From Disruption to Domination: Alexandr Korshykov Of DreamX On How Companies Are Thriving in the…

From Disruption to Domination: Alexandr Korshykov Of DreamX On How Companies Are Thriving in the Age of Chaos and Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity

An Interview With Cynthia Corsetti

Stay calm and resilient: Resilience is key during uncertain times. I have learned that staying calm and confident can make all the difference, even when everything feels chaotic. Your team looks to you for guidance. When you remain calm and confident under challenging circumstances, it inspires the team and creates an atmosphere of stability and security.

In today’s world, uncertainty has become the new normal. Yet, some companies are not only surviving but thriving by leveraging disruption as an opportunity for growth and innovation. What strategies, mindsets, and practices enable businesses to navigate chaos and come out stronger on the other side? As part of this series, we are interviewing Alexandr Korshykov.

Alexandr Korshykov is the founder and CEO of DreamX, a Ukrainian UX/UI design and development company. In his early twenties, he launched the company with just a $100 investment during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite the challenges, he has grown DreamX from a two-person team to over 20 employees by 2024, proving that it is possible to survive and thrive in times of uncertainty.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?

I always dreamed of having a business because working for someone else never truly interested me. I wanted to create something of my own and see the results of my efforts. By age 20, I realized that earning with my mind would provide limitless opportunities while earning with my hands would always remain an alternative. That is how I came to the digital field — a space offering mobility and growth opportunities. Why did I choose UX/UI design? The answer is simple: UX/UI design involves minimal risks and high profitability. However, at the same time, it comes with one significant challenge — a firm reliance on clients.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

Before starting my own business, I had a fascinating and challenging journey in the IT field. At the beginning of my career path, I had no experience working in IT, but I was confident that I was genuinely passionate about this. I understood that starting a business without knowing how the industry operates wasn’t a great idea. So, firstly, I decided to get experience and see the information technology sector from the inside.

I gave myself 3 months, and during this time, I went through almost 100 interviews at various companies. These were for different positions, ranging from technical specialists to roles related to UX/UI design. Each interview was unique, and I tried to present the best of what I knew every time. However, I was met with rejections almost every time. It was challenging but precious. I identified my weaknesses and gained insight into how the job market operates from the inside.

To be honest, this period became a true school for me. I wasn’t just improving my professional skills but also trying to understand how IT companies function and what processes, tools, and strategies they use. I spent much time self-educating and studying the basics of the digital field, market trends, and emerging innovations. Ultimately, I developed a clear understanding of how businesses in the IT sector work.

Although this experience was challenging, it became the foundation for my subsequent decision — to start my own business. It taught me an important lesson: never give up after the first or even the tenth rejection. Each failed experience was a step toward understanding what I needed to improve and what I needed to change. It was precisely because of this journey that I became a successful entrepreneur and built a company that now works with clients worldwide.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

What sets DreamX apart is our ability to quickly adapt and act in the face of uncertainty. We began operations just one month before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a time when every step required determination and a readiness to embrace change. In this short period, my team has grown from just two people to 20+, a result made possible by a few fundamental principles we established from day one.

We have fostered a culture that values flexibility, creativity, and responsibility. No matter how the market evolves, or challenges arise, we always focus on finding effective solutions for our clients. Moreover, our commitment to high standards and our unique approach to UX/UI design set us apart. We prioritize quality, and according to our internal statistics, our clients feel confident that their projects are in reliable hands. Our philosophy is simple: clients pay for the results of our work. This means we legally guarantee quality — not just in words. If we don’t deliver, we either won’t charge for our services or will refund the payment.

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

Okay, here are the three character traits that I believe were most instrumental to my success:

1. Unwavering belief in success: I have always believed in DreamX and its potential. Even during the most challenging times, when competitors pressed hard and resources were limited, I remained optimistic and motivated the team. When I launched DreamX, the market was already crowded with similar companies and freelancers offering the same services as we did. Many doubted my chances of success. However, I was confident in the uniqueness of DreamX and our ability to carve out our niche. We undertook massive efforts and, thanks to the persistence of our team, achieved significant results.
2. Willingness to work hard: Business is a dynamic field that constantly evolves. I have always aimed to stay on top of the details in my company. I regularly communicate with different departments to understand our dynamics and challenges. Additionally, I attend conferences, read business literature, and participate in training programs to stay informed and continuously grow.
3. Ability to make decisions amid uncertainty: The full-scale invasion of Ukraine was a severe test for Ukrainian businesses. However, it also demonstrated that Ukrainian entrepreneurs can adapt to new conditions, make unconventional decisions, and emerge victorious from difficult situations. At DreamX, we had to quickly adapt to new realities, making decisions in an ever-changing environment. We worked under various challenging conditions (sometimes without electricity and amidst explosions) but have endured with resilience. Regardless of the circumstances, we continue to provide and guarantee the best service for our clients.

How does your company foster a culture that embraces change and innovation during periods of uncertainty?

Adapting to change. This is one of the most critical elements of our culture. The world is changing rapidly, and we understand that to remain competitive, we must continuously evolve and adapt to new conditions. Here’s how we do it:

1. We have flexible processes.
2. We regularly review our processes to identify weaknesses and inefficiencies.
3. We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, so we adapt our processes to meet each client’s and project’s specific needs.
4. We are always ready to experiment and accept losses.
5. We encourage employees to continuously learn and develop to adapt to new technologies and trends.
6. We constantly analyze the reasons behind any failures to avoid repeating them in the future.

What are the key strategies your business has used to turn market disruptions into opportunities for growth?

Here are some key strategies we have used to turn market disruptions into opportunities for growth:

1. Quick response to change: We constantly monitor the market to stay ahead of trends and identify customer needs promptly. Our flexible business model allows us to adapt quickly to shifting market conditions. Additionally, our processes are built to be easily adjustable whenever necessary.
2. Focus on customers: We consistently research our clients’ needs and preferences. We offer tailored solutions that meet each client’s unique needs and always aim to build lasting relationships based on trust and mutually beneficial collaboration.
3. Developing human capital: We always focus on our employees. We invest in ongoing employee training to help people adapt to new conditions. At DreamX, we foster an environment where employees feel free to share their ideas. Moreover, we actively seek talented people who bring fresh perspectives to our company.
4. Financial planning and cash flow management: We have developed a detailed budget and expense monitoring system to respond quickly to economic fluctuations. What is more, we place significant emphasis on analyzing cash flows. It enables us to monitor income and expenses while identifying trends and forecasting for the business.

Can you share an example of a major pivot your company made in response to unexpected challenges, and the lessons learned from that experience?

Of course, I can share such an example. As you already know, we are a Ukrainian company. And you know that there is a full-scale war in Ukraine. For the last few years, we faced a lot of unexpected challenges. Missile and drone attacks, blackouts, and more. During that time, some of our employees were forced to leave their homes due to the danger associated with missile attacks, and some were compelled to assist their families who were affected by the war. Our company’s policy is people over pixels. Therefore, one of the most significant steps we took in response to these challenges was to provide financial support to our employees and their families.

What is more, I understood that our team members needed safety, so I provided financial support and assistance in organizing evacuations and providing the necessary means to work in conditions of limited access to resources. I also personally prohibited working during air alerts and massive missile attacks. I understood that such decisions could significantly influence our workflow, and we could miss some deadlines. However, we successfully adapted to unexpected situations and restructured our workflows to stay in touch with clients and maintain high work quality.

If I were to talk about the lessons learned from navigating a business through a full-scale invasion, here are a few takeaways:

1. It is essential to cultivate an agile and adaptable company culture.
2. Employee welfare must always be a priority.
3. You must always be ready to respond to unforeseen challenges.

How do you identify and act on emerging trends that could impact your industry before your competitors do?

First of all, we collect and analyze data within the scope of our work. Analytical insights from our projects help us determine which features are in demand and which can be optimized. This enables us to quickly test new solutions, evaluate their effectiveness, and help us stay ahead of market needs.

Secondly, we adapt our processes to remain agile. Our internal structure is designed to allow the team to quickly test new approaches. If we notice an exciting trend, we rapidly integrate it into smaller projects to assess its effectiveness and value.

And last but not least, we prioritize gathering feedback from our clients. We work closely with our clients, becoming part of their teams. This enables us to gather insights about end-user needs early and identify new opportunities.

What are your “Five Things That Leaders Can Do To Turn Uncertainty into Opportunity”?

Here are my five things that leaders can do to turn uncertainty into opportunity:

1. Be flexible with your strategy: When things are unpredictable, having a plan is essential. But being able to adapt quickly is even more critical. Let me give you an example from my experience. I launched DreamX just a month before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, and the situation changed daily. To keep moving forward, I focused on short-term goals that stayed true to the long-term values. This flexibility allowed me to adapt the strategy and continue growing despite uncertainty.
2. Put your team first: When things get tough, your team becomes your greatest resource. So put your team first. At DreamX, during our most challenging moments, we prioritized providing maximum emotional, financial, or otherwise support. I’ve learned that emotional stability and a sense of security are crucial. This support helps the team stay focused and motivated, directly boosting productivity.
3. See crisis as a chance to grow: Crises push you to think differently and find new solutions. For DreamX, challenges became opportunities to grow. During this challenging time, we expanded our services to meet the needs of clients looking for high-quality design solutions better. This helped us retain our existing clients and opened doors to new markets.
4. Take risks and experiment: Uncertainty can be the perfect time to take bold risks and try new ideas. At DreamX, we have launched projects that initially felt risky but were some of our biggest successes. Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone is what you need to discover new opportunities.
5. Stay calm and resilient: Resilience is key during uncertain times. I have learned that staying calm and confident can make all the difference, even when everything feels chaotic. Your team looks to you for guidance. When you remain calm and confident under challenging circumstances, it inspires the team and creates an atmosphere of stability and security.

What role does resilience play in your leadership approach, and how do you instill that resilience in your team?

My role as a leader is to:

1. Lead by example: Resilience starts with the leader. My team follows suit when I demonstrate calmness, determination, and optimism in challenging situations.
2. Create an atmosphere of psychological safety: Every team member should feel they can express their thoughts, concerns, and ideas without fear of judgment. I always encourage open discussions about problems and collaborative problem-solving.
3. Focus on growth: I help my team understand that change is an inevitable part of life and that continuously growing and improving is essential.

If to talk about how I instill that resilience in my team. Here are the answers:

1. Shared goals: We set clear, achievable objectives that unite the team. This helps everyone feel connected to the collective outcome and motivates them to work together.
2. Support during challenging times: I am always ready to support my colleagues during difficult moments, whether emotional encouragement or practical assistance.
3. Developing leadership qualities: I encourage my team members to take responsibility and cultivate their leadership skills.
4. Focus on positivity: I strive to highlight the positive aspects of any situation. This helps maintain optimism and confidence in the future.

How do you balance long-term strategic planning with the need for rapid adaptability in an unpredictable environment?

Long-term strategic planning should be based on clear values and goals that remain stable regardless of changes in the external environment. However, it is equally essential for this strategy to be flexible, allowing for adjustments as circumstances evolve. Continuous monitoring of the market, competitors, and customer needs is also crucial, as it enables us to identify environmental changes more quickly. This approach allows us to anticipate and prepare for potential scenarios in advance, even when the changes are unpredictable. We actively use the data we collect to inform decision-making, enabling us to adjust our strategy in real-time without losing sight of our long-term objectives.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

If I could start a movement, it would focus on supporting and developing an entrepreneurial culture among young people in IT and technology. This movement would help young talents realize their ideas, even in challenging circumstances such as crises or wars.

The core principles of this movement would be:

1. Education and mentorship: Creating educational programs and mentorship initiatives where experienced professionals would help young entrepreneurs master critical skills like design thinking, project management, marketing, and financial literacy.
2. Startup support: Providing resources for startup development, from funding to technological support and opportunities to test their ideas. This would allow newcomers to grow and contribute to society by creating new products, jobs, and solutions.

I believe such initiatives have enormous potential to transform society. When people have the opportunity to bring their ideas to life, it’s not just a step forward — it’s an explosion of creativity and innovation. It’s like planting the seeds of new ideas that could later grow into solutions for global problems. Imagine how many groundbreaking inventions could emerge when everyone can showcase their potential! And don’t think that this is all just about economic growth. It’s about creating a better world for all of us!

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Your readers can follow our work by connecting with us on LinkedIn, where we regularly share updates, insights, and news. Additionally, they can visit our website from time to time to explore our latest projects and stay informed about what we’re working on. And they can even write to me on LinkedIn. I am always ready to talk about design, share my expertise, give some advice on how to start your startup, or have a small talk about anything. I am always happy to foster networking opportunities because such connections can sometimes grow into something incredible!

Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!

About the Interviewer: Cynthia Corsetti is an esteemed executive coach with over two decades in corporate leadership and 11 years in executive coaching. Author of the upcoming book, “Dark Drivers,” she guides high-performing professionals and Fortune 500 firms to recognize and manage underlying influences affecting their leadership. Beyond individual coaching, Cynthia offers a 6-month executive transition program and partners with organizations to nurture the next wave of leadership excellence.

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From Disruption to Domination: Alexandr Korshykov Of DreamX On How Companies Are Thriving in the… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.