Can you share your professional journey and highlight the key areas of expertise you have developed as a business leader in recent years?

In 2006, recognizing opportunities in the railcar manu­facturing sector, I conceptualized a bold plan to create an operating company with a fleet of freight railcars. Despite facing skepticism and numerous rejections, I secured an investor after extensive efforts. I negotiated a 19.5 percent equity share and a performance-based bonus for surpassing fleet-building and financial tar­gets. Within two years, the company amassed 2,000 railcars, valued at $160 million, with the majority leased or operational. The company’s success led to its sale in late 2007 for $80 million, just before a market collapse I had predicted.

Following the sale, I chose to reinvest the proceeds into Ukraine’s railcar industry, leveraging my exper­tise. I invested in a railcar production company, later integrating a repair depot to counter market volatility. To further reduce costs, we developed a wheel-and-roller workshop and acquired foundries that produced railcar components.

In 2019, I played a crucial role in banning the import of decommissioned railcars, a move that protected Ukraine’s domestic railcar manufacturing from being undermined by cheap imports. This victory required intense lobbying against oligarchs and freight carriers who favored the used railcars.

Over nearly 20 years in a male-dominated indus­try, I continuously proved my competence and broke through societal and professional barriers. My journey has been shaped by determination, strategic foresight, and a commitment to strengthening the railcar man­ufacturing sector in Ukraine. Despite the challenges, this remains one of my proudest achievements.

"The most valuable resource in any company is its people, and I prioritize nurturing talent within my team"

Can you introduce us to Aurum Group? What is the core concept behind the venture, & what are its main areas of expertise?

Before the full-scale invasion, Aurum Group employed over 1,500 people and was actively expanding in mul­tiple sectors, including railcar manufacturing, repair services, and freight railcar operations. We also ven­tured into producing plasticizers and components for freight railcars, industrial pumps, agriculture, and real

estate development. In addition, we pursued passion projects such as a charitable foundation, a restaurant business, and even a glossy magazine.

Like any investor, our decisions to enter new proj­ects were guided by careful calculations, using math­ematical models that considered market trends, com­petitive dynamics, and long-term prospects.

Over time, I learned an important lesson, 'when a business is no longer viable, it's crucial to let it go without sentiment'. Initially, I struggled with this re­alization. Each project was deeply personal, and I had invested a tremendous amount of time and energy into them. My youthful optimism led me to try to salvage some of these ventures, even when the signs point­ed to failure. However, the harsh realities of business eventually taught me that holding on only made things worse.

As the Founder, what are your key roles and responsibilities at Aurum Group? What areas do you focus on to drive the company's growth?

The most valuable resource in any company is its peo­ple, and I prioritize nurturing talent within my team. If I see potential and, more importantly, a genuine desire to grow, I believe even an ordinary manager can rise to become a top executive or lead a business unit.

In terms of team motivation, I remain composed and steady, regardless of the challenges my company and I face. Employees should never see unnecessary emotions, panic, or stress from leadership. A captain must stay firm to earn the team's trust, ensuring they are confident in their leader and decisions, ready to in­novate even during crises.

I also place a strong emphasis on creativity and innovation. I enjoy bringing together specialists from various fields and fostering debates. Truth often emerg­es from these discussions, and when an employee sees their idea not only heard but implemented, it becomes a powerful motivator.

What do you consider to be the biggest accomplishments in your professional journey so far? As a leader, what would you say is your "success mantra"?

My greatest victories have come in the face of raider attacks. Between 2014 and 2016, I withstood five nearly simultaneous raids. In some cases, notorious raiders tried to exploit the war in Eastern Ukraine by forging founding documents and seizing assets. In others, un­scrupulous business partners attempted to engineer fraudulent bankruptcies.

The tactics used by these raiders were cunning. For example, a business partner acting as managing director might create fake creditor debts to an affiliated company, redirect funds through dubious transactions to another entity, and fabricate a case for bankruptcy. On one occasion, a director even forged documents to invent a fictional debt owed to him by the company.

Despite the complexity of these challenges, I fought back and triumphed in court, preserving the business and, most importantly, safeguarding the people who worked for it.

My approach is simple and guided by two prin­ciples. First, regardless of external turmoil, I always make sure to communicate clearly and confidently during morning briefings with my top management, instilling belief in the future. Second, while I thorough­ly analyze all available data, I ultimately trust my intu­ition to guide the final decision.

How do you envision the future of Ukraine’s business landscape? What role are companies like Aurum Group playing in supporting the country through these challenging times?

I believe that the businesses able to endure the war and its hardships will be the ones to shape the future of the country, a nation with a robust economy, highly creative and ever-evolving talent, and resilient leaders who possess a clear vision for the kind of country they want to leave for their children.

Alona Lebedieva, Founder, Aurum Group

Alona Lebedieva is the Founder of Aurum Group, a diversified Ukrainian company active in railcar manufacturing, industrial pump production, and various sectors including agriculture and real estate. With over 20 years of experience, she has become a pioneering figure in Ukraine's business landscape. Her career began in railcar manufacturing, where she successfully created a powerful fleet of freight railcars. Alona’s leadership is characterized by strategic foresight, resilience, and a commitment to fostering innovation and talent. Despite challenges, including wartime conditions and legal obstacles, she continues to drive growth and safeguard Ukrainian industries.