
Saranya Misra

Nikola has been an incredible teacher during my journey with the YAL program. Not only has he been inspiring in group discussions, he also has an insightful way to subtly pivot one-on-one conversations to help you get to the solution to your problem by yourself! I like to call them his jedi mind tricks.
Through simply asking probing questions, he gently guides you till you realize you had the answer all along. It's really exciting to witness. He has taught me not only to be a better leader, but also a better colleague and person.
Through him, I have learned how to phrase confrontation as conversation, how to effectively manage upwards, how to not take anything personally, and just generally embrace a more productive and holistic mindset not just in my job, but in my daily life. I cannot recommend him as a teacher highly enough!

Diego Morales

Being a part of the YAL program with Nikola as my mentor has truly transformed my leadership skills and perspective. Through his guidance and mentorship, I have learned the importance of collaboration, empathy, and adaptability in driving meaningful change. Nikola's ability to empower and inspire me has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, take risks, and embrace innovative approaches to addressing challenges.
The most valuable aspect of the YAL program for me has been the emphasis on fostering a global mindset and understanding the diverse needs and perspectives of communities around the world, not only in Mexico or in Latin America.
I strongly encourage others to embark on this transformative journey of becoming future young leaders in UNICEF, as it not only equips you with the necessary skills but also instills a sense of purpose and passion for creating a better world for children and their families, we daily work for.

Madeleine Wollin

The YAL program, with Nikola serving as a prominent facilitator and teacher during various deep dives into challenging subjects, has been transformative for me. It's the first time in a long while that I've experienced such significant personal development in my understanding and practice of leadership values.Being surrounded by a handpicked group of enthusiastic participants, all eager to engage and grow, has been truly inspiring. Moreover, being assigned Nikola as my coach has been exciting.
His approach, which I've witnessed in our cohort sessions, has been invaluable in scrutinizing and exploring aspects of my professional journey. I'm immensely grateful for this opportunity.
Through simply asking probing questions, he gently guides you till you realize you had the answer all along. It's really exciting to witness. He has taught me not only to be a better leader, but also a better colleague and person.
Through him, I have learned how to phrase confrontation as conversation, how to effectively manage upwards, how to not take anything personally, and just generally embrace a more productive and holistic mindset not just in my job, but in my daily life. I cannot recommend him as a teacher highly enough!