In this eye-opening conversation, Dana Pavlychko reveals the hard truths about business survival that most entrepreneurs discover too late.
After inheriting her mother’s Ukrainian publishing company at just 22, facing bankruptcy, employee theft, revolution, and war, Dana transformed crisis into opportunity. But the real surprise? Sometimes the best strategy is knowing when to walk away.
In this conversation, we’re exploring why protecting your family legacy might mean letting it go, how venture philanthropy is helping rebuild Ukraine’s future, and why the creator economy could be your most strategic business move right now.
Dana explains:
- Taking over a failing family business at 22 with zero experience and discovering employee financial theft
- Navigating business operations through revolution and full-scale war while managing three children
- The strategic decision to sell a 14-year legacy business and why family pressure nearly prevented it
- How venture philanthropy differs from traditional giving and why it’s critical for Ukraine’s reconstruction
- Building 75,000+ social media followers in 10 months while launching Dana Pavlychko Academy
- Why authenticity in the creator economy requires 100 hours of practice before it becomes natural
You’ll learn:
- The hidden dangers of tying your identity to your business and how this trap keeps founders stuck
- Why most businesses fail to prepare for life without their founder and the critical systems needed for a successful exit
- How to recognize when burnout signals it’s time for strategic change rather than pushing through
- The surprising financial opportunities in Ukraine’s tech ecosystem despite ongoing war
- Why investing in your personal brand and creator presence is no longer optional for business leaders
Guest Background
Dana Pavlychko spent 14 years leading Osnovy Publishing, Ukraine’s most prestigious independent publishing house, founded by her mother in 1992. After navigating the company through revolution, war, and near bankruptcy from age 22, she completed an Executive MBA at Oxford’s Said Business School and made the bold decision to sell the business in 2024. Today, Dana serves as an advisor at Tolkary Foundation. She is also the founder of Dana Pavlychko Academy, where she has helped nearly 4,000 people transform.
Connect with Dana Pavlychko on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-pavlychko-b44a0673/
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Additional Resources
Dana Pavlychko Academy https://danapavlychko.academy/ Osnovy Publishing https://www.osnovypublishing.com/ Tokarev Foundation https://www.tokarevfoundation.org/
About Business Unbound
Every week, your host, Florian Haufe, dives deep into conversations with visionary global leaders to bring you insights, inspiration, and the real stories behind success.
