Meeting of the Youth with BASF Leadership

Sometimes one single day can stay with you for a lifetime — and that’s exactly what happened during the meeting between the youth of the Corporate Mentoring program and the leaders of BASF, held within the project “AgroMentor: Side-by-Side to Knowledge.”

This was more than just a meeting — it was a genuine dialogue between those who are only beginning to search for their path and those who have already walked a long road of professional challenges, growth, and discoveries.

The young participants had a unique opportunity to speak with the leadership of BASF Ukraine and BASF Europe, ask questions, listen to personal stories, and connect with the real human journeys of success that stand behind a global company.

The youth asked thoughtful questions about choosing a profession, taking the first steps in a career, and advice they would give to their younger selves. For them, it was incredibly meaningful to hear authentic stories from people who have achieved so much — and to understand that success always comes from a combination of self-belief, hard work, and the support of mentors.

🔹 “Never lose faith in yourself and keep moving forward,” shared Michael Wagner, Vice President Agricultural Solutions EMEA North.

🔹 “Believe in your own strength — you are unique. Life will bring many opportunities, so don’t be afraid to take action,” encouraged Gustavo Palerosi Carneiro, Senior Vice President Agricultural Solutions EMEA.

 🔹“When I was your age, I trained a lot and did sports. That helped me develop self-discipline — a quality that is essential in life,” said Cezary Urban, Head of BASF Agricultural Solutions in Ukraine.

“I loved the interaction with the company leadership. At first, I was nervous to ask questions, but their sincerity made it easy to open up. I realized something important: don’t be afraid to move toward your dream. Take action, even if it feels scary. It’s better to try than to do nothing at all.” — Sasha.

“I was really captivated by the video we watched and by how openly the leaders shared their stories. Their answers were deep and motivating. The main advice I’m taking with me is: never give up. Keep developing yourself, even when things feel difficult” — Danya.

During the lunch and informal conversations, the youth, BASF leadership, and mentors shared impressions, laughed together, and recalled the most meaningful moments of their joint work throughout the project. There was a strong feeling of unity, warmth, and belief in a shared mission.

“I was deeply impressed by the live conversation with the company’s leaders — their openness, honesty, and willingness to answer any question. It was inspiring to hear real stories about their path to success and the challenges they faced. And yes — the pizza  was a great bonus! My key takeaway was the importance of developing discipline, because discipline is what leads to real results” — Tymur. 

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to speak with the company leaders. I was impressed by the sincerity with which they talked about their values and their journey. The atmosphere felt warm, supportive — and the food was delicious. I realized something for myself: the most important book is the Bible, because it always gives inspiration, support, and new meaning” — Alyona.

The company also prepared thoughtful gifts and educational certificates for the youth — a symbolic reminder that learning never stops.

Meetings like this are especially valuable, because they show that behind every success story are people who dare to dream, act, and support others.

BASF is an inspiring example of a company that truly cares about the future of Ukrainian youth — investing not only in technologies but also in young hearts, helping shape a generation that thinks boldly, acts with confidence, and dreams without limits.

“I gained incredible emotions from this meeting! There was so much trust and openness. Thanks to the conversations and trainings, I looked at my goals differently. I understood that you need to keep moving forward, try new things, take risks, learn from mistakes, and not be afraid of change. This experience became a strong motivation for my future achievements. I hope this project will continue!” — Vova.