Dean Bhaskar Chakravorti Speaks with Tech Leaders in Ukraine, Poland, and California
To bring attention to the technology companies that are located and continue to work in Ukraine, and to help the economy of the third largest sector, tech and IT, Bhaskar Chakravorti Dean of Global Business and Executive Director, Fletcher’s Institute for Business, speaks with industry leaders with Sergiy Fitsak and Lyubomyr Nykyforuk of Softjourn.
Softjourn is an international technology services provider working in entertainment digital product design, code audit, financial technology, ticketing, and media, with offices located in Ukraine, California, and Poland. Despite the ongoing war and infrastructure challenges, Softjourn and other tech companies in Ukraine continue to move forward and conduct business.
In this series of short videos, Dean Chakravorti speaks with executives about the challenges of their work with the war in Ukraine.
This is an ongoing series of video meetings, so please check back often for new episodes.
Imagining a Digital Economy for All in Ukraine: In Conversation with Softjourn – Episode 1
In this video, Bhaskar Chakravorti speaks with Sergiy Fitsak and Lyubomyr Nykyforuk from Softjourn, about changes in the tech industry since Russia invaded Ukraine. The group discusses how the company’s employees are feeling and how the Ukrainian government is helping them during this time of crisis.
Imagining a Digital Economy for All in Ukraine: In Conversation with Softjourn – Episode 2
During this conversation, Sergiy Fitsak, Lyubomyr Nykyforuk, and Bhaskar Chakravorti discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the economic impact of the war. Ways the world can help Ukraine are also discussed.
Imagining a Digital Economy for All in Ukraine: In Conversation with Softjourn – Episode 3
In this discussion, Lyubomyr Nykyforuk, Sergiy Fitsak, and Bhaskar Chakravorti speak how about the Ukrainian government is aiding the tech industry with tax reforms during the war. They also discuss what the digital economy will look like post-war. Sergiy and Lyubomyr see themselves as an “IT army”; tech professionals in Ukraine are participating in a cyberwar as well. They also talk about the steps needed to prevent a Russian cyber-attack.
Imagining a Digital Economy for All in Ukraine: In Conversation with Softjourn – Episode 4
In this episode, Bhaskar Chakravorti talks with Kateryna (Kate) Ryzha, a Project Manager, and the head of PMO at Softjourn. They discuss keeping workers safe in Ukraine while the war continues, and the resiliency of Ukrainians — especially IT workers who continue to contribute to the economy.
Imagining a Digital Economy for All in Ukraine: In Conversation with VIMAS Technologies – Episode 5
In this talk Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business at the Fletcher School talks to Andrew Maksakov, President, and Igor Guryanov, Chief Technology Officer, both of VIMAS Technologies, which is based out of Kyiv, Ukraine. Andrew and Igor discuss why they decided to stay in Kyiv to keep the company running. Igor explains how remote work has tremendously helped the IT business over the past two years. They also explain the importance of the role of the Ukrainian IT army, in keeping citizens safe but in also supporting DDOS attacks and targeting Russian digital infrastructure. They end the talk by asking people to continue to do business with Ukrainian tech companies, for both financial and moral reasons.
Imagining a Digital Economy for All in Ukraine: In Conversation with Languametrics – Episode 6
During this episode, Bhaskar Chakravorti interviews Kenneth Spiegel, the CEO of Languametrics, based in Florida, and has partnered with Ukrainian software development company VIMAS Technologies. Spiegel comments about how the war has affected his company’s business dealings in Ukraine.
Imagining a Digital Economy for All in Ukraine: In Conversation with Nikama GmbH – Episode 7
In Episode 7, Bhaskar Chakravorti speaks with Dr. Mads Kyed, Chairman of the Board, Nikama GmbH. Dr. Kyed discusses the work ethic and attitude of the workforce in Ukraine – despite the war – they continue to forge ahead. He shares his experience working with Ukrainian software developers who possess unparalleled talent in understanding his and other clients’ needs.
Imagining a Digital Economy for All in Ukraine: In Conversation with Mykola Zhandarov – Episode 8
During this interview, Bhaksar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business at the Fletcher School talks with Mykola Zhandarov, CEO, Leater Integration, located in Kyiv, Ukraine. Leater Integration focuses on AV and security integration and unfortunately has been negatively impacted by the war. Mykola believes Ukraine will defeat the opponent and hopes the tech industry will play a vital role in rebuilding Ukraine.
Imagining a Digital Economy for All in Ukraine: In Conversation with Yuriy Sivitsky – Episode 9
In this interview Dean Bhaksar Chakravorti speaks with Yuriy Sivitsky founder and Board member of Intecracy Group. Yuriy discusses how the invasion of Russia affected the domestic market, however through resiliency his company’s international business has flourished. He also mentions how the company’s intuition along with government assistance has helped his business to keep going despite the war.
Imagining a Digital Economy for All in Ukraine: In Conversation with Dave Lowenstein – Episode 10
In this episode, Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business at The Fletcher School speaks with CEO of IMS Management Services Corporation Dave Lowenstein. IMS is a client of Softjourn an international technology firm in Ukraine. David speaks of the great work done by Softjourn.
