Anton Humeniuk
“Right now, I'm more and more confident that I do the right thing. I’m like a “bridge” between someone who wants to help (these are People with Capital letter) and humans who really need a support. I also feel how my behaviour has changed in business. Financial or monetary interest are not my first priorities anymore. Let’s call it “Social Development goals, but on a private (not public) level". It is what I see as changes in myself.”
"Talk to people - build your own network! I’m happy to have found friends –IE Friends—who are ready to help me and my country at this bloody hard period of time."
Q&A WITH ANTON
How did your experience at IE prepare you for your professional career? In what ways do you think the program you did has changed your life professionally and personally?
Before IE, I was fully oriented on corporate career. But IE entrepreneur environment changed me completely. It showed me ways and helped me to think wider. Last but not least, MBA program gave me that I call “internal power” for changes. And now at this difficult period, when Ukraine is in the war, adaptation and openness for changes helps me a lot.
Can you tell us about the efforts and initiatives you are carrying out with Empowering Ukraine?
I lead a group of volunteers who not hesitate for a moment – from the first day of the war we have been reaching out with aid to the victims of the conflict who need it most. We were one of the first to help in evacuation from the East, North-east of Ukriane. Every day we are distributing food sets, first aid and even power supply & fuel. Our team is helping local hospitals to receive necessary medicines from all over the world.
Currently our activity spited for 4 main blocks:
- Evacuation
- Medicines: We deliver medicines directly to hospitals and cooperate with them on intended use.
- Individual help: Millions of Ukrainians have been affected, and gravely so. Can additional resources help? Our answer is YES! That is why we have decided to help some individuals who really need it.
- Recovery assistance: We are sure our Motherland will win and we are here to prepare a next important step: recovery program for entrepreneurs (small and family businesses)
Here is a map of deliveries around Ukraine. In just a one week of June 2022:
More activities are here or at my FB.
In an increasingly complicated world, with confrontation and conflict seemingly ramping up everywhere, what values do we need to teach to the next generations of professionals and leaders?
During that period, already 145 days of war, I’ve started to see for people from a different perspective. You, know, at war situation you quickly identify real motivation of people. So, real truth, readiness to help, support, are super valuable. I do believe we have to share clear message with students: think not only about what you are going to gain but rather what you’re ready to share, to deliver for other people, communities, society.
Why is it important to give back?
In order to help: others and yourself. It sounds strange, but by helping someone, we also help ourselves.
Although some cultures and religions encourage to give back, I think this is quite personal question.
First, in order to give back, it is necessary to feel an inner, real readiness. If there is no internal power all your actions will be just a craftiness.
Secondly, when we say give (share), I perceive it as a repeated act and not a one-time action. Systemic (repeated actions) are needed to support someone. So, when we give, we must also see and feel that our actions bring results in the period. It could be a dialog with people you help, any confirmations that your help delivered and valuable. So, a real donation is when your contribution helps in the long run.
What can alumni do to create a positive impact, not only within the IE community but also for the rest of the world?
This is why I’m here! I want to share my thoughts: as we are graduates from a TOP Business school, we are elite, some kind of VIP. But I want to remind all of us, that to be elite is not only to have extra rights it also about much bigger obligations! I call to everybody at IE alumni and student communities to make an effort to help people – UA people. As now my compatriots are defending for Ukraine. This hard battle is also for European independence. Guys we are not so far from 3rd WW. If you want to create Positive Impact – help yourself -> help Ukrainians: donate, send hygiene, medicines. Skip, your weekend but find a humanitarian office at your region. Or, maybe, just contact me, and I’ll support you on how and where to help.
Does the world need more humanitarians?
There are no limits, but there are barriers from humans’ craftiness, self-interests of people, groups or nations…
What does a perfect world look like to you?
Everything is very relative.
Honestly speaking, my life has changed completely a 24th Feb. Values also has transformed.
Example: today morning my spouse sent me a IPhone reminder that a year ago we were at Cyprus at workcation. (lovely images and so on)… But now my perfect world is just to have a “blue sky. Nights without Rocket alarms. And opportunity to meet my family. To grow my kid and to share moments (moments of complete changes with my spouse).
How is the Anton of today different from the Anton who graduated from IE?
Right now, I more and more confident that I do a right thing. I’m a like a “bridge” between someone who want to help (they are People from Capital letter) and humans who really need a support. I also feel how my behaviour has changed in a business. Financial or monetary interest are not first priorities anymore. Let’s call it “Social Development goals but on a private (not public) level». It is what I see as changes in myself.
If you had a billboard that you could display to the world, what would you write on it?
All humans are responsible to stop terror. Just think what can you do to make an effort. Do not hesitate to act.