What Leading Through Uncertainty Really Means In Ukraine

Anna Kuzenkova is Managing Partner at Odgers Ukraine and has held this position since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine.  

As part of our ‘Leading Through Uncertainty’ series, we spotlight the heads of office from our global network of 59 offices across 33 countries. Their exceptional experience and connection offer invaluable insight into the current leadership and talent environment, along with the interplay of challenges at both regional and international levels. 

Who Are The Types Of Clients Or Organisations You Engage With Most Often?

We engage with the largest private and state-owned companies in Ukraine, providing support for supervisory boards competitions, senior executive search and personnel assessment.  

What Is The Day-To-Day Impact Of The War? 

Each day in Ukraine is now filled with uncertainty. Over the past four years of war, almost everyone has been able to demonstrate and improve their change management skills and adaptability to uncertainty.  

Unfortunately, our challenges remain difficult including shelling, frequent rocket strikes or drones hitting offices and warehouses. This sometimes leads to a complete shutdown of companies and, of course, the worst thing is the loss of human life. In addition, daily life is complicated by hours-long power outages and the lack of water supply and heating after shelling. Working on generators, batteries, and Starlink satellites has become a common reality for Ukrainians

When it comes to big business, this shortage may become much more noticeable in the near future, as the lack of younger talent is critical for a number of professions. The largest companies in Ukraine in the agricultural sector have successfully implemented these opportunities and are successfully recruiting people aged 55 and 65+. 

How Are These Forces Changing What Boards And Organisations Expect From Leaders? 

Resilience, presence alongside the team, strategic thinking and the ability to make quick decisions and act independently are what is expected of a leader today. 

What Leadership Qualities Do You Think Matter Most In Today’s Climate? 

I think what matters most is the ability to lead and inspire faith and confidence in teams. Emotional intelligence and compassion are also important - the ability to understand people, empathise, support, build trust and create a healthy atmosphere in the team.  

The core competencies I believe are key at this difficult time for the country and, I think, may be useful in other countries, are: 

• Integrity. Such leaders keep their promises, do not play favourites, and act in the interests of the team.  
• Caring and solidarity also are essential features of our culture. In our team, caring for one another is a must.
• Socially responsible. Companies have set up ‘points of invincibility’ on their premises, where people can warm up, recharge their phones and weather blackouts. Grocery stores and pharmacies supported people with warmth, basic goods, and waiting space during alarms. 

It's not just about service - it's about a culture of trust, humaneness, and the ability of businesses to be there in the most difficult moments.

Where Are You Seeing Leadership Talent Emerge In Your Region Today? 

Staffing shortages have opened opportunities for managers in secondary roles to step into primary positions and advance their careers.

Is There Still A “Typical” Leadership Profile In Your Market, Or Has That Disappeared? 

For many companies, leadership in wartime is defined as ‘crisis leadership’: quick decisions, support, unity, willingness to take responsibility and the ability to act in turbulent conditions. 

The success of most companies increasingly depends on caring for people, their development, the ability to support employees both in and outside work, and understanding the emotional state of employees. 

What Initiatives Or Approaches Help You Support Businesses Through Change? 

Since the start of the full-scale war, we have felt the full support of our Odgers’ global network as our team continues to work on projects in various countries around the world where Odgers is represented. 

We also carry out many projects in the field of personnel assessment and employ one of the most reliable methods in the world, Hogan Assessments. Our team includes four certified Hogan Assessments practitioners, including myself.  

What Sets Odgers Apart From Our Competitors? 

Maximum customer-oriented approach, partnership with our clients, and focus on achieving mutual results. It's all about making decisions that will develop our clients' businesses. 

Over The Next 12–18 Months, What Will Define Successful Leadership In Your Region? 

Long-term planning for 5-10 years must be sufficiently flexible and anticipate the most unlikely scenarios. 

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We understand the impact of appointing the very best talent, both on organisational transformation, and the lives of those associated with them.  

With 59 offices in 33 countries, Odgers' deep industry expertise, combined with global reach and local nuance, builds transformational leadership teams with world-class talent. 

Get in touch. Follow the links below to learn more, or connect directly with our dedicated executive search experts at your local Odgers office here.