Anna Vasylenko, Director of VEC-UA: Career Journey, Company Challenges, and the Motivation of a Woman Leader
IT ClusterAnna Vasilenko, CEO of VEC-UA, is an example of a successful woman in a leadership position in the tech industry. In the first part of the interview with Anna, we talked about the company’s five-year journey, its achievements, and challenges. Today, we focus on Anna’s personal story — one of constant challenges and motivation, her views on gender stereotypes, and her growth in times of uncertainty.
On Being a CEO and Personal Experience
Anna Vasilenko shares her experience as a company director, noting that even after five years in the position, she continues to face constant changes and challenges.
«If I could go back three years and tell myself that the company would face the challenge of “COVID,” there would be a full-scale invasion, and we would still manage to keep the team, I wouldn’t have believed it,» she says. «My focus is constantly on creating a company where it’s great to work. All changes in the company and team have been aimed at this».
This approach has helped not only her but also the team cope with crises and adapt to new conditions.
Anna emphasizes that even with team growth, her desire to stay connected with every employee hasn’t changed:
«I still read resumes of new hires. I enjoy talking to colleagues in the kitchen. I consistently promote openness in the team because I am convinced that this is the main path to success».
On Battling Burnout and Advice
Burnout is a common issue for many leaders. On this matter, Anna Vasilenko shares:
«I periodically think about it and always conclude that there are only difficult days or periods when many problems have accumulated here and now. But when you finally see the results of your work, it’s like winning another life, like in video games».
Anna advises dealing with burnout through positive moments and the support of the team, with whom she always stays in contact. She also notes:
«Of course, sometimes there are challenges that are exhausting, but I feel responsible for the team, so I don’t give up, and I still have plenty of energy!»
This attitude helps her stay motivated and inspire others.
On Battling Stereotypes
Anna Vasilenko shared that in her career, she hasn’t encountered the stereotypes that often accompany women in the tech industry.
«My main advice is not to be afraid,» she says. «If someone thinks a woman’s place is in the kitchen, the problem isn’t with the field of activity».
Anna notes that professionalism, not gender, is key.
«If you know what you’re doing, all the gender stereotype issues fade into the background», she adds.
Anna also talks about how she is often called the “mom” of the team, which, in her opinion, doesn’t always reflect her professional qualities.
«I would like to hear more about my technical skills, those hard skills», she emphasizes.
Anna’s experience shows that if you want to succeed in any field, it’s important not to be afraid to follow your dreams. Your dedication and professionalism are crucial to achieving your goals.
Important: VEC-UA is a modern company that actively supports innovation and the development of technology. Kharkiv IT Cluster, in turn, plays an important role in the development of the tech community in the region, providing support to companies and contributing to their growth.
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