-street. It is a joint effort to co-create a roadmap for learning to master change and learning as a messy process." Prof. Dr. Claudia Mössenlechner, MCI, Austria
Researcher of the Year
Prof. dr. hab. Lukasz Sulkowski is a distinguished figure in the realm of management research, known for his extensive contributions to the academic community. He gathered experience in academia as professor and president at WSB University, a head of department at Jagiellonian University, Cracow, campus director at Clark University, as vice-president of Polish Accreditation Committee, and as vice-rector of University of Social Sciences. In business he served as president of PCG Polska Ltd., president of PCG Academia Ltd., and a member of management board of GTL SA.
His academic journey is marked by a focus on the university management, HRM, family business, and the epistemology and methodology of management sciences. His research interests also encompass the critical areas of cultural dimensions in management and leadership, digital transformation within higher education, and the implications of globalization on business practices. Through his scholarly work, he has significantly influenced the development of management theories and practices, contributing valuable insights that resonate with academic and business communities worldwide (more than 400 publications). • Read more about Łukasz
Responsible Management Educator of the Year
As the Dean of the School of Transformative Humanities at Almaty Management University and a Visiting Scholar at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Mr. Aubakir’s work in reforming and transforming educational programs lead to several successful projects at his university and beyond. From UNDP project for women to a brand-new GenEd program at AlmaU, his leadership and dedication to responsible management education have made a lasting impact in Central Asia’s academic landscape. • Read more about Nurken
"I am deeply honored to receive the 2024 Responsible Management Educator of the Year award from CEEMAN. This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collective efforts of my colleagues, students, and the entire educational community at AlmaU. Our journey toward fostering responsible management education is driven by the belief that education is a powerful catalyst for positive change. At AlmaU, we strive to instill values of integrity, sustainability, and ethical leadership in our students, preparing them to tackle the complex challenges of the 21st century. This award reaffirms our commitment to creating a learning environment where future leaders are nurtured to make a meaningful impact on society. I am grateful to CEEMAN for this honor and dedicated to continuing our mission to empower the next generation of responsible leaders." Mr. Nurken Aubakir, AlmaU, Kazakhstan
Leader of the Year
Prof. Dr. hab. Katarzyna Szczepańska-Woszczyna has been named the CEEMAN Leader of the Year for her exemplary leadership in management education. At WSB University in Poland, she has played pivotal roles since 1997, including serving as Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Vice Rector for Science and Education. Her leadership has been instrumental in steering the university towards internationalization and academic excellence, supported by over 30 international research projects and more than 150 publications.
Recognition Letter from CEEMAN President
Jexen Kurmanbek, a seasoned business coach and consultant, has received a special Recognition Letter from the CEEMAN President for his outstanding career in both public and private sectors in Kazakhstan. With a background that includes senior roles at Kazakhtelecom, Samruk-Kazyna, and the founding of the "JV Team" business accelerator, Kurmanbek’s contributions to business process management and strategic leadership have been instrumental in fostering innovation and education in Kazakhstan.