Start-up Environments: What I Learned from Fellow Ukrainian Development Teams about Growth Mindset
Startups are a rollercoaster of highs and lows. There will be times when you feel on top of the world, and times when you feel like you’re barely hanging on. Just like how we felt on the Feb 24th.
During the Ukraine Peace Summit, my thoughts returned to the difficult days my friends in Ukraine endured, caught between life and death. It's often said that you can learn from every experience, but it never feels that way when you're in the midst of it.
In this blog post, I’d like to share what I’ve learned from my dearest friends during those challenging times.
A mindshift
I remember that morning, just after Russia launched an attack on Ukraine. Feb. 24, 2022. It was a probability that we had been discussing but that morning was the very morning we faced the reality of the unfolding crisis with the part of the team who were in the States and Canada. It was an incredibly tough situation that can’t be said enough. We didn't even know how to communicate or whether they had electricity, internet, or water. The day passed without hearing anything from most of them. Then another day. And another...
But on the third day, the team managers in Ukraine - Daria, Roman, Pavlo- were able to reach out to us and reassured us that they were safe and sound. These managers are all experienced, with hundreds of projects under their belt. They always know what to do, capable of handling anything from technical problems to interpersonal issues. But this one? This was a unique situation. Their loved ones were in danger, they were in danger. God forbid, anything could happen at any time.
But you know what happened? All these guys asked the same question, which i want to call it as a magical touch from God—growth mindset magic: "We’re all okay. Don’t worry about us. Let’s get back to work."
"Let’s get back to work?" I asked to myself in disbelief. "Are you guys serious? Aren't we gonna complain about the governments? Aren't we gonna stop working on projects?" Think for a second—how can you check on them asking “when can it be done?” What kind of task or project could be more important than their lives and loved ones?
We can't change the situation right now. Let's focus and get back to work!
These guys, as always, knew what they were doing. Instead of letting their minds shift them into that shitty “victim mentality”, my friends confidently continued working from maybe even more innovative way, with more grit. And they completed all of their ongoing projects on time. No excuse. No delay. Nothing.
I saw it firsthand—they didn’t hesitate to continue their projects, and they didn’t complain from anything. Can you imagine we didn't cancel a single meeting during that time?
The days after that were not easy either, but I remember my friends being there, on top of everything, as if nothing had happened, despite the air alerts and the relentless movement from one city to another.
They simply focused on pooling their resources, sharing responsibilities, and focusing on what they could control with their existing resources. Then we followed their lead and had courage to ask how we can help, what we can do for them. Then every morning turned into a magic. A friend in Greece - Antonis - offered his home to those who could make it there. I can’t forget that Slack message where Antonis shared his house location with all it’s details with all his heartfelt generosity. Our senior managers, John, Catherine and Francois reached out to their connections to check on everyone and look for the ways to send an aid.
What our teammates in Ukraine have taught what a Resilient Team should do. They gave us a million-dollar lesson.
Final Thoughts
So, Feb 24 was not the end of the road just like most of the road blocks make you feel like. Every obstacle is just another opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger for you and your team. After all, in the startup world, growth isn't just a goal—it's a way of life… And the bonus? Building lasting friendships that never ends.
May this post be a lovely reminder of those times, dedicated to my friends Daria, Roman, and Pavlo, who have left Ukraine due to the conflict, as well as to those who are still there. Their mindset is focused on success, and it's truly inspiring. They're happy in their new lives, surrounded by loved ones, and their careers are thriving. May God bless them all! 🙏