<p>As global interest in Ukraine reaches an all-time high, international businesses are looking beyond the headlines to understand the real identity of the nation.</p><p>In this first episode of a special two-part mini-series, <strong>Dmytro Shvets</strong> explores the "frontier culture" of Ukraine with cross-cultural expert <strong>Maryna Starodubska</strong>. Designed for global businesses looking to navigate the Ukrainian market, this episode moves past the headlines to reveal the core identity of the people you will be doing business with</p><p><strong>Key insights from this episode include:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>The Power of Status:</strong> Why sending mid-level managers to meet Ukrainian founders often leads to failed negotiations.</li><li><strong>The Trust Gap:</strong> Navigating a society with low institutional trust where personal loyalty is the major currency.</li><li><strong>The Frontier Mindset:</strong> Understanding why Ukrainians prioritize acting over planning and "needs-based" entrepreneurship over long-term strategy.</li><li><strong>Relationships First, Contracts Second:</strong> Why a signed agreement in Ukraine is the <em>culmination</em> of trust, not the beginning of it.</li><li><strong>Managing Uncertainty:</strong> Practical advice on breaking long-term strategies into visible, measurable stages.</li></ul><p>Whether you are an investor, a consultant, or a business owner looking to enter the Ukrainian market, this episode provides the essential cultural foundation needed to build resilient and productive partnerships.</p><p></p><p><strong>Coming Soon:</strong> Stay tuned for <strong>Part 2</strong>, where we dive deeper into the specific tactics of <strong>How to Negotiate with Ukrainian Business People.</strong></p><p><strong>About the Guest:</strong></p><p><strong>Maryna Starodubska</strong> is a cross-cultural interaction consultant and adjunct professor at Kyiv-Mohyla Business School. She is the author of <em>Understanding Ukrainians: Cross-Cultural Dimensions</em> and specializes  in employees relations, cross-cultural interaction, reputation management and crisis communications.</p><p><strong>LinkedIn profiles:</strong></p><p><strong>Host, Dmytro Shvets </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/</a></p><p><strong>Guest: Maryna Starodubska</strong>, Cross-Cultural Interaction Consultant, Kyiv Mohyla Business School Adjunct Professor. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/starodubska/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/starodubska/</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Listen to Start Global Insights on all major platforms and YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe for more global business insights.</strong></p><p>Spotify: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSS</a></p><p>Apple podcasts: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSS</a></p><p>YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSS</a></p><p>In your browser: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSS</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Feedback: </strong>We value your thoughts. Please leave us a review on Apple podcasts, Spotify or email us at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>