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ABOUT GIZEM
Gizem Kendik Önduygu is a committed leader with a robust background in social entrepreneurship and civil society. As the Programs Director at Ashoka Türkiye, she enhances Ashoka's vision of making everyone a changemaker. Previously a founding partner at Toyi, she influenced the toy industry towards sustainability and inclusivity. Gizem harnesses her roles to push for social changes, emphasizing children's rights, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. Her leadership style is participatory and rooted in empathy, aiming to inspire collective and actionable change within communities and organizations. Gizem's approach to leadership is shaped by her twin sister, with whom she envisioned starting transformative initiatives.
LEADERSHIP IS NOT ABOUT HELPING OR EMPOWERING ALONE; IT'S ABOUT PUTTING OTHERS IN CHARGE.
Gizem Kendik Önduygu
GIZEM IN A NUTSHELL
Programs Director
Ashoka Türkiye
area of expertise
Sustainability & CSR Community Building / Management General Management Turkey 🇹🇷
companies Gizem has worked for
GIZEM AS A LEADER
Leadership for Gizem is about creating participatory methods for social change. Her success is measured by her ability to foster environments where community members can join, participate, and thrive together. Her initiatives in various civil society roles focus on making systemic changes and encouraging a collective effort towards addressing societal challenges.
Leadership is not being a superhero.
Great leaders discover innovative ways to care for both people and the planet.
The future of leadership is caring.
When I think of a leader, I think of the capacity, practice, and imagination for caring.
CHANGE STARTS WITH US, AND I COMMIT TO PRACTICING MY CARING CAPACITY.
Gizem Kendik Önduygu
GIZEM ON ADAPTING LEADERSHIP STYLES
Gizem has tackled significant personal challenges such as managing rejection anxiety by reframing her understanding of success and failure. She embraces her mistakes as part of a learning journey and has developed strategies to enhance her leadership effectiveness, including seeking mentorship in conflict management and learning to have tough conversations that consider her team's emotional stability.
GIZEM ON EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS
Gizem actively supports emerging leaders by creating opportunities for them to lead and influence. Through her work at Ashoka and various mentoring roles, she empowers young professionals and activists to take charge, promoting shared leadership and innovative problem-solving. She focuses on cultivating a supportive environment where the next generation can develop their skills and lead impactful initiatives.
EVERY DAY IS A NEW CHALLENGE AND A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO CARE DEEPLY.
Gizem on becoming a better leader
INTERVIEW
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