The spirit of transformational leadership oriented toward sustainability took center stage in the Talkshow & Book Review titled “Transformational Leadership Towards the Era of Sustainability”, held on Wednesday (August 27) at the Seminar Room, 2nd Floor, UGM Library and Archives. The event featured authors and academics from various disciplines. In collaboration with Deepublish Publisher, the program drew enthusiastic participation from students, lecturers, and education practitioners.
The event opened with remarks from the Head of UGM Library and Archives, Arif Surachman, S.I.P., M.B.A., who emphasized the importance of leadership literacy in the midst of global change. “Transformational leadership is not merely about management; it is about how leaders can foster inspiration, innovation, and sustainability within their environment. This forum serves as an important platform to raise such awareness,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Deepublish General Manager, Gilang Mukti Prabowo, S.E., M.M., highlighted the role of publishing in broadening access to quality reading materials. “We aim to provide books that are not only informative but also relevant to the needs of our time, particularly sustainability issues, which have now become a global priority,” he explained.
The core discussion was moderated by Erma Eviana and featured three speakers: Syahrindra Restu Ramadhani, Minister of BEM KM UGM 2023; Dr. Diah Retno Wulandari, M.B.A., lecturer at FEB UGM and member of the writing team; and Anggraeni Pranandari, M.Sc., also part of the writing team. Together, they unpacked the main ideas of the book, which examines the application of the transformational leadership model across various sectors, particularly higher education. Two other authors, Zaqiah Vivi, M.B.A., and Syafiqa Dhea Taqiya Ramadhani, M.Sc., were also present at the event.
In her presentation, Dr. Diah Retno stressed that transformational leadership requires adaptability from leaders. “A leader is not only someone who directs, but also someone who builds shared values. This is the key to navigating the era of disruption and global climate change,” she explained.
The interactive session reflected the participants’ strong enthusiasm. Many questions centered around how to cultivate leadership qualities, both within student organizations and educational institutions. The speakers emphasized that the keys to success lie in self-confidence and the courage to take the first step.
More than just a talkshow, this event also reinforced the commitment of UGM Library and Archives to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 4: Quality Education was reflected in the effort to enhance leadership literacy, while SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals was demonstrated through the synergy between the library, publishers, and the academic community.
This forum reaffirmed the role of libraries as intellectual spaces that not only preserve knowledge but also serve as hubs for the emergence of inspiration and transformative ideas. Beyond being mere centers of documentation, libraries and archives act as arenas for dialogue and cross-generational collaboration, fostering visionary leadership, innovation, and critical awareness in facing contemporary challenges.
Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh