A Month Already at STG/EUI: A Wild and Rewarding Ride!

As I sit down to reflect on my first month as a Policy Leader Fellow (PLF) at the School of Transnational Governance (STG) at the European University Institute (EUI), I can’t help but marvel at how fast time has flown by—and how much has happened in just four weeks. If I could describe this first month in one word, it would probably be “eventful,” though that might be an understatement!

The Global Cohort: 16 Countries, Countless Perspectives

When I first arrived, I knew I would be part of a diverse cohort, but nothing quite prepares you for the experience of working with fellows from 16 different countries. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, and every discussion feels like an intellectual Olympics. Whether we’re talking about governance, leadership, or even food preferences (yes, that happens), the richness of perspectives is simply amazing.

Our meetings often feel like diplomatic summits where ideas flow as freely as coffee, and trust me, there’s plenty of coffee! The sheer diversity in viewpoints ensures that no two days are alike, and I find myself constantly growing, not just as a professional but as a global citizen.

Professors with Open Arms (and Open Offices)

I must give credit where it’s due: the professors at STG have been nothing short of fantastic. I wish to single out the support from Prof. Alain and Prof. Kenneth has been invaluable. They’ve helped align my thoughts and project with real-world impact and offered sage advice that’s helping to shape my research. I’ve even considered bottling their wisdom and selling it—I’d make a fortune!

Special mention to Prof. Fabrizio, the Executive Director at STG, whose guidance to me specifically has been both strategic and empathetic. And then there’s Prof. Claudio, the program’s Lead. If you ever want a masterclass in servant leadership, look no further than him. His approach is the epitome of supportive leadership—always available, always engaged, and always finding ways to uplift others. I keep telling myself, “You need to tap into this servanthood, Gilbert!”

But I can’t talk about my smooth transition without mentioning the behind-the-scenes heroes, our PLF project managers. Evgenia’s caring touch has been nothing short of a lifeline. She seems to have an uncanny ability to know exactly what we need before we even ask! Then there’s Rami—pragmatic, but with love. His approach may be no-nonsense, but you can tell it’s all from a place of genuine care. Together, they’ve made settling in feel like a breeze. With their support, I’ve felt more anchored and ready to hit the ground running.

Milestones, Briefs, and Case Studies

One of the most fulfilling aspects of this first month has been the tangible progress I’ve made. I’m thrilled to report that my first policy brief is nearly complete, and I’m making headway on a case study that has the potential to be very impactful. Let me tell you, there’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing your work take shape and knowing it might influence policy at a larger scale. It feels like laying the foundation for something meaningful, brick by brick.

A Coaching Agenda? Why Not!

Now, here’s where things get even more exciting. In the midst of all the policy work, I had the chance to discuss an opportunity to introduce a coaching agenda at STG. I mean, why not? If you know me, you know I’m passionate about leadership development, and the idea of helping MTG students and the broader STG community through coaching is something that truly excites me. If all goes well, this could become an offering that benefits everyone involved.

What Lies Ahead: Structures, Events, and More!

Looking ahead, I’m feeling optimistic about the months to come. I’ve got my structures in place for research output, and there are plenty of upcoming events to look forward to, like STG Talks and other community engagements. If the first month is anything to go by, the next nine months are going to be a mix of hard work, breakthroughs, and maybe even a few surprises.

The Verdict: Fulfilled and Fired Up!

In summary, month one has been nothing short of a whirlwind—challenging yet rewarding, fast-paced but grounding. I feel like I’ve already grown immensely, both in my work and in my outlook, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.

So, here’s to the next nine months! If the rest of my time here is anything like the first month, I’m in for a wild, rewarding, and undoubtedly fulfilling ride. And as always, I’m ready to take it on with a cup of coffee in hand, surrounded by some of the brightest minds from across the world.

Stay tuned, and buckle up—these reflections may not come monthly, but certainly quarterly moving forward 😃. It’s going to be a great journey ahead!

Mi Ciamo,😇

Gilbert A. Ang’ana

CEO, Accent Leadership Group | Policy Leader Fellow-STG/EUI