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What does it take to build a global company while your country is at war?

Host Lisa Anna Palmer interviews Rostyslav Vovk about his remarkable journey from warehouse worker to CEO of Kormotech, a top-50 global pet food manufacturer, offering powerful leadership lessons for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.

When Russian bombs began falling on Ukraine at 5 AM on February 24, 2022, Rostyslav and his team of Kormotech executives didn't flee – by 9 AM, they gathered at the office and made a plan on how to protect their people, secure their employees' pay, feed abandoned pets and chart a path forward.

This moment exemplifies the leadership philosophy that has guided Kormotech from a small family business to an enterprise exceeding $160 million USD, operating in 50 markets with over 1,500 employees (at the time of recording).

The heart of Rostyslav's and his team's approach? People and pets come first, always. With 75% of top managers having been with the company for over 20 years, Kormotech operates like a family, where employees progress from entry-level positions to executive roles. This people-centred strategy extends beyond the business – Kormotech continued to pay full salaries to some 65 team members serving in Ukraine's armed forces. At the same time, they launched the "Save the Pets of Ukraine" initiative, which aligned with their mission and the company's DNA, to raise over $5 million USD for abandoned animals roaming the streets in the aftermath of the Russian invasion.

In this episode, Rostyslav shares his leadership journey – from warehouse worker and DJ to CEO – and how he and his team are managing to grow the company despite a full-scale Russian invasion. He also prioritizes time with his family amidst all this.

Whether you're leading through a crisis or building something extraordinary, this podcast offers invaluable insights from someone who's done both simultaneously.

Want to learn more about leaders who put people first?

Subscribe to Light your Leadership Talks for weekly conversations with exceptional leaders like Rostyslav.

Learn more about Kormotech: HERE

Connect with Rostyslav Vovk: HERE

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Subscribe to Light Your Leadership Inc.: HERE

Connect with Coach Lisa Anna Palmer via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaannapalmer/

https://calendly.com/meeting-lisaannapalmer/15min

Text us, we'd love to hear from you! (Note if you would like a reply, please include your email or cell # within the message)

Episode Title: Elevating Women’s Leadership: Humanity, Power & Purpose at the Table

What better way to round out International Women's Month than with this powerful and thought-provoking episode of LYLTalks, hosted by bestselling author Lisa Anna Palmer, a.k.a. The VP Coach, and featuring Solange Tuyishime Kieta—Pageant Queen, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, global influencer, and CEO of Elevate International—for a conversation that is as emotionally resonant as it is strategically insightful.

Why Executives Should Listen:

This isn't just another discussion about leadership. It’s a candid exploration of how heart-inspired leadership, emotional intelligence, and inclusive decision-making are not soft skills—they’re critical capabilities for sustainable success for everyone.

Solange shares her journey from surviving genocide at age 11 and experiencing the loss of a child as a mother to shaping global change as a resilient, visionary leader. Her lived experience and global impact initiatives offer senior leaders a compelling case for why diversity in leadership isn’t just ethical—it is essential. She also shares her inspiring vision for Elevate International.

This episode is designed to challenge and inspire executives to lead differently—and more effectively by creating safe spaces for women—thereby creating safe spaces for everyone. Discover how to build inclusive leadership tables, sponsor emerging talent, and champion a leadership model grounded in humanity, not hierarchy.

Listen now and join a movement that redefines power, purpose, and performance in modern leadership.

Learn more about Light Your Leadership Inc. or Elevate International

Connect with Lisa Anna Palmer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaannapalmer/

Connect with Solange Tuyishime Kieta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misssolange/

Reach out to us if you wish to apply to become a Mentor (for VP and C-Levels in medium and large organizations) or a Mentee (high performing women in middle-management or director roles) in our signature Elevate Champions Mentorship Program.

Connect with Coach Lisa Anna Palmer via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaannapalmer/

https://calendly.com/meeting-lisaannapalmer/15min

Text us, we'd love to hear from you! (Note if you would like a reply, please include your email or cell # within the message)

Executive Coach and Author Lisa Anna Palmer—known in leadership circles as The VP Coach and Founder of Light Your Leadership, Inc.—returns with another episode of LYLTalks, covering pressing issues for leaders.

In this instalment, she cuts through the fluff to tackle a topic that hits home for every leader, and they don't even know it: the hidden impact of neuroplastic symptoms on people at work. With over 30 years of hard-won experience in leadership coaching—and a personal history marked by burnout and fibromyalgia—Lisa brings a rare blend of candor and insight to the conversation.

Sitting down with Dr. David D. Clarke, President and Co-Founder of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS), Lisa and her world renowned guest expert dive straight into the reality that stress and trauma—whether rooted in childhood adversity or the relentless pace of modern work—can literally cause our brain to create intense pain and serious illness in our bodies.

Dr. Clarke, a true pioneer whose groundbreaking work has helped thousands break free from chronic, stress-and trauma-induced ailments, lays out the science behind the pain and reveals innovative treatment approaches. From the latest randomized controlled trials to the transformative power of pain relief psychology, he shows us that rethinking our relationship with stress isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s a strategic necessity.

Together, they get into the nitty-gritty of what it means to lead well in today’s high-pressure environments. They discuss how to recognize the warning signs, the importance of setting firm and healthy boundaries to avoid burn-out, and share insights on how we develop perfectionism and that often drives high performers to burnout. More importantly, they outline actionable strategies for spotting and supporting employees who are silently suffering, paving the way for workplaces that value genuine well-being alongside performance.

This conversation is a wake-up call—a chance for every leader to transform hidden challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience. It’s about keeping the fire in your heart burning bright and leading with both strength and sensitivity.

• Learn more about Dr. Clarke's work and the ATNS: https://www.symptomatic.me/
• See the 12-Question Neuroplastic Symptoms Self-Quiz: https://www.symptomatic.me/quiz

STAY IN TOUCH:

• Connect with Dr. Clarke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidclarkemd/
• Connect with Lisa Anna Palmer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaannapalmer/

#leadership #executiveleadership #businessleadership #ceo #clevel #executivepodcast #leadershipdevelopment #businesspodcast #management #growthmindset #vp #vicepresident #vpleadership #vpinsights #vpcommunity #VPNetwork #ExecutiveVP
#vppodcast

Medical Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The discussions and opinions shared by our guest, a licensed medical practitioner, are not a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor-p

Connect with Coach Lisa Anna Palmer via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaannapalmer/

https://calendly.com/meeting-lisaannapalmer/15min