Take time to rest. Young entrepreneurs often neglect this, but I want to emphasize that proper rest contributes to productivity. In my philosophy, talking about work on Saturdays and Sundays is strictly off-limits.
As a part of our series called ‘Five Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became A CEO’ we had the pleasure of interviewing Alexandr Korshykov.
Alexandr Korshykov is the Founder and CEO of DreamX, a Ukrainian UX/UI design company. He launched the business in his early twenties and grew the team from 2 to over 20 employees, establishing a remote team management system. Under his leadership, DreamX provides design solutions to clients worldwide.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
My entrepreneurial journey started in my early twenties when I realized working for someone else wasn’t for me. I wanted to build something of my own, where my efforts would directly shape the outcome. Drawn to the dynamic energy of the IT industry, I decided to explore launching a business in this field, even though I lacked direct experience. My background was in sales, and I had no hands-on knowledge of IT.
Instead of spending years gaining experience under someone else’s leadership, I took a different path. I applied to over 100 positions at IT companies, attending every interview with the goal of learning how these businesses operated. Though I faced rejection after rejection, I gained invaluable insights into the industry’s inner workings.
Armed with that knowledge, I started my own company, focusing on UX/UI design — a niche I identified as both in-demand and profitable. What began as a two-person team consisting of me and a designer has, by 2025, grown into DreamX, a company with over 20 talented team members and clients from around the globe.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company?
One of my life’s most unforgettable and challenging moments occurred at the beginning of DreamX’s journey. Just a month after the company started operating, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. It was a time when everything seemed to descend into chaos: economic crisis, uncertainty, instability. However, instead of halting operations or scaling back, we gathered our strength and started looking for ways to grow. This crisis proved that flexibility, adaptability, and belief in your mission are the key tools for survival and growth.
The result? Despite all the difficulties, within the first year, we not only preserved the business but managed to double its size! This wasn’t just growth. It was a true testament to the power of a cohesive team, strategic thinking, and the willingness to work under challenging conditions.
This experience transformed me as a leader, and I realized that a crisis is not an end but an opportunity for a new beginning.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
At the beginning of my career, I made one significant yet incredibly valuable mistake: I didn’t plan. When you have an idea, enthusiasm, and a desire to work, it feels like that’s enough for success. But it’s not.
Before DreamX, I had another company that I launched with big ambitions. However, at that time, I did not understand the importance of planning. I didn’t create budgets, didn’t strategize resource allocation, and had no clear vision for developing the business. As a result, the company couldn’t withstand the chaos I had created due to the lack of structure, and I had to shut it down.
It was a difficult moment but also a tremendous lesson. I realized that if you don’t plan, be prepared for everything to collapse. A business cannot survive chaos; even the best idea requires a clear execution plan.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
While many people have shaped my journey in various ways, true strength and success come from trusting yourself. I am an independent thinker and have always felt that relying on your intuition and inner voice is essential for achieving meaningful results, even when others doubt your choices.
One defining moment in my career happened right at the start. Many people close to me questioned my decision to take the uncertain path of entrepreneurship. Some even told me outright that I wasn’t cut out for it and suggested I pursue a more stable corporate career. Despite their doubts, I followed my instincts and chose to build my own business, confident that it was the right path for me.
That experience taught me a valuable lesson: advice often reflects the fears or limitations of the person giving it, not your true potential. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is block out the external noise and stay true to your convictions and goals.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader?
One of the most difficult decisions I had to make as a leader came at the beginning of DreamX. When I founded the company, I already had a team in place — people I started with and had high hopes for. However, over time, I realized that our goals and approaches to work began to diverge.
Some team members weren’t ready to meet the level of professionalism and effort that the business demanded. This became a challenge, as I saw that the company needed a different approach to grow. I faced a tough choice: keep these people out of personal affection or make a decision in the company’s best interests, which meant letting some of them go.
It was tough because I knew these individuals and appreciated their contributions to the company’s early days. But as a leader, I understood that I couldn’t let emotions override my responsibility for DreamX’s future. In the end, I made the choice that was best for the company.
This experience taught me an important lesson: leadership isn’t about popularity or comfort — it’s about making decisions that may be painful but are right for achieving long-term goals.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Most of our readers — in fact, most people — think they have a pretty good idea of what a CEO or executive does. But in just a few words can you explain what an executive does that is different from the responsibilities of the other leaders?
The role of a CEO is unique in that it encompasses the business’s strategic vision, overall management of the company, and ultimate responsibility for its success or failure. Unlike other executives who focus on specific areas — such as finance, marketing, operations, or product development — the CEO must see the “big picture” and ensure all these areas work together seamlessly toward a unified goal.
As the CEO of DreamX, my responsibilities include:
- Defining the company’s strategic direction. I shape the long-term vision and plan how we will achieve our goals.
- Making key decisions. This includes critical agreements or changes in the business model.
- Working with the team. I am responsible for fostering a strong culture that motivates employees and ensures their engagement with our shared objectives.
- Representing the company. This involves negotiating, building partnerships, and communicating with clients and the media.
- Risk management and forward-thinking. I assess challenges and find solutions to ensure the company remains resilient, even under difficult circumstances.
What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being a CEO or executive? Can you explain what you mean?
One of the biggest myths about the role of a CEO is the perception that it’s an easy job, reduced to “sitting in an office and counting money.” In reality, people who think this way often have little understanding of how a business operates or what it truly means to lead a company. Every day, a CEO faces important decisions — many of which may seem minor at first glance but can significantly impact the company’s future. For example, these could include strategic choices about partners, budget approvals for departments, or even decisions about hiring top executives. All of these require deep analysis, strategic thinking, and the ability to foresee consequences.
Moreover, the role of a CEO comes with constant responsibility. It involves being accountable for the entire team’s performance, maintaining relationships with clients and partners, and ensuring the company is moving in the right direction. Often, this means working harder than anyone else and tackling challenges that remain invisible to outside observers.
Being a CEO isn’t about status. It’s about continuous effort, making decisions, and solving problems. It’s a role for those ready to take responsibility and work toward the future, even when the results seem distant or uncertain.
What is the most striking difference between your actual job and how you thought the job would be?
The most striking difference between my actual job and how I imagined it before becoming a CEO is… that there isn’t one. All of my expectations perfectly aligned with reality. I was always fully aware of the challenges I would face and understood that running a business is not about easy decisions or comfort.
I was prepared for the pressure, the need to make tough calls, and the enormous responsibility that comes with the role. In this line of work, there’s no room for weakness. Every obstacle is a test of courage, resilience, and self-belief.
My philosophy is simple: if you choose this path, you must be ready to see it through to the end. Business is a marathon, not a sprint, and to endure, you need to be mentally strong, keep your eyes on the goal, and embrace the challenges along the way.
Do you think everyone is cut out to be an executive? In your opinion, which specific traits increase the likelihood that a person will be a successful executive, and what type of person should avoid aspiring to be an executive? Can you explain what you mean?
I don’t believe everyone is meant to be a leader; there’s nothing wrong with that. Leadership is not just about status or position; it’s about the immense responsibility one must shoulder. No business could exist without team members who perform their roles with excellence. I deeply respect every team member because every role matters, and a company’s success depends on all coordinated efforts.
In my opinion, there are several key traits that increase the likelihood of someone becoming a successful leader: persistence, sharp intelligence, adaptability, negotiation skills, and a strong personality.
That said, if someone feels uncomfortable taking on significant risks, making tough decisions, or working in uncertain conditions, a leadership role might be exhausting and unfulfilling for them. Being a leader is not the only path to success. True success lies in finding the role that aligns with your talents and values and excelling in what you do best.
What advice would you give to other business leaders to help create a fantastic work culture? Can you share a story or an example?
My key advice to business leaders is to always prioritize the people who work in your company. They are the foundation of the business, and without their efforts, no idea or strategy could become a reality. At DreamX, I strive to create a comfortable, friendly, and supportive environment for every team member. This means not only ensuring convenient working conditions but also showing that the company values each individual. We always treat our people respectfully, listen to their ideas, support them in challenging situations, and help solve problems.
When employees feel valued and supported, they work with greater motivation and commitment. A positive work culture isn’t just about comfort. It’s about trust and mutual respect, which build a strong team capable of achieving great goals.
How have you used your success to make the world a better place?
I firmly believe that success is not only about achievements in business but also about responsibility toward society and the world. One way I strive to make my contribution is through writing a book, which I am actively working on.
This book is not just a story about business or accomplishments. It’s about my journey, my mistakes, my challenges, and the importance of choosing yourself and listening to your inner voice. I want it to be a symbol of support for those just starting their path — whether in business, creativity, or personal growth.
In the book, I openly share my failures because I believe they are the best teachers. I hope that those who read it will be able to avoid my mistakes and discover their own unique path.
My goal is to help people realize that their potential is far greater than they imagine and that mistakes are not the end — they’re part of the growth process. If my book inspires even one person to move forward without fear and believe in themselves, I will consider it a meaningful contribution to the world.
What are your “Five Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became A CEO” and why?
- Be prepared for significant responsibility as a CEO. A leader is responsible not only for the operation of the business but also for the team. During my first year at DreamX, I realized that every decision I made impacted the well-being of employees, clients, and the company’s future. It’s not just about management. It’s a constant balancing act between the interests of the business and its people.
- Develop negotiation and diplomacy skills. Business isn’t just about products and services; it’s also about the ability to negotiate, build partnerships, and find compromises. When DreamX was starting out, I lacked sufficient negotiation experience, and a few potentially lucrative deals fell through due to my lack of preparation.
- The importance of delegation. Early in my career, I tried to control everything personally, thinking it was the best approach. However, this quickly led to burnout. One of the biggest lessons I learned was to trust my team and delegate tasks effectively.
- Stay informed and keep learning. It’s essential to understand the context of every discussion. For example, when meeting with a marketer, I try to speak their language and understand their perspective.
- Take time to rest. Young entrepreneurs often neglect this, but I want to emphasize that proper rest contributes to productivity. In my philosophy, talking about work on Saturdays and Sundays is strictly off-limits.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If I could initiate a movement, it would focus on fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among young people in IT and technology. This initiative would empower young talents to bring their ideas to life, even facing challenges like economic crises or conflicts.
The movement would be built on two fundamental pillars:
- Education and mentorship: Establishing programs where seasoned professionals guide young entrepreneurs in mastering essential skills such as design thinking, project management, marketing, and financial literacy.
- Startup support: Offering resources to nurture startups, including funding, technological infrastructure, and platforms to test and refine their ideas. This support would help aspiring innovators create new products, generate jobs, and develop solutions that benefit society.
Such a movement has the power to drive transformative change. Giving people the tools and opportunities to realize their ideas sparks a wave of creativity and innovation. These ideas can grow into groundbreaking solutions for global challenges. It’s not just about fostering economic growth. It’s about shaping a future where innovation improves lives and builds a better world for everyone.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My favorite life lesson quote is: “Only those who spend their entire lives planning to live end up living poorly.” There’s no need to wait for the perfect moment to start. Take life into your own hands, work hard, create, plan, and achieve your goals.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them
If I had the chance to have breakfast or lunch one-on-one with someone, it would be Jeff Bezos. His achievements and approach to business are truly inspiring. I’m fascinated by the scale of his thinking and how he built Amazon. His unique example of automating processes and integrating innovation into every aspect of the business is inspiring.
I would be eager to discuss with him how he made decisions during critical moments, how he built a system capable of operating seamlessly at such a large scale, and how he managed to create a customer-focused culture that is both highly innovative and efficient.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
Alexandr Korshykov Of DreamX: Five Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became A CEO was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.