On August 7, a meeting with a unique guest – Sergei Krikalev, a cosmonaut, a hero of Russia and the Soviet Union, executive director for manned space programs of Roskosmos, was held in Moscow within the frames of the school for top management “TOP-Class”, the key school of the Corporate University. Despite the fact that it was the end of the working day, there were no empty seats in the largest meeting room of the Volga-Dnepr office – so many people wanted to meet with the legendary cosmonaut and ask him their questions.

Alexey Akulov

There was a pre-meeting master class from another important guest of the “Top-Class” – Alexey Akulov, the head of the Cosmonaut Training Center adviser, named after Yuri Gagarin. Alexey told the participants of the meeting about sports in the life of cosmonauts, shared the secrets of maintaining a good physical shape which is very important for the leader and demonstrated several useful exercises.

When the master class was over, the topic “Space terrestrial leadership” was continued by Sergei Krikalev – a man who is truly legendary: he spent 803 days in space – this world record was only beaten in 2015. The Hero of the Soviet Union and Russia, Sergei became the first owner of the Gold Star medal – for the long space flight at the MIR space station. A space photo artist, due to his pictures every inhabitant of the Earth can see our planet from unusual cosmic perspectives.

Sergei Krikalev shared some valuable advice on how to develop leadership skills

When answering the question about the qualities of the leader, Sergey compared leadership with sports, noting that this is the total quality. “A person can be taught to perform one exercise,” – the cosmonaut explained. – “But, for example, there are different kinds of sport which require various skills. It is more interesting when different qualities are mixed in all-round events: a man must be able to swim, and run, and fence. And not always swordsmen were good swimmers. And leadership is all-around. This is the total quality at which a person must be able to obey, and set tasks to others; Be attentive and demanding at some particular time.”

S. Krikalev shared some valuable advice on how to develop leadership skills. First, you must always remain curious and versatile. Secondly – do what you like, because it is impossible to be a leader in the area which is not interesting to you. If you are passionate about what you are doing there is a need to create a team that will help move forward and fulfil tasks. It is also important to go through different stages of the career ladder. It rarely happens that a person who jumped several steps immediately becomes a good leader. One usually goes up their career ladder without spending too much time on one of the stages.

How did he become a cosmonaut? How are decisions made in the cosmonaut team? Does our hero believe in extraterrestrial life? And why did the tradition before each flight to watch the “White Sun of the Desert” begin? The answers to these and many other questions you will get if you watch the full record of the meeting with Sergei Krikalev. The video is available on the link.

The participants spoke out their impressions about the meeting

Sergei Bardychev, Accounting Director, VDM:
– There are rare occasions in our lives when you have chance to shake hands with a legend. I am grateful to the company and the organizers for this opportunity. The words which struck me the most were S.K. Krikalev’s words about teambuilding. I’ll try to be as precise as possible and put the words through to you: “Give the professionals an interesting and challenging task (and do not get a team to nature to play outdoor games), and you will get a great team.”

Alexey Akulov shared the secrets of maintaining a good physical shape.

Vitaly Andreev, commercial director «ATRAN»:
– It goes without saying that the meeting was really significant. All the main aspects were covered – from human’s health to people’s self-realization! What I want to mention is that there is always a place for agreement. There is no need to disagree with each other all the time. People can always find compromises. Moreover, everything that happened in life, whether it was bad or good, does not need to be constantly reviewed. Being aimed at results and having inherent passion for what you are doing can motivate and inspire a person to achieve anything. And I think it is crucial! One has to regret the only thing – we managed to spend too little time with these really great people! Their experience is priceless and worth being passed on!

Vladimir Ostroumov, Head of Corporate Reporting Department, VDM:
– You don’t have a chance to see a cosmonaut every day, especially such a titled one. Sergey Konstantinovich exceptionally keeps in touch with the audience. He geniously moves away to interesting analogies and examples yet always sticks to the idea of the question. It was a pleasure to listen to such a coherent and eloquent speaker. Not only is he a skillful speaker but also a great person. Now I can pride myself for having met a real cosmonaut!

Anton Reznichenko, Aviation and Transport Security Leading Expert, ABC:
– I was very glad to have this opportunity and the invitation to participate in an event with such extraordinary people, it doesn’t always happen that fate brings with such personalities. Impressions from the meeting were exceptionally positive, I did not regret a minute of time spent, I would even say that it was not enough. Not only was it interesting to listen to S.Krikalev’s biography; what helped him to choose a career of his life and how much effort he had to make but also to hear his views on the pressing issues of humanity, to try to understand his thoughts. I would like to take part in such meetings with interesting and worthy people more often! Thank you!

Antonina Muralova, HR Director, VDA:
– The meeting was really unforgettable and interesting. The guest was magnetically charming. A fascinating story about the work of cosmonauts, logical and imaginative speech, and most importantly – thoughts about team work in a small confined place for a limited time, choice of a team, cooperation in a team, ability to solve problematic issues. He spoke simple but true things. Two phrases ran into my heart, with which I agreed 1000%:
– the team has to consist of truly motivated and eager people (it is useless to drag and pull forcefully)
– rational and result motivated people will always be able to find compromises.
I’m proud that Volga-Dnepr gives its employees the opportunity to learn and hear such outstanding people!

Eleonora Surina, Director of the Department of Aviation Accident Prevention and Safety Management, VDM:
– The meeting was impressive! I couldn’t stop listening. He put it simple when talking about a successful man: the one who loves what they do is successful. If you are happy with what you’re doing in your life, then you will be successful. I guess, that everyone who was present in the meeting got the answers to their internal questions.

Lubov Kamalova, Deputy Director for Economics, Finance and Accounting, Chief Accountant for Economic Affairs, ABC:
– Many thanks to Corporate University for the opportunity to communicate with such outstanding people! Before the meeting it was very interesting to know who the cosmonauts are, what we have in common: what they think and what they think is important, what they choose as their priorities, how they achieve their goals, make decisions. Expectations are completely met! I wrote down a list of tips and theses, left the room with in great mood and desire to become better, actively meditated for another day. To tell the truth, I’m still impressed!

Dmitry Malkov, Head of the Strategy and Procurement Management Department, ABC:
– I had only positive impressions, the time flew. It’s amazing that S. Krikalev is such a versatile person, ready to conduct a dialogue on almost any topic and has a good sense of humor. He has a clear, lively mind. Despite his status, one cannot even see a hint of a “star” disease. His physical form also strikes as unusual. His stories inspire to move forward, develop and improve. I had a feeling that I touched the legend. He is really the person you want to be like.

Sergey Aksyutenko, Lead financial analyst, ABC:
– First of all, thanks for organizing this meeting, for the unique opportunity to communicate with the real hero. It is very inspiring to see people who a led by principles, people who many of us have only read in books. People, who think that the worst thing in their lives is to let their principles down. At first glance, a simple phrase, behind which there were many tough decisions and actions.
At the same time, much is said in simple words and is applicable to everyone: words about leadership and longevity, cooperation and the ability to negotiate for the good of the aim.