There are weeks that pass quickly and fade into memory. And then there are weeks that stay with us — shaping who we are, how we see the world, and what we dare to dream. The REAL Summer School 2025 was one of those weeks.
From 21–27 July, twenty aspiring leaders from Romania and Moldova came together in the ancient coastal town of Šibenik, Croatia. For six intense, beautiful days, under the scorching sun and by the Adriatic waves, we explored questions that matter:
- What does it mean to be a leader, what kind of leaders do we want to be?
- How do we address conflict without losing ourselves – or each other?
- How do gender, identity, and belonging shape our stories?
- What does it mean to dream with our feet on the ground?
- And most of all: what does it take to form beloved community as coined by Martin Luther King Jr. – a community that transcends barriers and has the power to create transformational societal change?
We spoke, we listened, we challenged one another — and we discovered that courage and vulnerability walk hand in hand.
“The most important thing I will take with me is the idea that being vulnerable can make you a better leader, not a weaker one.”
Impact You Can Feel
The feedback from participants speaks louder than any summary we could write:
- 100% said the Summer School inspired them to act on their dreams.
- 87% strongly agreed they gained new knowledge and skills.
- 90% reflected more deeply on their values and goals.
But beyond the numbers, there were the words that stayed with us:
“Very shortly said, I found purpose in life.”
“I’ve learned to step outside my comfort zone and collaborate with people whose perspectives are very different from mine.”
“The REAL journey doesn’t end here. I’ve already started acting on my dream — thanks to this week.”
REAL was about growth, yes – but it was also about healing, encouragement, and the kind of community where nobody has to walk alone.
Thank You
This Summer School was only possible because of the incredible team of mentors and speakers who shared their wisdom and care:
Founders and Directors Camilla & Liviu Bocaniala, Mentors Jack Fallow and Barbara Thompson, Speakers and Trainers Dr. Susan Kerr and Tena Žganec, and our powerhouse team Elise Jore and Cathrine Frederich
And because of the generosity of Comargo Business School and our individual sponsors, who made sure finances were never a barrier for participation.
We are deeply grateful.
The Journey Continues
REAL is not just a week in July. It is a way of living, leading, and belonging. The seeds planted in Šibenik will keep growing – in classrooms, workplaces, communities, and families, wherever these 20 young leaders step next.
As we look ahead, one thing is clear: the future needs leaders who can act with courage, compassion, and clarity. And if this Summer School showed us anything, it’s that they are already here – ready to dream, ready to lead, ready to build.
Together.
👉 Want to follow the journey? Reach out to us at contact@polylogos.eu and follow us on social media: @polylogos.eu
