KIMEP University welcomed Peter Foster, CEO and President of Air Astana, as the distinguished guest speaker of the Leadership Development Program (LDP). In a dynamic and thought-provoking session, Foster shared powerful insights on leadership, integrity, and the future of work. He emphasized lifelong learning as the foundation of success, the importance of hiring people “smarter than you,” and the growing value of human qualities — empathy, communication, and teamwork — in an era shaped by artificial intelligence. He also highlighted that true leadership requires listening, observing, and staying firm in one’s principles while remaining adaptable in tactics.
Foster encouraged students to choose careers they genuinely enjoy and to develop cross-functional curiosity by learning beyond their job titles and understanding how organizations operate globally. Closing with the message that “the more you practice, the luckier you become,” he underscored that leaders are shaped not by talent alone but through discipline, enthusiasm, and consistent effort. His lecture left a lasting impression on the KIMEP community, reinforcing that integrity, curiosity, and hard work remain the core of meaningful and impactful leadership.