After speaking at “The State of Emergency” conference by CIDC on Friday, September 20th, Deputy Minister for Digital Development, Digital Transformation and Digitalization, Kostiantyn Koshelenko, arrived on campus to present his insightful book Management in Times of War: Leadership Examples from Ukraine’s Government and Private Sector.
During the event, Koshelenko not only shared his book but also imparted very valuable insights with AUBG students, faculty, and staff, as well as other guests such as the Deputy Mayor of Blagoevgrad, Stanislav Kimchev. Drawing on his personal experience of leading Ukraine’s digital transformation during wartime, his presentation resonated deeply with the audience.
Koshelenko’s reflections on leadership in times of crisis aligned with AUBG’s educational mission of cultivating resilient leaders across all disciplines. He emphasized the critical role universities play in shaping such individuals, stating:
“In universities, we can talk about education in the field of critical thinking. You get the chance to study a lot of high-quality books about management. For example, Peter Drucker is my favorite.
“Resilience encompasses many factors. In critical situations, you have to be determined in the moment. But when you talk about long-term resilience, psychological support is key.
“I believe combining management approaches and psychology can provide valuable support to university students.”
Reflecting on his own experiences, Koshelenko noted: “When I was studying MBA at Kyiv-Mohyla Business School, I knew exactly what to do in theory. But in practical life, sometimes you work around the clock, and you don’t use all the solutions and different approaches you’ve learned.”
Koshelenko’s presentation served as a masterclass in leadership under pressure, focusing on three essential themes: leadership in uncertainty, adaptability, and the transformative power of digital innovation. He highlighted how crises often become catalysts for growth and change, remarking, “In every challenge lies an opportunity for transformation.”
A key part of his discussion centered on the digital transformation strategies implemented in Ukraine’s public services during the war. He detailed initiatives such as integrating online platforms for government services, which allowed citizens to access essential services without physical barriers. Koshelenko also discussed the use of data analytics to enhance decision-making and resource allocation, improving public service efficiency even amid conflict.
When asked about fostering resilience in individuals and organizations, Koshelenko stressed the importance of understanding one’s life purpose and priorities. “You need to know what you’re fighting for,” he explained, underscoring that resilience is rooted in having a clear sense of direction.
He added, “It’s better to take risks for your values than to live a long life without them.”
Koshelenko also shared a personal strategy for building resilience: “An important practice for me is morning jogging. I run every day, and that’s my way of clearing my mind and recharging so I can move forward. Yoga and other types of sports are also great for building personal resilience.”
The broader relevance of Koshelenko’s book extends beyond the context of war. Leaders across sectors—whether in business, education, or public service—can draw valuable lessons from the book.
“I invited 40 contributors from Ukraine and 20 from other countries, spanning various fields, from post operator and banker to weapon trader, to share their experiences of how to be a good manager.
He concluded, “As I learned in Business School, at the crossroads of different businesses and spheres, interesting solutions and ideas emerge. That’s why I believe the diverse managerial perspectives I’ve gathered in my book will be valuable. “
Koshelenko’s insights challenge leaders to embrace uncertainty and drive transformation, offering a framework that’s not just applicable in Ukraine, but universally relevant.
As a gesture of gratitude, Koshelenko gifted Panitza Library with a signed copy of his book, which will be available to readers in the coming weeks.
