Successful and independent by FOBERINI: Olga Rudneva

1. What were the first steps you took in charitable work, and was there a moment that most influenced your development as a leader in this field?

Before working in a charitable foundation, I had the opportunity to run my own business and work at the Ministry of Health. But when I joined the Elena Pinchuk Foundation, I realized I was finally in the right place. Meaningful work is my calling. I always tell the story of Kyrylo, who needed a very complex heart surgery. Doctors refused because he had a lot of comorbidities. It was a great effort to raise funds and prepare a medical team. I remember going to Kyrylo and asking if he really wanted it and if he was truly ready to change his life. Having a heart valve means giving up drugs, which had led to his condition. He then gave me his word that he would never go back to drugs. A year and a half later, Kyrylo died. I was the only person he asked for forgiveness from before his death because he had returned to drugs. That was a defining moment: would I stay in charity work? I perceived Kyrylo's death as my own failure. Understanding that helping him was my decision, and going back to drugs was his, and that no one owes anything to anyone, helped me stay. Not all stories will be success stories, not all efforts will yield quick results, but you did what you had to do.

2. Tell us about your study experience in the United States. What were the main lessons you brought back to Ukraine?

I received a grant to study in the United States when I was 17. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. America taught me to make my own decisions, learn, and believe in myself. This is my foundation for life. I recommend everyone to have this experience because it is defining in determining who you want to be and what resources you need for it.

3. Can you share a story that impressed you the most during your work at Superhumans Centre?

I have new discoveries every day when talking to the "supers." One of the recent ones: I walk into the center, knowing that one of our patients fell on his prostheses for the first time. We always celebrate the first fall because it's about overcoming fear. As long as you're afraid to fall, you can't walk confidently. And we specifically teach how to get up because the mechanics of getting up are very different when you have one or two limbs. I approach Sasha and say, "I heard you fell?" He looks at me with a smile and replies, "I didn't fall. I got up." This is now my favorite story because it’s about human strength and how we perceive setbacks.

4. What gives you the strength to continue working in challenging conditions when it seems that resources are exhausted?

The greatest resource we have is the resource within us. Our own resource. All the others are derivatives of it. As long as we have an internal resource, all the others will follow. My internal resource is replenished by the daily successes of the "supers," their achievements, and their new steps. I know what we do, for whom, and for what. So, there is no fatigue. There is a desire to do even more.

5. How do you maintain motivation and inspiration among a team working with such complex and emotionally demanding tasks?

We have a very motivated team, united around a common goal. They are eager to learn, master new technologies, and achieve better results. Together with the "supers," they go hiking, do sports, and cook meals. This all provides great support. Of course, there are tough cases and difficult patients, but we hold on to positive stories, which are always there.

6. What advice would you give yourself when you were just starting your career?

Allow yourself to dream big. I was very fortunate with partners. Andriy Stavnytskyi, who is the author of the idea of creating the Superhumans Center, taught me not to be afraid of big goals. Together, we are braver and can achieve much more.

7. Share your recipe for success.

The right people around you. Because the right people will lead you to the right places. Always rely on yourself. Break big tasks into small steps. My dad called it "eating an elephant piece by piece." Unconditional and indisputable belief in what you are doing. Be in the context of time. Do what is important now. Don't be afraid to work with people who are smarter and more expert than you. Because next to stars, you always reach for the stars.

8. What traditions do you have in your family?

We are used to respecting each other's choices, even if you don't share them. This is the tradition of freedom of choice. And also the tradition of caring for each other. It is about the value of family and understanding that together we are stronger.

9. What kind of future for Ukraine after victory do you dream of?

I dream of a country that will be a center of expertise in providing medical care for military injuries. I dream of a country that will become a leader in military affairs and cutting-edge technologies. I dream of IT development. And I really want us to rebuild our cities and make them as accessible as possible for people with disabilities, the elderly, and children. In other words, I want the experience of war to become our strength. I want us to be able to integrate our pain and trauma and learn to live with each other. I believe it will be so because I believe this war is not for something, but for something.