7 questions about running a company during wartime

My dear subscribers, it is the 225th day of war, and leading a company is not getting easier.

Daily we face hard choices. The choices that make my stomach ache. Because whatever you choose does not make it better. Sometimes it doesn't even make things better.

1. Do I leave Ukraine or stay

Every person in Ukraine, volunteering or serving, brings the victory closer. But someone has to support the economy. If I can’t run the company well, the team of 63 and 100’s of engineers lose their income and don't pay taxes to support UA.

2. Keep hiring in Ukraine or elsewhere

We are proud to have an all-Ukrainian team - and we want to keep hiring here. On the other hand, this decision can slow us down with constant shelling, hiding in shelters, and potential full mobilization.

3. Keep hiring men or not

As a founder, I’m responsible to keep the jobs of people we hire. By hiring more men, I’m risking the future of the team that can one day lose its capacity with men being mobilized to the frontlines.

But tbh excluding anyone feels disgusting.

4. Replace mobilized or keep their jobs

We’re fully supporting employees while they’re protecting our country and keeping their jobs. But because those roles are not in place, it hurts the growth, and most importantly it hurts the whole team.

5. Give profits to support the country or save

The world is in the middle of crisis. We were always capital efficient. Now, on the verge of worldwide recession, it’s time to be even more careful with spending. On the other hand, the victory requires funding and it cannot wait.

6. Whom to donate to

Even though we give out all the profits, there is much more demand and we have to decide what is the most productive use of those funds. But when people reach out and you have to say no, it breaks my heart

7. To fire underperforming team members or not

Underperforming employees do not only screw up their job, they influence the results of others and send the wrong signal to the rest of the team. On the other hand, there is very low chance they would get a job in this environment.

Sure, it sucks. but we'll get through it stronger than ever.