Gor Badalyan currently serves as CEO of Ayn Rand Center Armenia and a civil society activist focused on expanding critical thinking, public discourse, and youth leadership opportunities. Through educational programs, lectures, mentorship, and community discussions, he is helping young people engage more thoughtfully with political, cultural, and ethical issues while encouraging individual responsibility and intellectual curiosity. In the conversation below, Gor reflects on his work, leadership philosophy, and the experiences that continue to inspire his commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on expanding the Ayn Rand Center Armenia (ARCA) by developing educational programs, public lectures, and leadership initiatives that introduce young people to Objectivist philosophy and its core ideas of reason, individualism, and personal responsibility. I also focus on organizing discussions and mentorship opportunities that help students engage critically with political, cultural, and ethical questions in Armenia.
How has your work created impact in your community or field?
Through my work at the Ayn Rand Center Armenia (ARCA), I have helped create a space where young people can engage with ideas of reason, individualism, and critical thinking in a structured and open way. Our programs and discussions have encouraged students to question assumptions, develop clearer thinking, and take greater intellectual responsibility. Over time, this has contributed to a growing community of young individuals who are more confident in articulating and defending their ideas.
How did the McCain Global Leaders program influence your leadership journey?
The MGL program significantly shaped my leadership journey by exposing me to diverse perspectives and strengthening my ability to think more strategically about impact and responsibility. It challenged me to refine how I communicate ideas and lead initiatives with greater clarity and purpose. Most importantly, it deepened my commitment to building values-based leadership grounded in integrity and long-term vision.
How has being part of the McCain Global Leaders network impacted your work or perspective?
Being part of the MGL network has broadened my perspective on leadership by connecting me with peers from different countries and backgrounds who approach challenges in very different ways. It has helped me see my work within a more global context and strengthened my focus on collaboration, dialogue, and long-term impact. The network continues to inspire me to think more openly and act with greater purpose in my initiatives.
What advice would you give to emerging leaders?
My advice to young leaders is “Don’t go against your nature.”
What gives you hope right now?
What gives me hope right now is seeing more young people in Armenia and across the region becoming open to independent thinking and engaging seriously with ideas about freedom, responsibility, and civic life.
What is your favorite thing about your home country?
My favorite thing about my Armenia is that it can give birth to heroes.
The McCain Global Leaders Program supports character-driven leaders from around the world who embody Senator John McCain’s legacy of serving a cause greater than oneself. Structured as a 12-month fellowship and experiential learning experience, each cohort will include a diverse group of leaders from around the world who are working “in the arena” to advance democracy and protect human rights and freedom. The program is designed to advance each Leader’s personal and professional leadership journey and impact by providing training, resources, and access to highly relevant regional and global networks with goal of preparing today’s leaders to meet tomorrow’s challenges.