Ten years of change: Deloitte Ukraine held the X Anniversary Conductors of Changes Forum in Kyiv

“Over the past ten years, we— as representatives of business, government, and society—haven’t achieved every aspiration we set out to realize. Yet we’ve accomplished far more than we often pause to recognize. These achievements signal our capacity to succeed going forward. We may not accomplish everything we dream of today, but we will undoubtedly bring many of them to life,”

_{said Serhii Kulyk, Managing Partner at Deloitte Ukraine.}

^{Robert “Madyar” emphasized the private sector’s crucial role in military-technological advancement:}

“Private businesses should focus on air
defense. There are four areas already shaping the nearest R&D agenda:
radio-electronic reconnaissance, radio-electronic warfare, radar systems, and enemy-neutralization capabilities. Business must be engaged in these developments to create solutions that Ukraine—and the world—will need.”

^{Serhii Chernenko shared his perspective on current business
initiatives that could drive meaningful change over the next decade:}

“We are already supporting the military, investing in blood donation projects, and developing programs for veterans—from financial literacy training to grant support. We will continue this work, because the most important task is to ensure that these services are accessible and inclusive for everyone.”

^{Explaining the origins of the current cultural boom, Natalka Vorozhbyt noted:}

“Culture has become a matter of life and death—something we have never felt so acutely before. But it all began back in 2014, when a wave of Ukrainian films emerged, our productions appeared at A-list festivals, and Ukraine entered the global cinema landscape. It marked the start of a broader process of self identification, when we first asked ourselves: who are we, and where are we going?”

^{Oleksandr Khomenko underscored to the business community why supporting cultural projects has tangible value today:}

“Culture may be the only factor keeping people in the country today. The more Ukrainians stay, the larger the future consumer base. Amid darkness, shelling, and loss, people rely on the chance to live a meaningful life—through literary evenings, theater, cinema, and performances. Without this, people will leave, and businesses will inevitably lose part of their audience.”

^{Taras Kachka emphasized that over the past decade, Ukraine has passed the point of no return in its transformation and has implemented fundamental European integration reforms:}

“Ukraine plays a decisive role in reshaping the EU’s security architecture: we are the shield of Europe, because we have the strongest army and unique combat experience. But our role extends far beyond security. Ukraine is becoming an indispensable part of Europe’s strategic autonomy — from a highly developed IT sector and digital solutions to food security, agriculture, energy, and critical materials.”

^{Responding to a question about what the world might look like in 10 years, Oleksii Sobolev emphasized that the future depends on the effectiveness of the state today:}

“What the world will be like depends on our actions. I believe the world of the future is a world of opportunities because it is transforming. How we build alliances and drive economic integration—and how quickly and effectively we do so—depends entirely on us. For better or worse, this will require substantial government effort.”  

^{Concluding the discussion, Yegor Grygorenko said:}

“We may not have sought to become Europe’s shield. Yet we may have to become one. What matters most is that we rediscover ourselves within our country, mature as a nation, act with greater confidence, and be ready to take responsibility.”

^{Reflecting on the essential qualities of a leader, Oksana Syroid offered a formula that, in her opinion, pragmatically explains the nature of leadership:}

“A good leader is someone who combines measured tendencies toward narcissism, intellectual will, virtue, and a touch of paranoia. Without healthy narcissism, a person will not strive for anything.”

^{On addressing the challenge of hopelessness, Serhii Koretsky emphasized that the path lies through action and responsibility:}

“If you have the confidence that you can make a difference here and now, seize the opportunity. If you see a better way, act on it. Seek out motivation, harness it, and inspire others—the individuals who are willing, capable, and ready to take responsibility despite any obstacles.”