Veterans and the team from the Leadership Center for Ukraine’s Defenders at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy visited the head office of “Aurora Multimarket” in Poltava on November 17. The Leadership Center is a university initiative focused on strengthening the leadership potential of veterans through modern education, practical tools, and a supportive community.
During the visit, participants learned about Aurora’s brand history, the stages of the company’s formation, and the challenges it faced on the path to scaling. The office team guided guests through the company’s internal spaces — from work areas to warehouse facilities — demonstrating how operational processes and cross-department interactions are organized.
A key part of the visit was a conversation with Vira Neruk, Head of LEAN Excellence. She shared how LEAN practices are implemented at Aurora and how they contribute to building efficient and adaptive processes. Participants also heard insights from within the company — including impressions from veteran and student of the “Leadership and Resilience” program, Oleksii Dukh, who emphasized the importance of LEAN and Kaizen systems in supporting the company’s sustainable growth and its ability to withstand rapid scaling.
Another important element of the visit was a meeting with Mykhailo Onufer, Aurora’s Chief Veterans Officer. He spoke about the company’s approach to developing veteran-oriented policies and fostering a people-centered corporate environment. Participants learned how Aurora integrates the experience of defenders into its culture, opening new opportunities for professional development.
At the end of the visit, veterans took part in a business simulation that allowed them to try their hand at managing a business. Veteran and program participant Mariia Chekh noted: “I really enjoyed the business game — it gave us the opportunity to ‘build’ our own business.” For her, the visit became an important experience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of one of Ukraine’s most successful companies.
Another veteran and program alumna, Liudmyla Pautets, summed up her impressions by highlighting the value of comparing approaches in the nonprofit sector and in business, as well as the differences in motivation that shape internal organizational cultures.
Such visits help Ukraine’s defenders gain a closer understanding of how successful Ukrainian businesses operate, the principles that drive their growth, and the ways in which modern corporate environments are formed. They help build a bridge between military experience and new opportunities in civilian life, expanding horizons for leadership and professional development.
