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LeaderImpact Podcast
Ep. 83 - Andrew Denysov - What Crisis Teaches Us About True Leadership
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What does leadership look like when air raid sirens could interrupt your workday at any moment? From his office in Lviv, Ukraine, Andrew Denysov shares how leading a global technology company amid war has transformed his understanding of resilience, purpose, and faith-driven leadership.
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Introduction to Andrew Denisoff
Speaker 2Welcome to the Leader Impact Podcast . We are a community of leaders with a network in over 350 cities around the world , dedicated to optimizing our personal , professional and spiritual lives to have impact . This show is where we have a chance to listen and engage with leaders who are living this out . We love talking with leaders . If you have any questions , comments or suggestions to make the show even better , please let us know . The best way to stay connected in Canada is through our newsletter at leaderimpactca or on social at Leader Impact , and if you're listening from outside of Canada , check out our website at leaderimpactcom .
Speaker 2I'm your host , lisa Peters , and our guest today is Andrew Denisoff . Andrew is co-founder and CEO of TechVision Global , whose software has been used for McDonald's , walgreens and 7-Eleven and many others . Although TechVision Global is headquartered in Tennessee , andrew has chosen to work with software developers in Lviv , ukraine . We first introduced you to Andrew in April 2022 , less than two months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24th . Andrew's life , along with everyone in Ukraine , has changed . I am honored that Andrew has come back every year to chat with us and share his life living and working as a leader in Ukraine . Welcome back to the show , andrew .
Speaker 1Thank you so much , Lisa , for having me fourth time . Oh my God .
Speaker 2It is a blessing to keep having you back . So thank you for just keep coming back and keep sharing . It is just an honor . I was going back over our notes going like , what have we chatted about ? And the first episode we did in 2022 was episode eight , for anyone listening , and we talked a lot about . Um , I'm looking at my notes . Uh , we talked about you , your country , running a business in your country . Uh , we talked about cyber war . We talked about spiritual war . Uh , we came back in . What was it ? 2023 , episode 31 . We talked about the role global business leaders have In 2024 , episode 57 , we are killing it here . We talked about leadership style and approach . We talked about unique challenges as leaders in Ukraine . So we're just going to keep going , andrew , it is yeah , it's great to have you .
Speaker 1First of all , thank you for having me . I'm really humbled and honored to , not just for Stan being here , but actually for your attention to Ukraine , to the leadership topics and , of course , to the way what's actually happening over here and the way how you changed the world , lisa .
Speaker 2Thank you so much . Thank you , Andrew . So I always want our first question to just be about that update . If you have an update to what your experience , how you're living in Lviv , Ukraine .
Life in Ukraine During Wartime
Speaker 1Thank you , lisa . You know I remember that you asked this question in previous episodes as well and I just you know , I tried to circle back a little bit . What happened every single year for these past ? Now almost three and a half years , right ? Oh , different updates , but I would be more than more than honored to share with , with , with the listeners of your podcast a fantastic podcast to get today as well , since this is the fourth year of full-scale invasion of this war and this is something that we didn't choose , that .
Speaker 1But we have to live with this and we have to uh , you know , just like , just keep living and enjoying the next day , but we have the reality . So living in Lviv today is a paradox . Why ? Because Lviv is located in the western part of Ukraine , which is just one hour drive from the border with Poland , which is the European Union 34 miles , 40 miles , something like that , so very close . So , on one hand , we live under the constant shadow of war , like sirens , missile threats and the knowledge that safety is never guaranteed Never . So you can follow that on the news , right ?
Speaker 1So , on another , there's an incredible sense of unity , resilience and purpose among the people here in Ukraine and , as entrepreneur . It pushes me to think , like you know , bigger and act bolder . So , for example , talking about the business , we built TechVision , not in spite of the war but because of it . And yeah , we started a little bit before the war , but you know , I mean it's just like our reality in the middle of the war . So , because of it , you know , to show that Ukrainians can build world-class software solutions , serve , you know , major global clients and raise the standard of excellence I love that word Even under the pressure . Under pressure , so , like personally , it has like deepened my sense of mission and urgency and I always say to me , first of all , that our life is too short and our mission is too important .
Speaker 2That's good . I love that . I also want to acknowledge was it two years ago you had a new baby . So tell us a little bit about your wife , your family . You are a family of three now , well , four , with your wife .
Speaker 1Yeah , lisa , you know that , how do you remember ? I love you so much guys . So yeah
Building Business Despite War
Speaker 1, uh , june 1st we'll celebrate two years of our newborn baby . His name is david . Fantastic david , he's the . I mean , he's like a son , I mean lights to our lives right now .
Speaker 2And how are the children ? I know from 2022 , I believe the children were pulled out of school . Maybe it was temporary , but are they back in school ? Are they living a good life ? Because you talked about just that safety is never guaranteed . So how do you raise children when safety is never guaranteed ? It's still on the table . How do you raise ?
Speaker 1children when safety is never guaranteed or , and you know , um , it's still on the table , um , but of course , you cannot live in a fear . You're like forever , right , so your whole life . So you have to adapt it . And uh , yeah , we adapted . And uh , now we live in the same reality .
Speaker 1Of course , technology help us to predict and follow the news and we have like to win some time to go to the bomb shelter , but , yeah , this is our reality . So , for example , when we understand that , oh , for example , a little bit chilly outside , we have to give our kids extra code or something like that , because we know that if or when the air raid service comes , they have to , you know , stay warm in some kind of . We don't have bomb shelters . This is like underground , underground parking , which is cold , right , so this is just a small glance of reality , what we have . But , uh , thank god and thank our government , the education process is going . Uh , kids getting is getting their education . So , um , all good , as , as we can call that good in in the middle of this time right and I just I appreciate that update .
Speaker 2I think people wonder what it , what life is like , the simple things and education is very important . So to hear that you know the government is continuing , we are all good , as you're saying I'm going to take that for what you're saying and we are moving forward . You know you are in a unique situation and we are as you said . We are bigger and we're acting bolder . So I want to talk a little bit about your journey and I'm not sure if you want to . You know how you got to where you are today . But really , what we're looking for is we talk a lot about pivotal turning points and either since you started global , how you tech vision getting there , or even the last few years , have you had any of those pivotal turning points that you can share with us ?
Speaker 1Yeah , I think there are . I mean I can share a few of them . I think I had a bunch of a stable job in the UK-based technology company with the office here in Lviv , and I co-founded TechVision because I just had some kind of fire inside that just kept me awake in the middle of the night . So of course , it was risky Entrepreneurs
Pivotal Turning Points and YouVersion Bible App
Speaker 1will understand me right but I believed that building something of our own , grounded in values like ownership , excellence and purpose , would have far more impact . Um , I always love that word , but you know it's a good word but in reality is very different , right ? So that leap taught me that vision must be baked by courage . So courage everywhere , on the battlefield and in the marketplace , right ? So that was kind of first leap . I think I would love to share that with you . And you know another one which is tuned a little bit for this . You know present times , right . Like wartime pilot , I would say so .
Speaker 1When the full-scale war began , we had clients , employees and projects depending on us . I mean , because this is the company , right , and we didn't pause it . We recognized , increased our communication and found new ways to believe I'm sorry to deliver value . Actually , you know we believe in that , so in the hottest season , and found new ways to deliver value . Actually , we believe in that . So in the hottest season we became stronger , more aligned , more creative and , of course , more mission and values driven . I mean , that season taught me that constraint fuels creativity and resilience . And yeah , I can talk a lot about that , but this is just like very brief . What can I share with you right now ?
Speaker 2I'm sure , listeners who are experiencing , and to know not the same degree , andrew , don't , we are not in a war but the setbacks , and to have that resilience that the clients are depending on you . If you need to step back and just realign and go back , as you said , to the mission , the purpose , why are you here ? Um , I I want like , if you can do it , andrew , I can do it .
Speaker 1That's what I'm feeling right now I would love to yes let me add just one more thing , like steve job said , right , um , you know , uh , one of and I want to emphasize one of the clients that's , according to the ndas , we can share and I'm proud to share that . You mentioned a few of our clients in the beginning of this episode , like in the intro , and I would like to mention one more , which is , I mean , lots of people who listen to us right now and who will listen later and who will listen later . They are leaders , entrepreneurs and also people who probably , you know , believe in God and read Bible , right . So , and for those who read Bible on your phones , you probably use the result of our work , which is the YouVersion Bible app . This is the app that actually has includes more than 3,000 versions of the Bible , more than 2,000 languages . And I'll give you a quick secret , but just between us , especially for Leader Impact Podcast and Lisa Peters , today I'll tell you that in late this year , today , I'll tell you that in late this year , youversion Bible app will celebrate 1 billion downloads . Can you imagine that 8 billion people live on this globe but YouVersion Bible app will celebrate 1 billion downloads and we are the big part of that .
Speaker 1We are a technology partner . We do all the coding stuff and you know what ? That's what actually kept me alive . I mean like active , I couldn't just change the trajectory Word . It's difficult , yeah , difficult , soft version of the word , but still , you know we have a world mission and , yes , of course , jobs , employees , all of this processes , but um , I , I , I mean God knows , my prayers were that . God , even if it's going to be the last day today , I will keep fighting on the marketplace and especially in my company , because this is not just business and this is not just earning money but it's , like I said , mission and values driven . So sorry about like a longer answer , but I just couldn't miss the chance to share that because I'm so proud and I'm humbled and I'm happy to serve YouVersion Bible app as the software engineering technology partner .
Speaker 2I am glad you shared and we have talked about that before because I can't remember what year , but it had been translated into for Ukraine , that's right . The country we talked about that , so I'm glad you brought it up . It is one of my favorite apps . I have been on that app for years , using many of the programs . It is fantastic . So if anyone's listening , you version look it up .
Speaker 2It's great . I want to talk about your best principle of success . We talk a lot about that , leaders talk a lot about that . What is your
Ownership: A Key Principle of Success
Speaker 2best principle of success and do you have a story that you can share ?
Speaker 1I'd love to you know , when you're 38 , I'm 38 , you have probably lots of principles . You know , when you're 38 , I'm 38 , you have probably lots of principles . You know in your notes , in your head , etc . But I think I would like to pick up one which , honestly , is the most important for me . I would say so one of my core principles is ownership . Ownership , your mindset of your own role , no matter your , your title . Everything changes your mindset , your performance , performance and your impact .
Speaker 1So and the story actually fits really good , because during the that , a critical project with a major us client not your version , but another major client in the United States our team faceda challenge that could have delayed delivery . Just a quick note if you're in software engineering , challenges is your daily bread . I mean you would like to avoid that , but you cannot , simply just cannot , because this is software engineering . Everything is difficult . Cannot , Simply just cannot , because this is software engineering , everything is difficult .
Speaker 1So , instead of excuses , one of our engineers and , by the way , not very like senior , not very , you know , like famous engineer , but one of the engineers stepped up , solved the problem creatively and even improved the system beyond expectations . So you know that culture of ownership where people don't wait for permissions from , like project manager or whatever it could be , but take the initiative . But take the initiative , you know , and it has become a pillar of our success . So every time when I talk and I mean actually this is what we cultivate in our company ownership , you don't need to have title , you don't need to have the special permission . If you see the problem , just solve that , tackle that , help your team client uh , don't expect for raise or I mean raise . This is like I mean , uh , a cool outcome , but just just be the owner .
Speaker 2Solve problems , change the world and you'll see the the rest yeah , so a times you have it's just a translation it's ownership , right , you're talking about being an owner to the problem . That's right . I love that . We currently in my leader impact group , we've been talking about problem solving and the first thing was just how are you looking at the problem ?
Speaker 2What is your perspective of the problem ? Can you solve it , or is it unsolvable and are we going into like we are gonna do this versus this sucks ? You know , yes , as you said , we are all going to have problems . It is . If you don't have problems , you don't have a job . Honestly , you know there are going to be problems . So , for someone to step up , take ownership and and give ideas , um , what ? And what I heard was that this person wasn't the most senior person , right , they , they were just an idea and everyone listened , tested , move forward . That's right . Yeah , that's right . It's right , it's , it's , it's a . One thing about being a leader is listening , um , and and to take ownership . I love that . Thank you for sharing that .
Speaker 1That was a and thank you for emphasizing . Sorry about my fancy english guys . I apologize , this is not my like first language , but I would love to , so um um , do my . I'm doing my best .
Speaker 2Your . Your language is way better than mine in in your country , so we're good . One of the things we talk a lot about on our podcast is just failures and mistakes , and we all know we learn more from those failures , those failings , those mistakes so than our own successes . So I'm wondering if you can share one um a mistake , you've made a failure and and what you learned from it oh , I love this question .
Speaker 1This is exactly exactly that , believe
Communication Failures and Leadership Lessons
Speaker 1me or not , lisa , but we face with this work or this mistake , I would say or the success at the same time , every single day , five , six days a week , you know , sometimes so early on I underestimated the importance of communication . I mean obvious thing , right For extroverts , for people with well-communicated skills , it's nothing new . But trust me , if you work in tech with highly talented engineers who can solve probably lots of problems with technology in this world , communication on the flip side is a big , big challenge . We love them , but we have to face our challenges . So communication , you know challenges , so communication . So I assumed everyone understood the mission , for example , the expectations , the urgency , as I did . I co -founded that company . I am the CEO , you know . But that was the biggest mistake . So that led to confusion , missed deadlines and even client tension . So the lesson that I got was clear consistent communication is an option of its leadership know , prioritize over communication , feedback loops and clarity in every direction . That failure helped us become better , not just as talking , but through listening and aligning .
Speaker 1And I need to tell you one thing that's like my online mentor , craig Rochelle . He says that as leaders in our organizations . We have to be CPO , chief problem solvers and also chief reminding officers . So I love that Chief reminding officers . So we have to remind that , because people know that they're not stupid , they're wise , they're clever . But , uh , when you're in your daily routine , uh , and you know some kind of set of skills , you start to forget about this . So we have to remind them , remind this to our people yeah , you have to feel your organization , your organization can be different .
Speaker 2And I'm like I'm talking to listeners yeah , um , I have had the exact same mistake and um , I think as as a ceo of a company and I they did not get my urgency .
Speaker 2it's like this needs you know . And before I got angry I went back and I read the email and I didn't say I need it done by three o'clock on Tuesday , that this date like I . I read yes , I can see how you didn't see my urgency . I didn't give you a date and the other thing I learned was asking the person does this work for you ? Like I need this by three today . Can you get it done ? How can I help you ? Yes , yes .
Speaker 1I have lived that Such a good example . I love it as well . Yeah , I mean , like this is so often communication .
Speaker 2Yeah , and I'm just going to say I would love to meet Craig Rochelle . So if you can hook this up , andrew , I'm flying wherever I need it . He , his , his . He has some programs on YouVersion and I have listened to them all , like Bible studies . Oh , he is fantastic , so thanks .
Speaker 1Thanks for bringing it up . Yeah , yeah , yeah . So I love yours that works through him so much yeah .
Speaker 2I'll tell him . Thank you , chief Reminding Officer . I love that . Chief Reminding Officer yes , so I want to circle back to just leadership in Ukraine , and we've talked a little bit about principles , of successes , fears and failures , and I just for you , what makes a great leader in Ukraine ? You've seen the leadership that you are being led by by your country . You are seeing it in the people you work with , work for your clients , but everyone . What makes a great leader in Ukraine , and do you think this is unique to Ukraine ?
Speaker 1Of course , Ukrainians are very
Leadership in Ukraine and Spiritual Impact
Speaker 1unique uh , I'm just kidding but partially not .
Speaker 1So , uh , you know , uh , you know this . Um , great , also good question . Because you know , leadership in ukraine demands demands now resilience , adaptability and a deep care of people . We lead in crisis with limited actually resources and often without ideal conditions . What makes a great Ukrainian leader is not charisma , but I would say consistency , trust and courage under pressure . And is it unique to Ukraine In some way ? Maybe yes , but you know , leading in war zone is different , but the principles are universal . So people want leaders who show up , stay calm and serve . What we learn in crisis can actually inspire leaders , I think , anywhere .
Speaker 2Yeah , great answer and acknowledging these are not uncommon . However , when I listen to you , you I feel it very different um to remain calm , um in my , my city , my province , my country is a little different , I'm just gonna say , than remaining calm in a um a country in a war . So unfortunately .
Speaker 2Yes , yeah , and and trust and consistency . I , I loved . I wrote this down . I'm just , you know , listening to you and in awe of you , andrew , um , thank you . So , yeah , thank you for sharing . Now . We've been together for many years and I I don't know if I've ever asked you this question . Um , at leader impact , we want to grow personally , professionally , spiritually . We ask all our people this as you continue to lead through your life , how does the spiritual make a practical difference in your life as a leader ?
Speaker 1quick story if you don't mind . Okay , no , I don't . After that , just a little bit of reflection on your question . So I just recently realized that you know , uh , imagine that uh , last , especially the last past years , we have a problem with smartphones when people spend lots of time kids , adults , spend a lot of time in smartphones and we have some kind of apps that restrict some content , time , screen et cetera . And I agree , actually it's addiction in some way .
Speaker 1Yeah , but just recently I was hooked up , especially because of my wife . So every time when she wakes up she takes her phone and I said , baby , you're probably scrolling Instagram , you know , just to relax , etc . And she says , no , the first app that I opened is your Version Bible App . And I was like , you know , uh , uh , so please , if this is inevitable , I mean I'm , if you're listening , I'm , I'm holding my iphone , uh , phone , right now . So it's inevitable . Uh , you , you cannot , I mean can technically , but it's difficult to restrict smartphones et cetera . So it's inevitable , guys , I'm telling you I'm from tech world , but you cannot eliminate , deduct or cancel whatever it is , but you can use that wisely . So show you , especially for you and your kids , that you can use that properly . And the first , please you , and I'll tell you the next one please use your phones just when you right , when you just like you woke up . Just take your phone , but use right apps . Yeah , you know , uh , so , because just holding the iphone means nothing . But if you like social media and whatever it takes , or you know , I mean , it's your choice . But if you open the right app , for example again , I'm sorry , this is not a new version of the Bible app Okay , just read the Bible on your phone , download into your brain and soul , through through your eyes and bring like the right god's information .
Speaker 1So , uh , answering your question , so face is not just a private belief for me , I would say so , it's just a I mean , I call that , it's a compass for how I personally lead , I make decisions and build teams in different . Currently , by the way , as we speak , we are launching the second company , which is a US-based tech company as well and different projects also . So this is how I build my teams as well , and in moments of fear or uncertainty , I mean its me , the fate . The fate grounds me . So when making difficult decisions , I mean really difficult decisions . It reminds me to you know , prioritize that people first , values first and purpose , uh , over pride .
Speaker 1Also , I want to quote a very new friend of mine . His name is Chuck Bentley . Chuck Bentley , he's the founder of the Crown Ministry and the Christian Economic Forum . I highly recommend you invite him to your podcast as well . I can make a personal intro , but this is the perfect quote he said and I just cannot miss that . He said that mission draws people , values draw right people . So I think faith is the source of right values . During the early days of the war , I had to decide whether to keep the company going or pause everything to focus on safety , simply safety . So , through prayers and reflection , I felt convinced that our team needed the company and it gave them stability . It gave them hope and purpose . Guys and I'm talking to you as a marketplace leader , a business leader yes , for those who run companies , businesses , please keep doing that despite anything . So , and that decision for me wasn't just strategic , it was spiritual and it made all the difference , my friends .
Speaker 2Yeah , andrew , when you decided to start this second company and you talk a little bit about sharing the mission and the values , when you launch it to your staff , how did I mean ? Okay , then we'll go right back to communication , communicating how passionate this is for you . How do you communicate your passion ? Did they buy into your ? Why ? Right away , were they like yes , we're in , andrew , if you , if you believe , we believe
Communicating Passion and Mission
Speaker 2. How did ? How was that process ?
Speaker 1how was that process ? Yes , how was that process ? Yes , oh , good question , you know , I think that , yes , so people look at their leaders , right , and they kind of eat what they eat , but they will not always buy what they give or what they sell , right , yeah , um and uh , the passion to start the company new company , launched , the new company was my passion , my , my partner's passion , um , so we had , I mean , we had to communicate it properly with our teams . And , um , I think that , uh , you know , we have to know our teams . Someone , some people understand the language of emotions , some people understand the language of logic . So we have to know our people and communicate with them properly , to their hearts and brains , not just to hearts only or to brains only .
Speaker 1Again , we're in the business and this is important to not convince , not to sell them , but to explain them , to share within your heart and in sincere meaning why your , why , yeah , and last thing , to be ready that not all your people are going to buy . We have to be ready for that . It's like a sales funnel , right ? I mean , not all people or not all the potential buyers or leads or prospects were going to buy your goods and services . It's just normal world . So this is the way how we communicate and this is the way how we think , as for today , next year , maybe , I'm going to share something new with you , lisa .
Speaker 2Well then , I can't wait . I love that you come back every year . That was a great way to end . It's like I don't know what's going to happen next year . But I do want to comment about not all people buy in . That is a great point to make in that you know you , andrew , sell with love and passion and heart and not everyone's going to want to be on the bus . We call it Andrew Sell with love and passion and heart , and not everyone's going to want to be on the bus . We call it . You know you got to get the right people on your bus and some people they choose to move off .
Speaker 1You know it's a great concept . It's hard work , but this is what we have to do as leaders .
Speaker 2Yeah , and that's okay too . There are opportunities out there for everyone and find the right ones for you . So , um , andrew , it is awesome to always have you back . Um , I can't wait for 2026 , when we come back again and it's going to be great or maybe you're just you're going to meet one day in person . That is going to just thrill me , uh , to actually hang out with you one day . Thank you .
Speaker 1Looking forward .
Speaker 2Awesome . Any other
Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
Speaker 2comments before I end this podcast ? You're talking to the world .
Speaker 1First of all , lisa , thank you for doing this podcast To the listeners . Thank you for listening to these fantastic content , and I just realized that I want to and I repeat that to everyone that please , please , never get tired of changing this world .
Speaker 2Oh , Andrew , you know how to end a podcast . Thank you for joining us . We just so appreciate it . Thank you so much . All right , thank you so much . Well , this ends our podcast and we hope you've enjoyed our time together . If our listeners want to engage with you , andrew , if they want to find you , they want to find out more about global tech vision anything . How ?
Speaker 1can they find you the best , lincoln ? Of course , lincoln . I think this is the best . I'm there , I live there , I talk personally , not marketing team , so I apologize for possible delays , but please feel free to reach out to me there as well . And , of course , our corporate website , techvision Global . This is how we change the world as well .
Speaker 2Good , all right , I know you do a great job on LinkedIn and it is personal and it is fantastic , so people can follow you there . Thanks again , andrew , for joining us . If you're part of Leader Impact , you can always discuss or share this podcast with your group , and if you're not yet part of Leader Impact , would like to find out more and grow your leadership , find our podcast page on our website at leaderimpactca and check out our free leadership assessment . You can also check out groups available in Canada at leaderimpactca or , if you're listening from anywhere else in the world , check out leaderimpactcom or get in touch with us by email info at leaderimpactca and we will connect you . And if you like this podcast , please leave us a comment , give us a rating or review . This will help other global leaders find our podcast . Thank you for engaging with us and remember impact starts with you .
