Garant Export LLC<\/em><\/a> in Zhytomyr region, has grown as a leader together with the company\u2014she\u2019s been working there since its launch.<\/p>\nTaking over as director was a double challenge for her as a woman leader, coinciding with a crisis period caused by the war and the challenges of operating under martial law. Our conversation with Ms. Maryna focused on this difficult time and how the company managed to navigate through it.<\/p>\n
After the war began, the company didn\u2019t stay idle for long: its workshops resumed work as early as March. The leadership faced a new set of challenges\u2014not only fulfilling obligations to clients, but also supporting the army (a patriotic impulse shared by much of Ukrainian business), and providing financial support to employees and their families. Just as importantly, returning to work helped people regain a sense of normalcy and escape the constant stress from news on the frontline.<\/p>\n
– We couldn\u2019t bring back all employees to their previously interrupted furniture production duties\u2014mostly due to the absence of many men in the team. That was the first major challenge. Experienced professionals were missing, and finding immediate replacements was nearly impossible. That\u2019s when we began offering the positions to women instead.<\/em><\/p>\nWomen quickly mastered CNC machines and helped stabilize what was initially a threatening situation.<\/em><\/p>\nTo ease the physical demands of production, the company invested in auxiliary equipment\u2014especially important for employees with physical disabilities, who also work at the company.<\/em><\/p>\nNaturally, many employees needed retraining as they were reassigned to new production areas, while newcomers often had to be trained from scratch\u2014since the market for qualified workers had dried up. As for management-level staff, our managers\u2014including top executives\u2014improve their skills externally by attending courses, seminars, and workshops, many of which are organized by UAFM through its Furniture Business School. This has become a cultural standard for any business leader. Personally, I\u2019m currently studying at the Kyiv-Mohyla Business School.<\/em><\/p>\nStaff shortages also pushed us to pay closer attention to how labor is organized at every stage and in every workplace.<\/em><\/p>\n\n– Was it difficult for you personally to step into the director\u2019s role?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n– In terms of communication with the team\u2014no issues at all. I\u2019ve been with the company a long time, so I know the people well, and they know me. The real question for me was strategic: should a director focus more on being a team leader or on management? In the end, I chose leadership.<\/em><\/p>\n\n– The company name \u201cGarant Export\u201d clearly reflects its focus on exports. Was this affected by the war?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n– Not at all. Our foreign partners were very understanding of Ukraine\u2019s situation\u2014both its economy and our company specifically. Not a single client cut ties with us, and we were able to quickly restore and stabilize export shipments. Many even offered genuine help, like hosting our employees and helping them settle abroad.<\/em><\/p>\n– Weren\u2019t they concerned about price increases, which became common across the furniture industry due to higher material costs?<\/strong><\/p>\n– No, because we managed to keep price increases minimal\u2014even with production running during wartime.<\/em><\/p>\n\n– On social media, you\u2019ve been actively promoting a new kitchen model called “Sense.” What\u2019s special about it?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n– We wanted to break away from traditional kitchen layouts. \u201cSense\u201d is compact and features a pull-out table. It\u2019s designed for families who rent small apartments and move frequently\u2014something common abroad, especially among young families. The kitchen’s small size doesn’t compromise its functionality\u2014that\u2019s its biggest advantage. We also have a \u201ccapsule kitchen\u201d model that’s even more compact. It can be assembled at home by anyone, without special skills.<\/em><\/p>\n\n– And finally, what are your company\u2019s goals for this year?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n– Simply put: to bring our goals to life\u2014not just adapt to change, but to achieve tangible results.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\t\t