Side by side series – Anton Yashchenko and Yaroslav Yashchenko
Introduction
In our “Side by Side” interview series, we invite a Partner and a Consultant to provide insights into their daily activities and offer a parallel perspective on their respective roles.
In this edition, we turn to our colleagues from the Ukrainian branch, featuring brothers Anton Yashchenko, Partner, and Yaroslav Yashchenko, Senior Consultant.
What is your perfect morning routine to start off the day?
Anton: Ideally, an energizing tennis match early in the morning, reading the Ukrainian and international press during breakfast, and a short walk to the office, focusing on planned activities for the day.
Yaroslav: One of the key prerequisites for a normal start of the day is the absence of night shelling in Kyiv. Once the condition is met, the morning routine includes checking news and messages, showering, and enjoying a nice breakfast before heading to the office.
What music do you like listening to on your way to work?
Anton: I listen to very different music, from jazz to deep house, but recently I’ve been listening mostly to modern Ukrainian artists (e.g. Onuka, Okean Elzy, Artbat or Latexfauna), which I really recommend everyone to explore – it’s really good!
Yaroslav: Typically, I don’t listen to music on my way to work. However, in case I need a motivation boost for a productive day, the Rolling Stones come in handy.
How do you usually relax during work breaks?
Anton: I try to spend a break doing something that is the complete opposite to whatever work activity I was doing before the break. Usually, I try to get some fresh air and to have a short call with my family or a friend. Otherwise, if I’m in the middle of meetings or discussions, I tend to take a moment for myself and clear my mind by watching tennis matches or personal development videos.
Yaroslav: I like to relax by chatting with colleagues over lunch or even a cup of coffee.
Do you cook and if so, what is your favorite dish to prepare?
Anton: I consider myself more of a cocktail mixologist than a cook! However, if I had to choose a favorite dish to make, it would be poached eggs on toast with avocado, spinach and homemade salted salmon.
Yaroslav: I enjoy cooking, although not on a daily basis. My favorite dishes to cook include variations of noodles or ramen and baked meat and vegetables, like a Sunday roast.
How do you maintain your motivation during the day?
Anton: To be honest, I believe that motivation is nothing, but discipline is everything. Any person who wants to be really successful in business, sport or art should be disciplined in the first place, doing what should be done every day for years, despite all the challenges, which sometimes include lack of motivation. And I also believe in the importance of good and sufficient rest as a resource for active business activity.
Yaroslav: Planning and organizing my work truly helps in maintaining my motivation throughout the day.
Do you have any hobbies and if so, which?
Anton: Definitely tennis. I started to play when I was 25 and since then it’s become more than a hobby. It is a very dynamic, challenging and intellectual sport, which develops not only physical strength and skills but also an ability to focus and overcome psychological challenges during the match. And I’m also a huge fan of kiteboarding, as it gives unbelievable emotions and a feeling of pure freedom and unity with nature when you ride alone far out in the sea, driven by the mighty forces of the wind.
Yaroslav: I play football every weekend with my university friends. Otherwise, I like reading, both nonfiction and (mostly) classical fiction.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Anton: My ideal weekend is always with my daughter Polina. Being active and fully engaged with a kid gives you an opportunity to relive bits of your childhood. It can be a bicycle ride in the city park, visiting the zoo or an amusement park, or an exciting journey to a new city or country.
Yaroslav: My favorite weekend activity is going for a long bike ride through the sunny streets of Kyiv.
What have you learned during your time at Civitta?
Anton: Civitta as a consulting company provides great opportunities for personal and professional development, no matter where you currently are in your career. I think what makes the learning experience unique at Civitta is the joint work with international and diverse project teams. You learn a lot and live through a lot of experiences. It’s challenging but really inspiring.
Yaroslav: During my time in Civitta I’ve gained valuable knowledge in various areas, as well as improved personal skills crucial for the work. However, one of the most prominent things a person can learn from a Challenger Advisory is the constant search for better solutions. For me, this break from traditional approaches makes both work and daily life that much more exciting.
What do you like most about your team?
Anton: Among all the positive characteristics of the team, I would single out reliability. Reliability means a lot, as the team members work from different cities and countries and often face unbelievable challenges, especially during the ongoing war. And still, the team managed to successfully implement projects, sometimes under daily rocket attacks, with occasional internet and electricity shortages, lack of heating during the winter and other stressful conditions. I really admire our Ukrainian team for this!
Yaroslav: Persistence, creativity, and the ability to find a solution to any problem.
How would you describe Civitta in a few words?
Anton: Supportive, human-oriented and pro-Ukrainian. I personally felt huge support during 2022 from the company and from the Civitta community. This support really helped me and the Ukrainian team to live through a very tough and stressful year and to continue active and successful business operations in Ukraine and internationally.
Yaroslav: A company that enables change.