Andrii Okhotnikov, Managing Partner of Powerhouse, systematically cooperates with the Kyiv School of Economics as an invited speaker and practitioner-expert. As part of this cooperation, he regularly delivers training modules and lectures for executives and managers working in the real sector of the economy who directly influence the effectiveness of industrial companies.
Spreading modern management practices is an important part of Powerhouse's activity. Through the development of management competencies, the project-management approach, and systems thinking, the company helps partners and clients transform business processes, increase the effectiveness of teams, and achieve strategic results.
Andrii Okhotnikov spoke at the «Management in subsoil use» program, where he shared his practical experience of managing complex industrial projects. During the lectures, participants discussed the design of project management offices (PMOs), resource management, prioritization of tasks, risk analysis, and engagement with stakeholders — including communities and government bodies.
Particular attention was given to the reasons why projects in the extractive industry often exceed their planned budgets and timelines. Using practical examples from gas production, Andrii demonstrated how systematic planning, quality risk management, and an effective project office help to deliver results even under difficult and crisis conditions.
Among the key takeaways shared today by executives of leading industrial companies:
- the motivation of the project manager often matters more than deep industry expertise;
- support from top management is a critical success factor for project offices — and at the same time one of the biggest risks to their work;
- the company's level of organizational maturity determines the ability to implement effective project management;
- achieving results depends not only on processes, but also on the quality of the team that delivers change.
Andrii Okhotnikov:
«The level of preparation, motivation, and engagement of participants is growing year on year. At the same time, the market still critically lacks managers capable of delivering complex industrial projects. At Powerhouse Group we work systematically on the development of project teams. Over the past five years we have prepared more than 100 managers, and in practice we see: it is the quality of the team that defines the result».
For Powerhouse, participation in KSE training programs is not only an opportunity to share practical experience, but also a platform for professional dialogue, the exchange of expertise, and the formation of new partnerships. These discussions help shape a new generation of managers capable of effectively delivering complex projects and developing Ukrainian business under conditions of constant change.
