Professional Integration HUB

Tetiana Stakhivska, Professional Integration HUB 2.0 Program Participant (Office Ukraine Vienna)

Intro

• Age: 50 years old
• City in Ukraine where you lived before the full-scale invasion (forced relocation): Kyiv
• Specialization: managing the Creascope agency

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Throughout my career, I have been deeply involved in building creative communities and developing educational projects for Ukrainian professionals, primarily in product design, fashion, graphic design, strategic design, marketing and so on. My professional background has given me experience from both sides of client management as a marketing director, as the director of an advertising agency, and later as a co-founder of my own agency, Creascope.

In 2007, I co-founded the Creative Initiative agency, better known among professionals as Creascope due to the creative business conference of the same name. My primary mission was to bring knowledge from leading European practices to the Ukrainian creative community and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). I aimed to provide inspiration and a forward-thinking, 360-degree vision of the future. Through various professional educational events, we built a powerful community of change-makers and forward-thinking companies, effectively establishing a creative bridge between Ukraine and European countries.

One of my biggest professional challenges came in 2007 when I began collaborating with Lidewij Edelkoort and her Trend Union bureau. At the time, she was also the Head of the Design Academy in Eindhoven and the CEO of Trend Union, based in Paris. This collaboration was pivotal for my career and vision.

FORCED EMIGRATION

I arrived in Austria one week before the large-scale invasion of Ukraine began during my daughter’s vacation. We had return tickets to Kyiv on March 2nd. When the war started, it was a complete shock. I would say that everybody knew it could happen, but nobody expected. We managed to extend our stay in a small Austrian village for the next six months and later moved to Normandy, France, where a civil association provided accommodation for Ukrainians. During this period, I was incredibly grateful for the kindness and support of so many open-hearted people who helped us navigate unfamiliar surroundings.

LIFE IN AUSTRIA

As it became clear that the war would not end soon, we decided to move to Vienna in May 2023; the city with better job opportunities because of its international environment and English-speaking communities. There were some friends from Kyiv who settled there. Psychologically, Austria felt closer to Ukraine and it was also important for me.

Although I was familiar with Austria before, living in Vienna was entirely new for me, and the first months were challenging. Everyday tasks felt overwhelming, and I was immensely thankful for any practical advice on how things worked here.

Professionally, I realized that I could no longer continue my business as I had before. I lacked the energy and clear understanding of the needs of the Austrian professional audience. Starting a business that generates intellectual products requires time and strong professional connections.

My first step toward establishing these connections came just one month after my arrival in May 2023. Together with the friend of mine Yulia Mukhoid we reached out to Vienna Design Week to propose an exhibition featuring Ukrainian product designers and artists. To our delight, the VDW team immediately said yes and provided a space. This response recovered my energy and enthusiasm. The preparation period was the happiest time for me since the war began. It was a volunteer project, but my passion for showcasing the beauty, innovation, and mdernity of Ukrainian design motivated me to see it through.

During this process, however, I experienced what it means to be a stranger in a new place. Building equal, professional relationships in a different country with another mentality and rules takes significant time and efforts.

I recalled a book by Henry Ford that I had read during a previous period of professional transformation. It’s simple yet powerful message stayed with me and continues to inspire me: NEVER GIVE UP.

To those living abroad and not only, I would encourage you to keep learning: languages, history, new subjects; and to meet new people, absorb knowledge, and build networks. All these factors help to restore energy, which is one of the most valuable resources we have.

Professional Integration HUB

I discovered the Professional Integration HUB through social media. When I saw Yana Barinova’s Facebook post announcing the program, my immediate thought was: “What a great initiative; I should try it!”.  The program has provided me with opportunities to collaborate with professionals in Austria, which is incredibly valuable at this stage of my life. Another benefit has been meeting highly skilled Ukrainians. Each meeting offers new insights, practical advice, and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals; it’s a true luck. The seminars, expert-led sessions, and German language practice have increased my awareness and boosted my confidence in adapting to this new environment.

I have always been curious about causal links, and every conversation during this time has helped me piece together a holistic understanding of where I’m now. I am learning from colleagues of mine about a decision-making processes, key criteria. I find that the level of positivity, respectfulness, and willingness to help creates a distinct ‘corporate culture’ that feels different from what I experienced in Ukraine.

At my current host organization, my deep understanding of the Ukrainian landscape, combined with my ongoing connections with Ukrainian professionals, has proven invaluable. These relationships enable me to build and strengthen a bridge between Austria and Ukraine.

Photos: Valerie Loudon

• Series of Interviews with Participants of the Professional Integration HUB 2.0 Program.