President.gov.ua

The spotlight has been on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as he has navigated the increasingly tense Russia-Ukraine conflict.

During former President Donald Trump’s four years in office, perceptions of national leadership experienced a paradigm shift. Trump’s rhetoric challenged the boundaries of diplomacy, and he may have changed what it means – and what it takes – to be a leader forever.

Recently in the spotlight as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Similarly to Trump, Zelensky is a veteran of the entertainment industry with a star-studded resume. Zelensky hosted a comedy show and even won Ukraine’s “Dancing With the Stars” in 2006.

Starring on the popular show “Servant of the People” in 2015, Zelensky played the role of a teacher who rises to presidency after going viral for speaking out against corruption in Ukrainian politics. Ironically enough, this was his entrance into politics. 

But now, the 44-year-old former entertainer has been thrust into a raging conflict against the dominant leader of Russia, Vladimir Putin. With a 91% approval rate, Zelensky has been framed as a hero by the Ukrainian people and the world.

Senior Will Fairman has occupied several leadership positions throughout his high school career, from Spartan Assembly to National Honor Society, and spoke to Zelenksy’s appeal in a time when leadership roles are adapting to new expectations and exigencies. “He is a young, energetic leader that represents a hopeful future,” Fairman said. “While Zelensky remains in war-ravaged Ukraine, President Biden is found at home delivering a subpar State of the Union [address] and using minimal actions against Russia to seemingly save face.”

So in a world where comedians can become presidents and career politicians are deemed uninspiring, what does leadership look like in 2022?

Fairman believes leadership is evolving. “It is evident young people want to see change of all types at all levels and are sick of the sluggishness of government,” he said. “Simply put, good leadership is about appealing to people by consistently following through on commitments to promises in an energetic way.”

Perhaps it is radical rejection of tradition that is so enticing – the unwavering voice of, if not always reason, reassurance.

Defiantly, Zelensky declared in a video recorded in Kyiv, Ukraine, outside his office, “The president is here. We are all here. Our soldiers are here. The citizens of our country are here. We are all here protecting our independence, our country, and it will continue to be this way. Glory to our defenders. Glory to our heroes. Glory to Ukraine.”

Despite his status as target number one of Russian forces, Zelensky valiantly rejected the opportunity to evacuate Kyiv offered by the U.S., saying, “I need ammunition, not a ride.”

Beyond this bravery, Zelensky has used his social media savvy to prove to Ukrainians – and the world – that he is a leader of the people. Posting short selfie videos in which he speaks directly to the country on platforms such as Telegram, Zelensky has humanized himself and aligned himself with the people’s interests. 

And during a time when voters do not consider past political experience a priority, Zelensky has been largely successful in using social media as well as his entertainment background to rise to the prestigious role of Ukraine’s leader. 

Social studies teacher Sara Russell explained the significance of the role of social media in political campaigns. “Zelensky won around 75% of the vote when elected by running a heavily social media driven campaign. With social media being the medium of today, it is not surprising that actors and entertainers are able to harness this mode of communication and use it to propel a career in politics,” Russell explained. “While both Trump and Zelensky are recent examples of entertainers turned politicians, the U.S. has seen other entertainers elected to political positions in the past (Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Al Franken just to name a few).”

But there are implications that come with this phenomenon. “Being an entertainer does not preclude you from being a successful political leader, but at the same time many public servants have backgrounds that have given them the needed knowledge and expertise to lead,” Russell said.   

Needless to say, leadership roles are changing. Effective modern leaders are escaping tradition by bringing youthful energy to long-standing establishments. As Zelensky faces increased pressure from Russia, he is actively altering what it means to be a leader – in 2022 and beyond.