IRYNA SIVAK: "HOW WE RAISE OUR CHILDREN NOW DEPENDS ON WHERE CIVILIZATION WILL COME"

❝Congratulations on the birthday of our ideological inspiration, motivator and simply beautiful woman - Iryna Oleksandrivna. We wish you lots of inspiration, brilliant ideas and brilliant victories. Health, joy and laughter, respect and love of relatives. Let everything be as you planned. Happy holiday! Be happy!❞

Insightful and deep conversation with a person who contributes to the formation of a new generation of Ukrainians.

On the eve of Iryna Sivak's birthday, which is celebrated on November 26, we talked about her life's work, which inspires us to move forward to victory every day. Together with her husband Oleksandr, the couple manages a joint business for the production of board games, puzzles and various types of children's creativity. Today, Iryna recalls with a smile how eight years ago her future lover called and offered her to join the Strateg team: "I'll be honest, I thought about this offer for a long time and every time I told him: "How will I be engaged in the production of toys when I'm a lawyer! Production of children's goods is creativity. I do not know how to fantasize and invent for children. I know how to draw up statements of claim, write claims..." Oleksandr encouraged me and assured me that everything would work out for me. And you know, back in 2014, he was one hundred percent right."

With warmth and sincerity, Iryna talks about the work done: "When I started working, our assortment included about 20 items, they were educational games and puzzles. As of 2022, the assortment includes 900 items, including paintings by numbers of various sizes and diamond paintings.

I remember our exhibitions in Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Poland and Ukraine. Our Strateg company planned development and dreamed of new achievements, on February 22, 2022, an exhibition of children's goods began in Kyiv, but, unfortunately, due to the invasion of a neighboring aggressor country, it was not destined to end. On the 14th, we completely stopped production, our employees were at home, some went to other countries. We didn't know what would happen next. But realizing that we cannot stop and must help economically support the country, they started working on March 15. Our design department has developed a series of patriotic games that have become very popular: "Good evening, we are from Ukraine", "Everything will be Ukraine", "Say "Firewood", "Oh in the meadow", "Know our people". Our team includes people from different regions — from Kherson, Novaya Kakhovka, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv. We help people affected by the war, my husband helps the Armed Forces of Ukraine — he buys drones, walkie-talkies, gas masks, clothes. We try to move forward and stop. Yes, it's tough, but it's even tougher for the men and women of our Armed Forces. We know that victory will be ours, and we will always be close to our country and our people."

— Iryna, do you have a tradition of summing up certain results on the eve of your birthday?

Yes, before every birthday I always think whether I have done something important in the last year or not, whether I was able to achieve my goals or if I need to make more efforts in the next year. I don't make special lists and lists, but I always have a plan of action in my head for the next birthday.

— What are you most grateful to fate for this year?

For the fact that I have the opportunity to be close to my family, do my favorite hobby and work. Every day I thank the Armed Forces of Ukraine and everyone who chooses this opportunity for Ukrainians.

— How do you usually celebrate your birthday? Share your best memory.

It turns out that I spend most of my time at work. That is why my birthdays have been held at the Strateg company for several years in a row. In general, in our office, we have a tradition of congratulating every employee on his birthday and organizing at least a small celebration.

— Given that your work involves constant creativity and generating ideas, it must be quite difficult to surprise you? It is so?

Not at work is difficult. But if you constantly work with creative people, you begin to understand how limitless the resource of ideas is. You know, Oleksandr always asks me: "What should I surprise you with and how?". And I tell him that you can surprise me with small things. For example, I am walking to the car with my younger son from karate training, and then I see a single rose lying on my windshield. I was very surprised, it was very pleasant.

— Tell me, which surprise or gift impressed you the most?

I am surrounded by sincere and selfless people, and whatever gift I receive is incredibly pleasant. But the most important attention for me is from my son. Once for my birthday, my son gave me a picture drawn with his own little fingers. Dad was also involved in the painting process.

— During the war, you and your husband not only did not put the work of your own company on hold, but also risked launching new patriotic games. How did you decide on this bold business move? Where did you get your inspiration?

To say that we did not take a break from work at all is not quite correct. For about two weeks, we tried to understand what would happen next, we did not take any active actions. But we believed that Ukraine would definitely win, and we wanted to support this optimistic mood among our customers. Around this time, Volodymyr Zelenskyy called to start a business and work. For us, it became a confirmation of our own thoughts that we cannot stop, but must continue to live and fight. Most of our workers agreed to continue you work, despite the danger throughout the country. All that inspired us was the belief in the best for Ukraine.

— What inspires and fills you with energy in these difficult days for Ukraine? People began to use the word "boomerang" often. Everything returns: good with good, evil with evil. What are your thoughts on this?

I am inspired by my husband Oleksandr, sons Platon and Mykolay, as well as the successes of the Armed Forces and the unity of Ukrainians. I, like everyone else, monitor the news every day and with all my heart I want Ukraine to win the war as soon as possible, and Russia to answer for the crimes it has committed. And I am sure that it will be so, human law is strong. Although, of course, I would like the so-called "instant karma" to work, and for any evil in life, the criminal would immediately respond.

— Why is it important to do charity work?

Charity is a manifestation of humanity. At any time, the topic of charity was and is relevant, it seems to me that now it has come to the fore for every Ukrainian and I have not been overlooked. There are many people in this world who need help. They have problems in which they may be innocent or whose solutions are beyond their ability. My husband Oleksandr was engaged in charity even before the war, but now he helps even more. Helps the Armed Forces of Ukraine, buys drones, walkie-talkies, clothes, and necessary equipment. It helps children in different regions of our country and beyond — Poland, Bulgaria, Moldova. Helping orphanages, soldiers, people affected by the war who were left without homes, without belongings is the minimum we can do. Through charity, we can create a better future by caring and helping each other.

— How to understand that a person is a reliable business partner? Give an example of your family.

I think that in this regard I am very lucky, because my business partner is my husband Oleksandr, who is my support and support. And in our case, we went through both fire and water together, building a business. We knew who reacts how in problematic situations. Therefore, I advise people who do not know how to choose a business partner to test him somehow. You can artificially create a problem, or rather, create the appearance of a problem (there is no need to create real difficulties for yourself). Then see how he will behave, and only after that make a final decision. A business partner should be someone you trust.

— What are the main conclusions about family relationships that you made based on your life experience?

In the family, as in business, sometimes there are misunderstandings. Based on life experience, I want to say that the most important thing is to be able to leave work issues at work, and at home to be husband and wife, father and mother, and not business partners. Sometimes it's hard to keep this line when things go wrong at work, but our Platosha reminds us of our roles at home.

— "Think slowly. Decide quickly." Is it about you or not?

This is one of my favorite Daniel Kahneman books. I would like it to be completely about me, but to be honest, sometimes it doesn't work out that way. There are situations when you have to listen to your intuition, but reason prevails. Or vice versa, when you have to decide by thinking, and emotions take over. I re-read this book more than once and every time I discovered something new. I want it to be completely about me, but it will take time.

— Describe your day. Without what is it impossible? Does it have a place for ordinary joys?

Ordinary joys are my day. I spend most of the day at work with my team. Strateg is another big family where everyone is united by common goals. Therefore, the time spent at work is always interesting and exciting. After work, I spend time with my family, we talk, draw, play board games, which, in fact, are done by our team.

I still have a hobby that distracts from troubles and brings pleasure. I like to bring people pleasant emotions through the decor (New Year's, Easter), which I make with my own hands. I thought for a long time about how to name my hobby and my trademark, and I came to the idea that we all love a pleasant, cozy, warm, calm atmosphere. The atmosphere in our lives is everywhere — at work, at home, with friends and colleagues. That's how I came up with TM "AtmoSferA". I put my soul into each of my products. I never make decor without mood and peace of mind. I believe that the composition should carry only pleasant emotions.

— What are the simplest things that bring you pleasure?

The simplest things are the main source of pleasure, because they make our life. Therefore, for me, the simplest things are the most valuable. Good weather, delicious coffee, walks with my son, training in the gym, work are only a small part of what I enjoy.

— What obstacles did you encounter on your way to realizing your dreams?

There were enough obstacles, but over time, having lived through them, I understand that each one was incredibly useful for my further development. One of the biggest obstacles was the non-recognition of women in leadership positions, that is, the usual sexism. I think that such a problem has been encountered many women I am glad that over time this problem disappears. Although I have become stronger over time, I would not want women to experience what I faced. I am very grateful to my husband, who was always there and supported me in difficult moments.

— The body and face are what will remain with us for the rest of our lives. What are your personal beauty and health secrets?

I would say that the main secret is to be as nervous as possible. But with my work and today's realities, this is impossible. Therefore, to reduce the impact of stress, I do sports, visit a beautician and, of course, spend time with my family, which gives positive emotions and helps to calm down.

— Who will you call first for advice? Who is your closest person?

Apparently, it will be my husband Oleksandr. He repeatedly supported me in difficult situations. And, I think, a person who was able to build such a successful business and stand on his feet, even during the war, will definitely give good advice.

— Is there a movie that you are ready to watch hundreds of times?

Yes, there is such a movie. I love Nolan's work, especially Interstellar. This is a film about our possible future, space, emotions and their influence on human choices. And about love, where would we go without it?

— The war forced many to put their dreams on hold. And you seem to have done the opposite. What's next? What are the next achievements you plan to make?

I can't say that my dreams haven't been put on hold. Yes, some of them came true, but not all of them, like most Ukrainians. I plan to continue developing my company and, perhaps, my cherished dream is to enter the European market and conquer people's hearts with our products.

— What do you think each of us can do today to bring victory closer?

I think those who have the opportunity can donate to the meeting. Even small amounts. This is the easiest. Every Ukrainian can become kinder, at least to their loved ones, to support them. It will certainly give results, because in these times, each of us lacks a little warm words to continue living and working for victory.

— Remember yourself on February 24. What did you think then? And what would you say to yourself that day?

Then I thought about something that cannot be described in cultural words. Of course, there was fear, misunderstanding of what to do next. But now I am confident in the future thanks to our soldiers, command and every Ukrainian who helps win victory on any front. Probably, I would say to myself: "Be confident in your country, everything will be fine."

— Your favorite phrase or life credo?

I can say that the credo of my company "Children are our future" strongly resonates with me and I completely agree with it. Where our civilization will go depends on how we raise our children now. Or they will be warm and sensitive people who do not want to fight, but on the contrary - to develop and conquer the world, preserving the environment. Or it will be small clusters of people on the remains of our planet, from which we have drained all the resources.