Every successful project grows on the hard work a project manager does, a tedious routine of planning and brainstorming, seeking relevant solutions, and new forms of teaching.  However, a triumphant initiative is not just about deep knowledge and professional skills. What really makes this project work perfectly is the care and love that a manager puts into it. 

Who are they — Klitschko Foundation managers beyond the working space? How did they start their job race and what do they desire to achieve in the future? Why have they chosen Klitschko Foundation? What makes them eager about fulfilling youth’s dreams? So many questions that we cover in the regular interviews with the Klitschko Foundation team #fightersKF.

How did you start your way at Klitschko Foundation?

In 2014, when I was obtaining my degree in psychology at Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University, I ran into the opportunity to get an internship as a mentor for “The School of Success” program. Then, every teen team had its own psychologist during the project time. I and other mentors were holding reflection sessions, preparing games and team building meetings, helping to cope with various challenges and get used to the unknown surroundings. Just a fun fact: I was a psychologist for Sofiia Tarasiuk. She is now a communication assistant at Klitschko Foundation. After the first unforgettable experience, I was invited to work for Klitschko Foundation. I have been pitching and implementing projects for 7 years now.       

Give more details about your projects, please.

I have implemented many initiatives till now including “The Team of Success”. It helps young sports teams, who are not able to cover expenses, to take part in international sports competitions. "Klitschko Tournament" is another international box contest for youth. Some others are “Call your friends — let’s play together”, which is a competition based on installing sports pitches at Ukrainian schools, and “Start to Success”, which is a program aimed to renovate sports schools and colleges in Ukraine. I am working on “Success Packages” at the moment. It is a project for PE teachers. The modern concept of the project had been different before. At first, we were sending the appropriate sports equipment to schools all around Ukraine. However, we noticed that giving tools only is not enough. 2018 was a year of transformation. That is how the educational part was added to the project. Not only do teachers get new equipment, but also practice new skills and deepen their knowledge. I communicate with participants and receive their feedback. Teachers are happy to receive support from us as they are not just gym teachers. They are superheroes and role models for their students. After the projects teachers stay motivated and are ready to enhance positive changes at their schools, cities, and towns.   

Why are the projects you implement valuable for our society?

I believe that modern people need to find harmony in their lives. Education and self-development are very important, but we shouldn’t forget about physical activity that shapes and changes our lives. Sport inspires you and challenges your focus, discipline, and attention. The healthier you are, the more you can get from life and change our country for the better. 

What do you like the most about your job? 

The results of the project encouraged me the most. It is exciting to observe the influence of the program you have been working on every single day. You prepare the project plan, try to supply it with the most effective features, concern about your potential audience, and so on. And then, you present an eloquent speaker to the participants or give them presents at the end of the program. Their eyes are sparkling — it is very powerful as it shows that we care about the right things. I have seen children excitingly using new equipment or playing sports games and teachers aspiring to do their best. These things motivate me the most.

What trait of the personality helps you at work?

I try not to panic and grab every opportunity very tightly. A project manager knows how many troubles and unexpected twists can appear during the process of implementing projects. So it is my responsibility to fix the problems and make them work properly. I believe that every tough situation can be resolved.  

How do you unwind and relax? 

I support active free time. When summer comes, I and my friends ride bicycles and practice water sports such as sup- and wakeboarding, and kayaking. My favorite winter activities are snowboarding and skiing. At weekends I play football. Some time ago I did it professionally, so now I try not to lose my skills. 

Who do you want to invite for coffee? 

Elon Musk. I am inspired by his innovative ideas that change our world.

If you had a chance to advise a teenage you, what would it be?

I would recommend myself to study more and develop my skills.  

Which superpower would you like to have?

I would like to move in time. I would come into the future to discover the development of technologies.

What do you dream of?

I would like to open a football school for children and show them how influential sport is. 

What is your favorite place in Kyiv?

I adore Andriyivskyy Descent. It is a pleasure to have some walk and enjoy the beauty of paintings there. I am also impressed by its architecture.