Name: Dmitriy Zavodovskiy

Title: Visionary leadership coach, experienced trouble shooter, positive organizational culture creator.

Organisation: Biovitrum

With nearly three decades of hands-on experience in diverse industries including mining, automotive, energy, repair, and medical devices, I have cultivated a deep understanding of real-world business operations. I possess a passion for continuous learning and have acquired a robust skill set, including an MBA in strategic management, Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, SCRUM master expertise, and visionary leadership coaching abilities. Additionally, I am recognized as one of the most influential writers on LinkedIn for thought-provoking insights on company culture.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Dmitriy's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Understanding and shaping company culture can be a challenging endeavor for leaders. It involves creating a shared set of values, attitudes, and behaviors that define the work environment and align with the organization's goals and external brand.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Becoming a leader has been a natural progression for me, driven by a mindset of continuous learning and recognizing the strengths and expertise of those around me. I firmly believe that everyone I encounter possesses unique skills and knowledge that I can learn from. This approach has shaped my interactions with individuals throughout my life, as I actively seek opportunities to both provide assistance and benefit from the knowledge and support of others. By fostering this collaborative mindset, I have been able to cultivate meaningful relationships and contribute to the growth and development of those around me.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

The structure of my daily routine is straightforward and deliberate. I prioritize maintaining consistency by adhering to a regular sleep schedule, which allows me to plan and schedule my work effectively. To optimize productivity and avoid overwhelming myself, I ensure that I do not schedule challenging tasks back-to-back. Instead, I intersperse them with lighter or more manageable tasks. Additionally, I have established a practice of scheduling phone calls with my close friends after completing demanding tasks or making significant decisions. This mutual arrangement, which we refer to as "tough decision feedback calls," provides valuable support and perspective as we navigate challenging situations together.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A valuable lesson I have recently learned in leadership is the importance of self-trust. When equipped with all the relevant information, it is crucial to have confidence in your decisions and take action. This is particularly significant when the decision aligns with the values and principles that define the company culture.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that has had a profound impact on my leadership journey is "The Vision Code" by Oleg Konovalov. I have found that having a clear vision enables me to streamline processes and achieve more with fewer steps. By aligning myself and my team with a shared vision, we are able to work towards common goals and make informed decisions that contribute to the overall success of our endeavors.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

If I could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, I would encourage them to prioritize continuous learning and growth. Leadership is a journey of constant development, and investing in personal and professional growth will not only enhance their skills and knowledge but also enable them to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of leadership. By seeking new experiences, learning from mentors and peers, and staying curious, young leaders can expand their perspectives, refine their leadership style, and ultimately make a more significant impact in their roles.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

I recall a noteworthy incident involving my initial manager. On a particular occasion, he discovered me working late at the workplace and inquired about the reason behind my extended hours. I explained that I had numerous bureaucratic tasks to complete. In response, he conveyed an insightful message, stating that if it becomes consistently challenging to accomplish all responsibilities within regular work hours, it indicates either a misalignment between one's role and capabilities or a need for improvement in executing assigned tasks effectively.