CIVITTA Annual Review 2018 | Page 9

projects. CIVITTA in Russia is strong in digital, strategy and financial consulting. Where do you see the major development in your region in the upcoming years? Veronika Tikhonchuk, Regional manager of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus Describe CIVITTA Russia, Belarus and Ukraine operations. CIVITTA entered Russia, Ukraine and Belarus 5 years ago, and now we have 4 offices with 80 people, an established position in the market and a clear path for steady growth. The main characteristic of the region is its high diversity and specific market conditions, which shape the profile and uniqueness of each office. CIVITTA in Ukraine is well-known in the market due to success stories in innovation and public sector. CIVITTA in Belarus, the largest management consultancy in the country, has a focus on private sector management consulting and market research We will strengthen our positions in the region, building CIVITTA brand as a number one management consultancy, both as a business partner and as an employer. The focus is now on efficiency and innovation. In Ukraine, the market is expanding, due to economy transformation, active reforms and EU funding – and we have all it takes to catch the waves. In Russia, we will pursue strengthening our positions by looking for new partners and opportunities for expansion. Belarus will further increase synergy between research and management consulting and explore opportunities in public sector and innovation. Define a great leader.  I have met very few leaders who truly impressed me. They are from different cultures and with different personalities, but they are all transmitting the same attitude to their teams – subtly or openly. First of all, they care, obviously and consistently – about the goal, impact, result and each person on their team. Secondly, great leaders trust and are trusted. They give their teams enough freedom, but are always there when help, support or just some encouragement is needed. What leadership lesson can you share?  Leadership is often associated with hierarchical superiority, authoritar- ian attitude or confused with ultimate power. Even though leaders indeed enjoy respect of their teams and are responsible for setting directions, the real value of leadership is inspiring and empow- ering others. The true leaders are not giving orders, they evoke and inspire real desire to follow them and be personally committed to the common goal, encourage personal achievements for the value of the whole project. What career advice do you have for younger colleagues starting to work in consulting?  Never settle for something comfort- able and clear. Do more than anyone would expect from you and do not avoid things that scare you. An important detail: never do it for the pure sake of promotion or praise. Rather, find what brings you the feeling of accomplishment – care for the value you create for the society, company, clients, challenges you overcome and your personal development – and make it the main driver for career decisions. 9