Singers Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil meet with participants of the LeadUp Leadership Hub

Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil joined the LeadUp Leadership Hub to offer their heartfelt support and inspiration. The artists shared personal stories and advice about motivation and self-development, based on their own life experiences. What’s behind the inner strength of such personalities? Where do they draw the energy to keep growing? Read on for highlights and insights from the event.

Personal stories, powerful words, and advice that truly inspire.
We had the chance to hear from Alyona Alyona during the opening of the LeadUp Leadership Hub — what a force, what a fire, and above all, sincerity and openness.

Here are some of her key takeaways:
“I met my people after 25. Our team stuck together like molecules in chemistry. We were on fire! We rented an iPhone, shot a music video — and it took off. All fueled by pure enthusiasm. We wanted to change music and change the world.”
“Some things are trendy. Others are timeless.”
“There are different kinds of criticism. Haters’ comments are just noise. But constructive feedback? That’s something to listen to — and be grateful for.”
“Learn to separate yourself from your work. If someone criticizes your work — they’re not criticizing you.”



5 days
11 hours of sessions, reflection, and fun ice-breakers
16 mentors who made learning truly engaging — 10 of them were Teach For Ukraine participants, and students shared lots of warm feedback for them
5 guest speakers who led sessions on self-awareness, critical thinking, and developing a strong personal voice

To wrap things up on a high note, the closing event featured a conversation with singer Jerry Heil. We tried to uncover the secret of her success. What does it take to become a leader — and enjoy the journey along the way?
Here’s what we learned from Yana:

“One of the most important traits is strength. And strength comes with time.”
Yana is someone who radiates that strength through her work.
Key takeaways from the conversation:
“No one knows better than you how to live your life. Be an individual — but let’s stick together.”
“Things may become cliché. That’s why you’ve got to be yourself. Only by being yourself can you help yourself — and help your country grow.”
“Sometimes I feel lost. In those moments, I ask myself: what would my ideal self do? I focus on the outcome, visualize it, and then follow the plan.”


Though LeadUp lasted just five days, the energy and insights we gained will stay with us for a long time.
We connected with over 600 smart and driven high schoolers, shared plenty of laughs in the group chats, and were deeply moved by the thoughtful reflections and emotional maturity of this generation.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined our amazing LeadUp community.
A huge thank you to Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil for the motivation and honesty.

And sincere thanks to Save the Children for supporting this project.

LeadUp is a free training program on leadership and self-discovery.
We talk mental health, reflection, self-analysis, comparison, values, empathy, and accepting other people’s beliefs.
LeadUp Leadership Hub — your launchpad for a powerful leadership journey.