We recently connected with Roman Gadzhylov and have shared our conversation below.
Roman, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience stems from my adventurous spirit since childhood when I ventured into the forest to gather berries and mushrooms. Such experiences likely helped me develop a strong sense of independence and bravery, which contributed significantly to my resilience. This foundation of courage and the ability to explore unfamiliar territories has probably played a crucial role in how I handle challenges and uncertainties throughout life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Lightkeepers International is dedicated to nurturing and educating children through various enrichment programs. Based in Brooklyn, we focus on providing a safe, engaging, and educational environment for kids to explore and grow. Our curriculum spans from martial arts and arts & crafts to STEM and robotics, catering to a diverse set of interests and skills.
What’s particularly special about Lightkeepers is our commitment to community and safety. For example, we’ve planned a Sunday academy akin to a weekend day camp during the school year. This initiative will include a service to pick up and drop off kids from their homes, enhancing safety and reducing crime by ensuring children have a secure and productive environment, even on weekends.
Regarding new developments, we are excited to be working on an eight-week Arts and Crafts curriculum designed to foster creativity and practical skills. Additionally, we are exploring the potential for a playhouse business in Coney Island, which could offer a unique recreational space for families in Brooklyn.
Our brand is about more than just educational programs; it’s about building a community where children can feel safe, valued, and motivated to discover their passions. Whether through our standard programs or new ventures, Lightkeepers always strives to enrich the lives of our participants and their families.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities stand out as particularly impactful: resilience, innovation, and community engagement.
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue pushing forward is crucial. This quality has helped me navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business, especially in uncertain times. For those early in their journey, developing resilience can be as simple as setting small, achievable goals and learning from each experience. It’s also helpful to maintain a supportive network that can offer advice and encouragement when things get tough.
Innovation: Being able to think creatively and adapt to changing circumstances has been essential. In the context of Lightkeepers, this meant developing programs like the Sunday academy to address community needs creatively. For newcomers, fostering innovation involves staying curious and open-minded. Continuously seek out new ideas, experiment with different approaches, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks.
Community Engagement: Understanding and connecting with the community has enabled Lightkeepers to offer programs that truly meet the needs of the children and families we serve. For anyone looking to make a meaningful impact, it’s vital to listen to and engage with your community. This can be achieved by attending community events, networking with local leaders, and soliciting feedback to ensure your services are as effective and relevant as possible.
My advice for those starting out is to actively develop these areas. Seek feedback regularly, be ready to pivot when necessary, and always keep the needs of your community at the forefront of your planning. This approach will not only aid in personal growth but also ensure that your endeavors are both sustainable and impactful.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
“Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse has been a significant book in shaping my understanding and approach to both personal development and running Lightkeepers. The story of Siddhartha’s journey towards enlightenment provides profound insights into the nature of self-discovery and fulfillment. Here are a few impactful nuggets of wisdom from the book:
The importance of personal experience: One of the central themes in “Siddhartha” is that true knowledge cannot be taught but must be experienced personally. This has reinforced my belief in providing experiential learning opportunities at Lightkeepers, where children and staff alike can learn and grow through direct engagement rather than just theoretical instruction.
The value of simplicity and mindfulness: Siddhartha’s time by the river teaches him about the simplicity and mindfulness needed to truly understand himself and the world around him. This lesson has been crucial in my life and work, encouraging a focus on the present and fostering a calm, thoughtful approach to decision-making and interaction with others.
The interconnectedness of all things: As Siddhartha learns that all life is connected, this has shaped how I view our community at Lightkeepers. It underscores the importance of creating a supportive, inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and connected to a larger purpose.
These lessons have not only influenced my personal growth but have also been integral in shaping the philosophy and operations of Lightkeepers, ensuring that we provide a nurturing and enlightening environment for all our participants.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lk-int.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightkeepers.international/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552111635170
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lk-int-llc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lightkeepersinternational720
- Other: https://linktr.ee/LightkeepersInternational?fbclid=IwY2xjawF8-TdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZENXlBV-4QmsbKdRkKONDsozM1gmmtVdS7Kc3STMK3WJKEJoU3uRnCqRg_aem_HF9W0nDPSg-nYSXgf6FFQA
Image Credits
Roman Gadzhylov & Lightkeepers International
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