Oleksandra Fidkevych shared her insights on hemp farming, the Yevhen Klopotenko project, and how women can be a driving force behind major change—both in business and in society—during an event organized by UCU Business School and dedicated to the topic of women’s leadership.
The evening also featured a panel discussion on women’s leadership with the participation of Sofiia Opatska, Oleksandra Fidkevych, Oksana Volchko, and Yaryna Boichuk.
Oleksandra Fidkevych is Deputy Director of Ma’Rijany Hemp Company, which is reviving hemp farming in Ukraine; a business consultant with over ten years of experience, strategist, founder of the SIMIO publishing house, author of the book How to Stuff a Viper with Lard, and head of the Yevhen Klopotenko project.
The article brings together the key insights from the meeting and the panel discussion, which also featured Sofiia Opatska, Yaryna Boichuk, and Oksana Volchko.
The event united women around a conversation about their role in leadership, the challenges they face in professional environments, and the responsibility they carry in difficult times.
During the meeting, Oleksandra Fidkevych shared her personal experience and reflections on leadership, values, and decision-making, and answered questions from participants.
Key takeaways from Oleksandra Fidkevych’s talk:
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A leader acknowledges her emotions but keeps going (Oleksandra emphasized that fear is natural and everyone feels it).
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A career does not always begin with a calling.
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Leadership is about the willingness to explore.
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Leadership is the ability to unite people around you.
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Leadership is the readiness to show your path to others.
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Being a leader means changing the future for the better.
Following Oleksandra’s talk, a panel discussion took place featuring Sofiia Opatska, Founding Dean and Chair of the Supervisory Board of UCU Business School and Vice-Rector for Strategic Development at UCU; Yaryna Boichuk, CEO of UCU Business School; Oleksandra Fidkevych; and Oksana Volchko.
Oksana Volchko is a finance professional who has held senior management positions in multinational companies at Raiffeisen Bank Aval, a corporate governance expert, mentor, lecturer, and supporter of independent, high-quality education in Ukraine. She was the first independent female director at strategic state-owned enterprises and is an independent member of the Supervisory Boards of Ukrposhta and Ukrgasbank. She shared her perspective on women’s leadership:
“Every woman has her own individual path. You don’t always have to break down walls to become a leader. You can step back, take a pause, and then take flight again later.”
Sofiia Opatska added:
“Anyone who holds a top position in an organization must be ready to share their journey, to be visible, and to take responsibility for their actions.”
She also emphasized the importance of education and lifelong learning for women:
“Education is an asset you acquire, and no social norms or stereotypes can take it away from you. Invest everything in yourself—and don’t forget about yourself.”
During the discussion, participants and speakers explored a wide range of issues, including leadership responses to maternity leave and motherhood, debates around male leadership, the challenges of women’s leadership, and reflections on the role of women in the modern world.
In closing, Oksana Volchko addressed the women in attendance:
“Find your own path, keep learning, and no matter whether you are 20 or 60—try.”
