Andriy Rozhdestvensky: Out educational work in the regions of Ukraine

Leadership During War: Insights from Andriy Rozhdestvensky

Andriy Rozhdestvensky, Executive Director of the UCU Leadership Center, has traveled to cities such as Nikopol, Odesa, Dnipro, Ternopil, Lviv, and Warsaw during the war, sharing vital insights on leadership in wartime. For over six years, the UCU Leadership Center has actively studied leadership, including military leadership, and seeks to share this knowledge with as many people as possible.

Shortly before Russia’s full-scale invasion, UCU Business School, in collaboration with the UCU Leadership Center, launched a project called “Reality Without Illusions.” This series of webinars, hosted by Andriy Rozhdestvensky and experts from various fields, discusses crisis situations and the corresponding action plans. Many people from across Ukraine attended these online sessions, expressing admiration and gratitude, leading to the realization that in-person meetings were the next step.

Andriy shared his thoughts on why this educational outreach is so important now and how it impacts society:

The Pareto Principle in Leadership and National Consciousness

The Pareto Principle suggests that 80% of outcomes are driven by 20% of causes. This concept can be applied to team dynamics: in most teams, 10-20% of employees consistently perform well, while another 10-20% may underperform. The remaining “golden middle” is highly variable, often depending on the company’s efforts to engage and support them.

This principle also applies to shaping Ukrainian consciousness. Today, Ukraine has many individuals capable of spreading national narratives and influencing parts of the population vulnerable to enemy propaganda. However, these influencers need support.

Supporting the active segment of the population, particularly in smaller towns, by teachers, educational institutions, and thought leaders, is critical for shaping Ukrainian identity. One of the most effective methods for this is face-to-face engagement.

The Importance of In-Person Meetings

Andriy explained why offline lectures are crucial:

“The second step in building communication is in person, following the first step of online engagement. The broader the communication channel, the better its quality. The most comprehensive communication happens in face-to-face meetings. Moreover, the value of such meetings is heightened during wartime, increasing the likelihood of being heard. Despite the risks of visiting cities near active combat zones, events like these can be highly effective when conducted thoughtfully and in collaboration with local volunteers.”

The initial meetings were held in regional centers, but the team plans to visit smaller towns. Their first such visit was to Nikopol, which proved highly successful. Around 100 people attended the lecture, demonstrating a strong need for such engagement.

While holding events in major cities remains valuable, the impact of these meetings in smaller towns can be far greater. Upcoming events include stops in Ivano-Frankivsk on June 13 and Uzhhorod on June 18. The team also plans to visit Kropyvnytskyi, Kharkiv, and, of course, Kyiv, as well as additional district centers.

A Call for Collaboration

Andriy urges other educators and institutions to support those leading educational efforts in their regions, welcoming opportunities for collaboration. In a symbiotic relationship between local volunteers and thought leaders, the benefits extend not only to participants and organizers but to all of Ukraine.

Andriy Rozhdestvensky is a PhD, UCU Business School lecturer, Executive Director of the UCU Leadership Center, and business consultant.

Watch the video of the event here.
Source: UCU Business School