About the Event:

Astana: The Starting Point and a Space for Meaning
Astana became the launch point for an innovative educational program that brought together small and medium-sized business owners, representatives of social projects, and aspiring entrepreneurs. From the very beginning, the training created an atmosphere of trust, meaningful dialogue, and open exchange of experience. Participants actively engaged in discussions, shared personal stories and management challenges, and built a vibrant professional community based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to growth.
Particular attention in the Astana cohort was given to rethinking the role of the entrepreneur as a leader who is responsible not only for economic outcomes, but also for the impact of business on society. Working with Abai’s philosophy provided a deeper values-based context through which participants examined their business decisions and personal approaches to management.

Key Results:

• Developed a more conscious understanding of the entrepreneur’s social role and values-based leadership;
• Increased interest in building sustainable and ethical business models;
• Demonstrated demand for continued training and deeper exploration of Abai’s philosophy in the business context;
• Expanded understanding of inclusivity and responsibility as integral elements of modern entrepreneurship.

Feedback of Participants:

Asel Bazarbayeva: “Today, Abai’s philosophy has ceased to be school theory for me. Thanks to the in-depth and practical approach of the experts - Aigerim Tarbagatayeva, Zhanar Kulzhanova, Alua Nurbay, and Shakhzada Shogelbayeva - I saw it as a clear guide to ethical, conscious, and sustainable business. I am leaving the training with concrete steps that I am ready to implement starting tomorrow.”


Makhabbat Baigabulova: “The program completely changed my perspective on business. Through Abai’s philosophy, presented by the experts, I realized that entrepreneurship is not only about profit, but also about responsibility and serving society. I particularly valued the combination of the local cultural code and the international academic perspective of Professor Shumaila Yousafzai. This training gave me a sense of inner confidence and clarity for making future decisions.”

Guldana Beketayeva: “The work of the speakers made a very strong impression on me. They helped connect Abai’s values with real management decisions and the personal responsibility of an entrepreneur. Professor Shumaila Yousafzai demonstrated that these ideas are relevant and competitive at the global level. This is a rare format of learning where meaning, depth, and practice truly come together.”

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