Client: Iryna Savytska, CEO & Co-Founder at “Bank of Memories” / TOP 20 Women in Tech / MBA / Tim Draper Scholar

Background

Iryna Savytska is the CEO and co-founder of Bank of Memories, which is an application based on blockchain technology that helps families preserve their memories and heritage. Iryna faced some challenges as a founder, including balancing her mental and physical health, aligning her team, and maintaining the right energy level when pitching to investors.

Iryna realized that as a founder, it was challenging to balance her mental and physical health while running her company. Additionally, she recognized the need to maintain the right energy level when pitching to investors. These challenges led her to seek the help of a coach who could offer guidance and support.

To overcome these challenges, Iryna participated in an intensive coaching program with Sana Ross. The coaching process was holistic, and it helped Iryna align her team, balance her mental and physical health, and maintain the right energy level when talking to investors.

Challenge

Iryna's entrepreneurial path has been marked by the constant battle to balance her well-being with the demands of her role. The dual burden of managing a rapidly growing startup and ensuring her health did not suffer was a continuous struggle.

The stress of leading her company often encroached on her personal life, leading to periods of burnout that not only affected her but also had a ripple effect on her team's morale and productivity.

Moreover, Iryna realized the critical importance of presenting a confident and energetic front when engaging with potential investors.

The success of these interactions could significantly influence the future of Bank of Memories, making it essential for her to maintain high energy levels and assertiveness in communication.

This need placed additional pressure on her, compounding the challenge of balancing professional responsibilities with personal health and well-being.

Coaching process

Sana Ross introduced Iryna to a holistic coaching approach which is designed to address not only the symptoms of her challenges but also their root causes.

She highlighted the significance of establishing robust foundations for the startup's procedures early on, recognizing that a clear and structured approach to startup management could relieve many of the pressures Iryna was experiencing.

Key strategies proposed by Ross included:

Fostering Human Connections: Recognizing the challenges posed by remote work, Ross advised on strategies to enhance team cohesion and build strong interpersonal connections, despite the physical distance.
Enhancing Feedback Mechanisms: Ross highlighted the critical role of effective feedback in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation, encouraging Iryna to implement more structured feedback loops within her team.
Developing a Structured Roadmap: To combat feelings of being overwhelmed, Ross worked with Iryna to create a structured, step-by-step roadmap for achieving her goals, ensuring tasks were prioritized and manageable.

Implementation

Iryna took coach’s advice to heart, implementing the recommended strategies within Bank of Memories. This involved:

Strengthening Team Bonds: Iryna initiated regular virtual team-building activities and open-forum discussions to foster a sense of community and support among remote team members.
Improving Communication: A new feedback system was introduced, allowing for more open and constructive communication. This system enabled the team to address issues promptly and collaboratively work towards solutions.
Following a Clear Roadmap: The structured roadmap devised with Ross's guidance became a cornerstone of Iryna's management approach. It allowed her to delegate effectively, focus on critical tasks, and set realistic timelines for the team's objectives.

These changes had a profound impact on Bank of Memories' operational strategies and team dynamics. The startup began to operate more cohesively, with improved morale and a renewed focus on its core mission. Iryna's leadership, now more structured and confident, steered the team through challenges with greater ease and effectiveness.

Outcome

The coaching program catalyzed significant transformations for both Iryna and her team. Tangible benefits included heightened team cohesion, more efficient workflows, and a noticeable improvement in managing work-related stress.

For Iryna, the journey was transformative, instilling a robust confidence in her interactions with investors. This newfound assurance enabled her to be more strategic and selective in pursuing investments, aligning them more closely with the startup's long-term vision.

Moreover, Iryna embraced the importance of networking and continuous learning, recognizing these elements as pivotal to navigating the uncertainties of entrepreneurship and fostering a culture of resilience within her team.

Reflections from Iryna Savytska

Reflecting on her coaching journey, Iryna shared,

"The experience with Sana Ross opened my eyes to the core aspects of leadership that go beyond mere business management. It taught me the value of introspection, the strength found in vulnerability, and the power of a united team."

Iryna credits the program with not only enhancing her leadership skills but also fundamentally shifting the culture at Bank of Memories towards one that values openness, continuous growth, and collective achievement.

"It's not just about overcoming challenges," Iryna noted, "but about transforming them into stepping stones for growth and innovation."

Conclusion:

This case study underscores the Clarity & Decision Mastery Program's remarkable efficacy in helping Iryna Savytska navigate the multifaceted challenges of leading a startup.

Through tailored coaching strategies grounded in neuroscience and psychology, Iryna was able to enhance her leadership, align her team under a unified vision, and approach investor interactions with confidence.

The lasting benefits of the coaching experience are evident not only in Iryna's personal growth but also in the strengthened foundation of Bank of Memories.

As the company continues to evolve, the principles and strategies embedded through the coaching program will undoubtedly remain integral to its success and resilience.