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As part of Publicis Groupe Central & Eastern Europe (CEE)’s 'Embrace Gender Equity' initiative that was launched during this year’s International Women’s Day on March 8th, the company created a special series 'Publicis Groupe CEE Lioness' designed to showcase and spotlight its many female talent and leaders across the CEE region, celebrating their experiences and important roles they play within the company. Get to know the Publicis Groupe CEE Lionesses through their stories in this series.

1. Can you share your story with us, how have you gotten to where you are today in your profession?

Nastia> I have to say, my story is rather conventional, without too many unexpected turns. After middle school, as I was deciding on my next course in life, I discovered the marketing faculty in one of Kyiv’s Universities and found it very interesting. I managed to get accepted for the program and studied B2B marketing for five years. Looking around me now, I’m inclined to believe that I’m one of the rare cases of being in a profession according to my university education. After graduating, I got a job at one of the local Kyiv PR agencies, in the most junior position as a PR administrator. I spent three years in PR before moving to a digital agency and then to a BTL (below the line) agency. As you can see, my route to the creative business was long and winding through the communication industry including different spheres of expertise before I found ‘the one’ that clicked perfectly. This happened 10 years ago in Publicis Groupe, at the Saatchi & Saatchi Kyiv office where I was for three years before relocating to Prague to work at Publicis agencies including Fallon and Kindred. Since 2019, I have been a part of Leo Burnett Prague, where I started as an account director and am today, the leader of the agency.

2. What has been your most memorable experience in your career so far?

Nastia> I think leading the merging of two agencies into one was truly a unique, memorable experience for me. Back in 2019, we began the merging of the creative part of the Kindred agency with Leo Burnett. It was quite a journey to bring together two agencies with completely different cultures, approaches, and backgrounds into one. However, today as I look at Leo Burnett -which is three times its size from before the merger- working as one team, doing great projects, and working with amazing clients, it will remind me that every step of the way was well worth it.

3. Similarly, what was the most challenging moment and how did you overcome it?

Nastia> I guess surviving the covid pandemic period - not seeing the team, having 10 hours of calls every day, disconnection from people and uncertainties of the next day. Frankly, and this is also the challenging part about it, there was nothing much we could do about it except to survive, keep our spirits up and keep looking forward.

4. What are your most important tips on achieving success?

Nastia> Never accept 'just good enough', always strive for the best possible outcome.

Work harder than the rest.

Make your work environment your second home, where you and your team feel great in it.

Always surround yourself with talents stronger than you and people who know more than you.

5. What are your tips for younger female talent embarking on the journey you’re already on?

Nastia> It isn’t always about the gender, it’s about you, your ambitions, your goals, what you want to achieve and where you want to be.

Love what you do and that’s about all you will need.