Following the Kyiv International Economic Forum, entrepreneur Vasyl Khmelnytsky published a column with conclusions from a public conversation with undisputed world boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk. The key idea is that lasting victories are built on the “long game,” through discipline, consistency, and teamwork, rather than quick decisions.
According to the author, business and sports share the same principles: daily routine work, discipline, the ability to learn from mistakes, and reliance on the team. Usyk, using his own regime as an example, emphasizes that it is not motivation that matters, but habit and responsibility to the team. The column notes that long-term sustainability is created by investing in processes and people, and mistakes are seen as data for improvement.
The context of the forum is a focus on people and economic recovery. A charity auction was held during the meeting: gloves autographed by Usyk were sold for UAH 1,100,000, and the proceeds from the sale were donated to the Soborna Ukraine Foundation to support the children of fallen defenders.
“We are in it for the long haul. A champion is not afraid to lose — he learns. A strong leader surrounds himself with strong people and delegates,” Vasyl Khmelnytsky highlighted from the conversation at KIEF.
What does all this mean for business?
1) Strategy: prioritize long-term goals and sustainability over “quick wins.”
2) Operations: focus on establishing routines and process metrics rather than one-off spikes.
3) Team: build trust and fair rules, strengthen the role of department leaders.
4) risk management: formalize error analysis and a plan for corrections after each “round.”
Vasyl Khmelnytsky is a Ukrainian entrepreneur and investor, founder of UFuture. He initiates and supports educational and entrepreneurial projects, including schools and acceleration programs. A regular participant in KIEF, he writes columns on entrepreneurship, team development, and business.
Oleksandr Usyk is a Ukrainian professional boxer and undisputed world heavyweight champion. He is known for his discipline, team approach, and systematic training. He participates in charitable and public initiatives and supports projects to help children and veterans.
