When it comes to war, the first thoughts are military actions and their strategy. But the war is also a test for the economy, state bodies, culture and social relations. And this book is exactly about that. The book is a collection of tools and ideas by Kostiantyn Koshelenko on maintaining productivity, team development and commitment to one's own values in an environment where chaos is becoming the new norm. In addition to the author, 40 Ukrainian and international managers from 12 countries share their experience and lessons learned during crisis situations.
FOR WHOM The book will be useful for people who are determined to grow professionally in management and leadership in any setting, regardless of the level of training and experience.
WHY THIS BOOK In difficult circumstances and under conditions of very limited resources, you feel that you do not always use all the effective and, in general, normal management practices, even those that you know well. Self-reflection is not only a way to improve yourself, but also an opportunity to help others avoid mistakes. This book provokes thinking about management, and this impulse is as valuable as its content.
PRAISES In his book Kostiantyn Koshelenko draws on his experience leading Ukraine's digital transformation during wartime to provide invaluable leadership insights. Through firsthand stories and expert perspectives, he explores how managers can motivate teams, foster innovation, and plan under conditions of extreme uncertainty. Koshelenko drives home the importance of adaptability, open communication, delegating responsibility, and self-care. While steeped in the urgent demands of wartime management, his lessons on everything from mitigating risk to optimizing remote work resonate for leaders navigating crises of any kind. His book is both a gripping account of Ukraine's tireless nation-building effort as well as a guide to remaining steadfast and productive even when the ground shakes beneath you. Ian Bremmer, American political scientist and president of Eurasia Group
A good and interesting read. Its strength is the perspective it adds which is embodied and summarised in the title, ‘Management in times of War’. I enjoyed it, and it chimes and reinforces much of what I teach at Open University Business School, what I experience in managing a large team (although in a country not at war), and also what I was taught when doing my MBA. In that sense, the book appeals to the practitioner and the student of management. It adds value as leadership has a huge contextual aspect and it requires in depth discussion in times of conflict and war - this book adds to the body of knowledge and is an excellent contribution. Antonio Garcia, PhD, MBA, PMPб Senior manager in the Scottish Government Civil Service, Open University Tutor, former Army Officer in South African National Defence Force.
Since February 24, 2022, Ukrainians, leaders of Ukrainian organizations and networks have demonstrated a resilience that no government in the world has ever believed in. Any large-scale success is the result of organized efforts. Whether united or decentralized. Much of the secrets of successful counteraction to the largest military and propaganda machine in the eastern hemisphere, russia, are in this book. The book is important not only to record the experience and make other democracies facing similar challenges more resilient. It is important for scaling up the result. So that Ukraine, freedom and democracy in the world can not only survive, but also win. For our descendants to be able to study history without the chapters on World War III. So that humanity could have them at all. Practical tools for such a victory are on the pages and in the hands of Management in Time of War. Oleksandr Novikov, Head of the Ukrainian National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption
QUOTES FROM THE BOOK • I learned in circumstances like these that leadership becomes more than just measuring KPIs, driving growth, or meeting revenue goals. Real leadership means giving a damn about those you’re responsible for. • Elon Musk has made good cars and rockets; the fortune he has amassed as a result of this doesn't make him a prophet. So curating and evaluating knowledge is just as crucial as amassing it. Critical thinking is a superpower. • I think exemplarity gives leaders, where orders give managers. • Actions become much louder than words during these times, and after. • Lean into innovation at every opportunity. • Take care of the Veterans. Forever. Not just today, tomorrow or over the next five years, but forever, at whatever cost. • A.I., if embraced, has the power and potential to speed up Ukraine’s recovery and drive the country to a brighter future sooner as opposed to later. • Claim Your Power as a Leader: You Are More Powerful than You Think • Whatever we focus on will expand. Whatever we focus on, we will get more of. It is Law. Our focus i...
Kostiantyn Koshelenko is a Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine for issues of digital development, digital transformations, and digitalization.
Born in 1983 in the city of Zaporizhia, where he obtained three higher educations: "Finance", "Computer systems and networks", and "Organization management".
Later he obtained an MBA degree from the Kyiv-Mohyla Business School and a diploma from the Ukrainian Corporate Governance Academy.
Kostiantyn is an honorary professor at the Alfred Nobel University and the IBS-ANU International School of Business, where he lectures on transformational management.
He worked as the Deputy Chairman of the State Property Fund of Ukraine, and a top manager in banks and fintech companies, where Kostiantyn dealt with the development of regional networks and digital transformation of companies.
Today, in the Ukrainian government, Kostiantyn is responsible for the implementation of the Unified Information System of the Social Sphere and the development of online services for Ukrainian citizens.
This book is about maintaining productivity, team development, and commitment to goals and values in the context of a full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine and other crisis situations. In addition to myself, 40 experts from Ukraine and 12 other countries around the world share their unique experiences in the book, about whom I will talk in my upcoming posts.
24% of the author's royalties will be directed to UNITED24.
"Management in Times of War" offers an invaluable perspective on leadership under the extreme conditions of a country facing invasion. The author adeptly explains how management operates amidst profound crises, presenting scenarios far beyond the usual office challenges. It invites readers to consider how leaders respond under pressure: Do they rise to the occasion, or falter under the weight of expectation? This exploration delves into organizational dynamics during unparalleled stress, examining both successes and shortcomings.
This book is essential for anyone interested in the intricacies of business leadership during crisis times. It not only provides insight into managing in such circumstances but also equips you with strategies that, while we hope never to employ to their full extent, are invaluable in navigating any form of crisis. Particularly relevant for those currently facing or preparing for significant organizational challenges, this book should be at the top of the reading list for managers and leaders alike.
Leadership Under Fire: Unveiling Koshelenko's "Management in Times of War" - a book review
The moment his fingers began typing out the first lines of this book, an air raid siren shattered the silent blackness of the night.
Dozens of missiles were screaming through the sky from Russia, heading for Kyiv, where the author, Kostiantyn Koshelenko, lives, as well as other Ukrainian cities.
Thousands of his neighbors raced down into the bomb shelters, where they huddled in hopeful safety to wait out the attack. Another night among countless nights since the war began.
Not all the missiles were intercepted in the hours ahead. Some slipped through, bringing destruction and leaving ruin in their wake.
Yet, despite these relentless onslaughts, Koshelenko and a growing number of Ukrainian leaders have stood firm, refusing to yield or be paralyzed by what many would deem insurmountable conditions.
Defiance in Adversity
Throughout these and many other moments of courage and defiance in the weeks and months to follow, Koshelenko, Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformation, and Digitization (at the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine), wrote his new book, Management in Times of War, which captures the essence of leadership during the most testing of times.
Set to hit the shelves of bookstores around the world in January 2024, this book is a survival guide for leaders and managers navigating the labyrinth of today’s corporate world, marked by its unpredictability and challenges.
Koshelenko’s work offers a unique perspective, transforming our understanding of what it means to lead in moments of crisis, when the stakes are atmospheric and the pressure is more than intense.
The experience he shares in this book extends far past the usual challenges of boardrooms and market fluctuations, giving readers unparalleled insights into perseverance, adaptability, and the human spirit.
Hypothetical theories these are not.
Page after page, Koshelenko offers real-life stories of leadership in times when everything is on the line.
Resilience Redefined
One of the central focuses of Management in Times of War is that of resilience, a quality that every leader seeks to foster in their team.
But in Koshelenko’s view, true resilience eclipses simply enduring a difficult project or quarter. It’s about thriving under pressure, adapting to unprecedented situations, and maintaining a clear vision that transcends the chaos and sees into the future.
Koshelenko’s firsthand experience in leading his teams lends credibility to his every word, offering readers strategies that are both practical and well-tested throughout the most challenging conditions imaginable.
Unstoppable Innovation
Innovation is a word easily thrown around in today’s business literature. But here it’s presented in its most raw and vital form. The author shows how innovation isn’t merely a case of pulling ahead of the competition.
Rather, it’s also about carving your very own path according to your distinct vision, even when the road ahead has been obliterated.
As a reader, you’ll discover how to turn obstacles of all sizes into stepping stones, an invaluable skill for any business leader or manager.
Flexibility Alone Isn’t Enough
Adaptability, Koshelenko argues, isn’t just a question of staying flexible. It demands an entirely new mindset, one that starts with looking at crises not as matter-of-fact roadblocks, but instead as unique opportunities for your and your organization’s growth and development.
Such a shift in perspective is something you can apply directly to your own leadership challenges, regardless of the scale of your business.
Personal Stories of Strength and Resilience
Amidst these broad themes, the book brings us closer to individual stories of fortitude, such as that of Victoria Veremiienko, the creative force behind Run Ukraine.
Her remarkable initiative, bringing together military personnel, rehabilitating soldiers, and children, culminates in the inspiring moment when 13-year-old Yana Stepanenko ran her first 100 meters on prostheses.
This story is an unforgettable testament to the power of resilience and discipline. It illustrates how these qualities can empower not just individuals but entire communities and even countries.
Glimpses of Exceptional Business Leaders in Ukraine
Management in Times of War also shares a mosaic of insights from various Ukrainian business leaders, each navigating their own unique challenges during the war.
Their stories exemplify endurance, creativity, and the ability to pivot, showcasing diverse strategies for sustaining and growing businesses and organizations against otherwise-overwhelming odds. Koshelenko highlights emotional intelligence not as merely another soft skill to pick up, but as a vital leadership tool.
He shares insights that demonstrate how to successfully engage with the complex emotional landscapes of teams under stress, while maintaining morale, and inspiring hope even when the path ahead is at times dark and uncertain.
In conclusion, Management in Times of War is a written mentorship in intelligently captaining through the treacherous waters of leadership in crisis.
It’s a must-read for anyone who aspires to lead and manage effectively, not only in times of peace but more importantly, in times of turmoil.
Standing Together in Collaboration
In the spirit of giving credit where it is due, it’s important to acknowledge the deep influence of the 40 expert contributors to the book, whose diverse insights and experiences together formed the bedrock of this book’s wisdom.
Spanning from Ukraine to 12 other countries, these individuals (listed below) are not merely names on a page or screen, but pillars of knowledge, embodying a wealth of expertise across their respective fields.
Their invaluable perspectives, global viewpoints, and leadership principles have shaped the book into what it has become.
Drawn from the frontlines of business, academia, and real-world crises, their collective wisdom imbues Management in Times of War with an authenticity and depth that is as rare as it is vital.
It is through their lenses that we gain not just understanding, but also the inspiration to lead and manage effectively, not solely in times of peace, but more importantly, throughout periods of great difficulty.
Alexia Michiels Alla Vanetsyants Anastasiya Shevchenko Andrea McKinney Andreas Keßler Arnaud Contival Artem Kovbel Arvydas Siaudvytis Charles Mok Chris C. Anderson Daiva 🌟 Plath Derek Elder Dmytro Feliksov Dmytro Stryzhov Evgeny Zaigraiev Greg Satell HRM Ueland Håkan Jyde Hanna Bobino Anna Oleynik Igor Smelyansky Ihor Nikolenko Ivan Tretyakov Jack McKissen J.D. Geertsema Jason Foodman Jean Cullen Jeroen van Zelst Katherine Vellinga Lauren Young Marijn Markus Martin Vesper Marina Avdyeyeva Mia Kolmodin Mike Nichols Oksana Zholnovych Oleg Lytvynov Roman Kuzyuk Tetiana Yashkina Victoria Veremiienko
Such an inspiring read! I hope you will write more, Kostiantyn! I have so many parts highlighted in this book - so much wisdom that can be useful in so many facets of life. Please keep sharing about your experiences as you continue to blaze trails, professionally and personally, in spite of the war around you. The array of voices who contributed to this book, as well as the images shared, made the reading experience even better. I can’t wait for my husband to read this, too. Thank you, Kostiantyn! Слава Україні!
Just finished Management in Times of War — and honestly, it's not just a book, it’s a survival guide for Ukrainians. It reminded me that in wartime, learning isn't just important — it's vital. We're not just “sharpening the saw,” we’re holding on to what makes us human — our minds, bodies, hearts, and spirits. It also helped me connect a lot of dots — from VUCA to BANI, from chaos to clarity, from office ping-pong tournaments to deeper emotional balance. Highly recommend this book. Especially if you, like me, are trying to make sense of work-life-war and stay sane while doing it.
«Менеджмент у часи війни» Костянтина Кошеленко – це книга про те, як зберегти продуктивність, працювати зі своєю командою та трансформувати робочі процеси під час турбулентних й непередбачуваних подій. Автор поділився своїм досвідом управління командою, а також додав думку провідних українських та іноземних топменеджерів.
Книга ділиться на п’ять частин: – команда і процеси; – стійкість, перемоги та невдачі; – залучення та масштабування; – фундамент; – майбутнє.
У кожній з цих частин є певна структура, яка допомогає краще орієнтуватися у тексті. Спочатку цитата відомої людини, потім коротке вступне слово від самого автора, де він розповідає про момент зі свого життя. Після цього основна частина розділу, і наприкінці знову текст від автора з життя (короткий). До кожного розділу обов’язковими є також інсайти експертів з різних галузей, які будуть цікаві читачам.
Приємним бонусом для мене стала згадка Стівена Кінга та його книги «Про письменство. Мемуари про ремесло». Вона стала однією з тих, яка налаштувала автора на написання його власної.
Варто зазначити, що «Менеджмент у часи війни» буде цікавою, перш за все, людям, які працюють у менеджементі, з людьми чи мають власний бізнес.
І те, що хотілося б покращити – у книзі було декілька граматичних помилок. Думаю, що тут більше недопрацював саме коректор. А з приємного – 24% від роялті за книгу перераховуєть на платформу UNITED24.
• Іноді успіх може бути виміряний не лише шляхом досягнення амбітних цілей, а й тим, як ми зберігаємо свою продуктивність та ефективність у найбільш складних обставинах.
• Коли світ навколо змінюється, гнучкість стає вашим найкращим союзником.
A fascinating book documenting best management practices applied by the author to run the key ministry in the midst of the largest war in Europe since 1945. Detailed, thorough, filled with practical advice and recommendations. Easy to read and solidly grounded in the theory of management. Definitely worth it.
“Management in Times of War” provides valuable insights into leadership during crises, using real-life examples from Ukraine’s government and private sector. The book highlights adaptability, resilience, and strategic decision-making in high-pressure situations. While it offers practical lessons, some parts may feel too specialized for readers unfamiliar with the region’s context. Overall, it’s an insightful read for those interested in crisis management and leadership.
У книзі «Менеджмент у часи війни», доступній на українській та англійській, я ділюсь досвідом ефективного управління під час війни. В книзі описано, як керувати командами і проектами, коли звичайний світ перевернуто з ніг на голову. Використовуючи приклади з власного досвіду та із досвіду 40 експертів із України та 12 країн світу, я показую, що навіть у найскладніших умовах можна знайти шляхи для розвитку і руху уперед. Ця книга - про витривалість, інновації та відвагу в обличчі непередбачуваних викликів.
"Management in Times of War" by Kostiantyn Koshelenko is an inspiring and practical book that unveils new dimensions of leadership in times of crisis. The author shares his experience of Ukraine's digital transformation during wartime, enriched by the wisdom of managers from various countries. It offers valuable insights for maintaining productivity and fostering team growth in unpredictable conditions. The book captivates with examples of resilience and encourages reflection on management, adaptability, and care for people. A great choice for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills, no matter the circumstances!
Kostiantyn Koshelenko's "Management in Times of War" brilliantly melds the rigors of management theory with the stark realities of wartime leadership. Crafted with urgency and a keen understanding of the stakes involved, the book stands out as a deep dive into the dynamics of resilience, adaptability, and strategic foresight in the face of unparalleled challenges.
While the bulk of each chapter is written in the style of traditional business literature, Koshelenko intersperses journal entries throughout, achieving a narrative intimacy that brings the reader face-to-face with the exigencies of leadership during crisis. This hybrid approach provides a raw, unvarnished look into the decisions and dilemmas faced by those at the helm in turbulent times. Koshelenko’s voice, through these entries, serves as a conduit for the collective experiences of Ukrainian managers, emphasizing a shared journey of endurance and strategic innovation. The combination of analytical business discourse and personal journal narratives makes the book compelling and impossible to put down, offering readers a unique window into the hellish realities and personal tales of heroism and inspiration.
Central to the book is the argument that effective leadership in crisis diverges markedly from conventional business practices. It demands an extraordinary degree of adaptability and a focus on sustaining morale and unity under dire circumstances. Koshelenko's personal anecdotes not only illustrate these principles but also breathe life into the theoretical aspects of crisis management, making them accessible and immediately relevant.
"Management in Times of War" reframes the concept of business leadership to encompass a broader vision of innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement in the face of adversity. Koshelenko draws parallels between the resilience needed for national survival and the strategies that can drive business continuity and growth during crises. These insights are pragmatic, drawn from lived experiences, and underscore the necessity of a cohesive, forward-thinking approach to leadership.
The narrative is further enriched by diverse expert testimonies, broadening the book's appeal and reinforcing its key messages. Koshelenko's direct style and the inclusion of these perspectives ensure that the reader is not shielded from the harsh realities of conflict but is instead presented with a clear-eyed view of what it takes to lead and innovate under such conditions.
"Management in Times of War" is more than a management book; it is a profound exploration of the essence of leadership when conventional frameworks are upended by crisis. It serves as both a historical account and a guide for navigating uncertainty, offering timeless insights into the nature of resilience and strategic thinking. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the interplay between leadership, strategy, and perseverance, providing valuable lessons that resonate far beyond the immediate context of war.
The best sections of this book really deserve six stars. These are the passages where Kostiantyn Koshelenko write candidly and bravely about what it's like to combine the ordinary stresses of high-tech business leadership -- and the harrowing realities of doing all this in modern-day Ukraine, where the chaos of a full-strength shooting war is everywhere.
Each chapter includes vignettes from Koshelenko's diary the past two years. He's a deputy minister in Ukraine's government, leading the way in areas such as digital transformation. That's an important area in peacetime, and it's even more vital in the midst of a war.
Koshelenko won me over, right from the start, with chapter titles such as "Hellish Agile," "War-Life Balance" and "Learning and Development When No One Has Time for It."
My favorite passages come when Koshelenko roams beyond his MBA-style training and shares the daily habits that sustain him and his team. Sanity breaks for a quick game of ping-pong. Turning the frustrations of broken elevators into a morning workout climbing 20 flights of stairs. Bonding over late night pizzas in the office. We root for him -- and his country -- to make it through.
Along the way, we do get a lot of excerpts from well-known business books, sharing the strategy tips and perspectives that are important to him. I'd have been happier with smaller doses of Peter Drucker and Jim Collins, keeping the spotlight more steadily on his own extraordinary story.
But that's a quibble. I'm very glad he found time (wow!) to write this book. You'll get your money's worth, regardless. And it's worth noting that 24% of the proceeds from book sales go to support Ukraine itself.
Kostiantyn does a great job of showing how clear leadership, flexible strategies, and good communication are necessary to manage teams under pressure, which is a lot like what I've seen when working as a business consultant.
His book taught me a lot about how to deal with uncertainty and complexity in high-stakes situations. It stresses how important it is to be resilient, get everyone on the same page, and learn by doing. These are all important for getting past resistance and having long-lasting success in organisational changes.
Not only does "Management in Times of War" offer unique insights on how to be a leader in extreme situations, but it's also a great book for anyone who wants to learn how to effectively manage organisational change, especially in difficult situations. Thanks, Kostia, for your valuable insights!
It has been my privilege to preview this book and help out with proofreading. There are lessons here that apply to people management during any stressful time, including war.
Corporate layoffs, natural disasters, pandemics and political turmoil all have analogues in this book, though to an even more extreme degree than most of us in the West have had to face in recent memory.
Kostiantyn Koshelenko and a panel of contributors pass on their insights into how they have kept their teams motivated, innovating and producing quality work under the harshest conditions imaginable.
In my search for a book more specialized in managerial aspects during wartime, and specifically in Ukraine, I came across this book. With it being one of the only, if not the only literature of its kind in English. Overall, I would say it was a great read that stayed true to its purpose and accurately conveyed the concepts that went forth to introduce. I suggest it to anyone interested in learning about management in a very different setting that is not often discussed.
The book is a great resource for the inspiration and motivation. It provides the best advice how to deal with the uncertainty. Shows the resilience as it is , makes you feel that the situations which occurred while the times of war should not exist anymore, but they could have happened sooner or later in any part of the world, so the recipes are already there. Just take it and make it. Thank you for the great read!
This book is showing TOP managers’ ideas and real experiences of how to manage people and projects during the war time. I like that the author invited TOP managers from different industries, huge and middle businesses, to share the challenges they faced and their best practices. The book is very useful not only in context of the war in Ukraine, but also might be practical for managers everywhere in the world because of uncertain circumstances.
A groundbreaking book on how Ukrainian SMEs and organisations have rebuilt their approach to business during the war. Practical examples and advice that is valuable to any manager or businesses-owner how to prepare for the worst and build resilience inside your company - and most importantly within the people forming those companies - to withstand anything. Strong message, that offers hope and practical steps on becoming a better manager and a human being. Absolutely invaluable.
It is an insightful journey through the realms of management and entrepreneurship during a turbulent time. The book reflects the collective wisdom of numerous individuals, making it a comprehensive guide. Plus, the inclusion of family experiences adds a heartwarming touch. That’s a must read for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of business surrounded with uncertainty.
This book provides uniquely invaluable insight into management through the lens of a modern war. These robust principles can be generalised to any crisis management context, proving themselves integral to any leader’s toolkit. I found the point about the importance of exercise for manager resilience to be particularly interesting yet easily actionable.