Q: Could you briefly introduce yourselves, share your professional backgrounds, and tell us what inspired you to join this nine-month program?
Iryna Pyrih:
“I am a Certified Export Consultant, International Trade Expert, Customs Broker, Trainer, and Speaker. I have over nine years of experience in international trade, export operations, customs compliance, and global supply chain management within the manufacturing sector.
Currently, I manage international logistics and customs operations for a European medical manufacturing company, coordinating complex cross-border supply chains between Ukraine and the European Union. Throughout my career, I have developed deep expertise in export and import operations, customs regulations, free trade agreements, rules of origin, international logistics, and market access.
For more than five years, I have consulted Ukrainian SMEs on export readiness, international expansion, market-entry strategies, and building resilient export operations. My professional experience combines strategic consulting and hands-on implementation, which allows me to help businesses develop export plans and successfully execute them.
In addition to consulting and operational work, I am an international trainer, speaker, and mentor in export development, customs compliance, and international trade. I regularly deliver training sessions, workshops, and practical consultations for entrepreneurs, exporters, and business support organizations.
Joining the Export Consultant Mastery programme was a long-standing goal of mine. I wanted to systematize my hands-on experience, gain exposure to international best practices, and learn from leading European and British mentors. I am grateful to ESTDEV for awarding me this scholarship and enabling me to join the first international cohort of this unique program. Beyond the knowledge and skills gained, the programme connected me with outstanding professionals, broadened my view on international trade, and strengthened my commitment to supporting Ukrainian businesses on their path to global markets.”
Victoriia Semenets:
“My name is Viktoriia Semenets, Certified Export Consultant and Head of Export Department at BLEST, a Ukrainian furniture manufacturer. I have more than 15 years of experience in international trade, export development, and building dealer networks across different markets. Throughout my career, I have worked on expanding business opportunities in Europe, North America, and the Caucasus region, helping develop long-term partnerships and sustainable export growth.
I decided to join this nine-month programme because I wanted to strengthen and systematize my practical experience with modern export consulting methodologies and tools. I was also motivated by the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, exchange knowledge with peers from different industries, and gain a deeper understanding of how to support companies in their international growth.
What inspired me most was the possibility of contributing not only to the success of my own company but also to the broader development of Ukrainian exports. I saw this programme as an opportunity to grow professionally, expand my perspective, and develop the skills needed to help businesses become more competitive and successful in international markets.”
Serhii Smolov:
“My name is Sergii Smolov, Certified Export Consultant and Export Manager at AB InBev Efes Ukraine, a Ukrainian subsidiary of a world-known beer manufacturer. I have been with the company for over 24 years, working with export and import of beverages as well as distributor management and implementation of programs in Ukraine. Throughout my career, I have been setting up long-term partnerships across the globe, ensuring business sustainability and mutual benefit for all parties involved.
I chose to participate in this nine-month programme to enhance and structure my practical experience through the application of export consulting algorithms and tools that can be easily applied. As one saying goes, “Why do you need a road if you drive a Jeep?” I agree that knowledge and experience are crucial, but methods and tools are equally important because they increase efficiency in work.
I was also motivated by the opportunity to learn from first-class professionals, exchange insights with colleagues from diverse industries and countries, and deepen my understanding of how to support Ukrainian companies in international expansion. What inspired me most was the prospect of contributing not only to my personal growth and professional performance but also to the broader advancement of Ukrainian exports.”
Tetiana Stratii:
“My name is Tetiana Stratii. I am a Certified Export Consultant and expert in international logistics, foreign trade, and business consulting. I have more than 10 years of professional experience dedicated to building effective supply chains and scaling logistics businesses. My experience includes thousands of successful operations across Europe and Asia.
Key areas of expertise include business consulting, crisis management, educational activities, and team management. I specialize in creating systematic logistics solutions, supporting companies from idea stage to stable operation, resolving critical situations, and training logistics professionals and vehicle owners. I am also a certified business trainer for Visionest Institute projects and author of the course ‘Fundamentals of Logistics’.
I joined the project because I saw strong professional potential in it. I was inspired by the coaching team and the topics we would study in advance.”
Q: What was your main motivation for participating in the program, and what expectations did you have at the beginning of the journey?
Victoriia Semenets:
“My main motivation for joining the Export Consultants’ Mastery Programme was the desire to move beyond operational export management and develop a more strategic and consulting-oriented approach to international business.
For more than 15 years, I have been working in export sales and dealer network development, helping Ukrainian manufacturers enter foreign markets. However, I wanted to deepen my expertise, learn proven consulting methodologies, and gain a broader understanding of how to support companies in their international growth.
At the beginning of this journey, I expected to strengthen my strategic thinking, expand my professional network, learn from experienced mentors and peers, and acquire practical tools that I could immediately apply in my work. I also hoped the programme would help me define my future path as an export consultant and create greater value for the companies and partners I work with.
Looking back, the programme has exceeded my expectations by providing not only knowledge and practical frameworks, but also a community of professionals who share the same passion for international business development.”
Q: The program was highly intensive and brought together experts, mentors, and professionals from different sectors. How would you describe your overall experience, and what were the most valuable lessons or skills you gained?
Tetiana Stratii:
“The program was really intense, and for us it was even more intense because of the conditions in which we were living. This training took place during the hardest winter in Ukraine, when we were often without electricity, water, and heating.
At the same time, the intensity of the program helped us keep moving forward. We had to complete all tasks, and it was very motivating to attend the trainings of international experts who shared incredibly valuable and practical experience. Our team always submitted homework on time and met all deadlines.
We gained an incredible experience overall. The most valuable part was applying the tools shared by the trainers directly in practice and seeing how theoretical knowledge can be transformed into real, actionable results.”
Q: What was the most challenging part of the journey for your team, and how did you overcome it?
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Tetiana Stratii:
“During the training, our team went through a reformation – we changed the name of the team and restructured the way we communicate and work together, which ultimately made us stronger and more focused We do not call them difficulties; we call them challenges, and as a team we successfully and efficiently handled them. This is also reflected in our results, as we received the highest award of the course.”
Q: Your team was formed within the framework of the program. How was the experience of working together, facing challenges as a team, and building collaboration throughout the process?
Iryna Pyrih:
“One of the greatest strengths of our team was the diversity and quality of expertise brought by each member. We were fortunate to be surrounded by highly skilled professionals from different backgrounds, which created a unique environment for learning and collaboration.
Throughout the programme, we continuously learned from one another. Our talents, strengths, and professional experiences complemented each other remarkably well, allowing us to build a truly strong and effective team. Each member contributed unique perspectives, ideas, and expertise, making our collective work far more powerful than individual efforts alone.
Beyond professional collaboration, our team became a source of motivation and inspiration for one another. During these nine months, while balancing demanding professional responsibilities and living through the challenges of war in Ukraine and one of the most difficult winters in recent years, there were many moments when staying focused was not easy.
What made the difference was the support we gave each other. We encouraged one another, shared knowledge, celebrated achievements, and helped carry the load during difficult periods. Looking back, I believe that we not only strengthened our professional competencies but also grew significantly as leaders, teammates, and individuals.”
Victoriia Semenets:
“One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the opportunity to work with a team of professionals from different backgrounds and areas of expertise. Although we did not know each other before the programme, we quickly learned how to combine our strengths, share responsibilities, and work towards a common goal.
Like any team, we faced challenges along the way. We had different perspectives, working styles, and busy professional schedules. However, these challenges became opportunities to improve our communication, build trust, and develop a deeper understanding of each other’s strengths. We learned to listen, support one another, and focus on solutions rather than obstacles.
Over the nine months, our collaboration evolved from simply working together on assignments to becoming a true partnership. We exchanged knowledge, challenged each other’s ideas, and helped one another grow both professionally and personally. I believe the diversity of experience within our team became one of our greatest advantages and played a key role in achieving strong results throughout the programme.”
Q: During the graduation ceremony, your team received a special award recognizing your achievements. What does this recognition mean to you, and what do you think contributed most to your success?
Iryna Pyrih:
“Receiving the Grand Winner Award and leading five of seven modules was a tremendous honor for Horizon Export Agency. However, for us, this recognition represents much more than a trophy – it highlights our team’s impact and commitment to creating lasting value.
First and foremost, it confirms that our strategy was right from the beginning: to be professional, deliver results, and win clients’ trust through value and quality. We never aimed simply to become the best team in the programme. Instead, we focused on consistency and quality in all our work, treating every assignment, client project, and presentation as real consulting. Within our team, we often said: ‘We do not have drafts – we write our story from the very first page.’
This nine-month journey showed that we were not just learning; we were already consulting at a high level. The programme refined our skills and confirmed our expertise.
Our success came from our team’s expertise, trust, work ethic, and shared commitment to client value. Recognition from mentors, positive client feedback, and results from client companies all confirmed our direction.
Perhaps the most rewarding outcome is that many team members began receiving new cooperation opportunities, client referrals, and professional offers even before the ECM programme officially concluded. To me, this is the clearest sign that the programme had a real impact.”
Victoriia Semenets:
“Receiving this special award was a great honor for our entire team. For me, it represents much more than the final result – it reflects nine months of commitment, continuous learning, collaboration, and perseverance. It is a recognition of the effort each team member invested throughout the programme and of our ability to grow together while supporting one another.
I believe our success was driven by several factors. First, we shared a strong commitment to excellence and were genuinely motivated to make the most of this opportunity. Second, we combined diverse professional backgrounds and experiences, which allowed us to approach challenges from different perspectives and develop stronger solutions. Finally, open communication, mutual trust, and willingness to support each other played a crucial role in maintaining momentum throughout the programme.
This award is not only a celebration of what we have achieved so far but also an encouragement to continue contributing to the development of export capabilities, supporting businesses, and creating positive impact in our professional communities.”
Q: Throughout the program, you had the opportunity to learn and collaborate with professionals from different countries and cultural backgrounds. How would you describe this experience, and what role did networking play in your journey?
Serhii Smolov:
“One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the opportunity to learn and collaborate with world-class professionals from different countries, industries, and cultural backgrounds. Engaging with such a diverse group allowed me to gain new perspectives on international business, export development, and consulting practices. It also helped me better understand how cultural differences can influence communication, decision-making, and business relationships in global markets.
The exchange of experiences and ideas enriched the learning process beyond the formal training sessions. Through discussions, group assignments, and informal interactions, I was able to learn from the successes, challenges, and best practices of colleagues working in various environments and markets.
Networking played a significant role throughout my journey. The programme enabled me to build meaningful professional connections with mentors and fellow participants who share a common interest in supporting business growth and export expansion. These relationships have become a valuable source of knowledge, inspiration, and potential future collaboration. Beyond the technical skills and methodologies acquired during the programme, the professional network I developed is one of its most lasting and impactful outcomes.”
Iryna Pyrih:
“International networking became the program’s most valuable outcome for me. I expanded my network with inspiring professionals worldwide, whose openness, support, and willingness to share knowledge deeply impressed me.
I expected knowledge and tools, but it was the people who had the greatest influence on my growth. The connections I built will generate lasting value.
This network is a trusted community of professionals I respect and am proud to know.”
Q: Now that you have completed the program, what are your next steps as a team, and how do you plan to apply the knowledge and experience gained throughout the program in practice?
Serhii Smolov:
“Having completed the programme, our next step as a team is to actively apply the methodologies, tools, and approaches we have acquired to support companies in their export development and international growth. We intend to build on the practical experience gained during the programme by working with businesses to identify export opportunities, address market-entry challenges, and develop effective export strategies for Ukrainian companies.
We already have one successful case with a Ukrainian producer of mineral water under the brand Detox AquaMyrgorod. We have helped them find a new partner in four EU markets and secure a real-world contract. We also supported them in selecting the most promising SKUs (Stock Keeping Units), adapting labels, and launching the development of landing pages in five languages. The first shipment is scheduled for June.
We also plan to continue strengthening our expertise through ongoing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and engagement with the professional network established during the programme. The relationships built with fellow participants, mentors, and partners provide a valuable platform for exchanging best practices and exploring future cooperation.
In practice, we will integrate the consulting frameworks and client-focused approaches learned throughout the programme into our daily work. This includes structured diagnostic tools, market research methodologies, strategic planning techniques, and insight-driven consulting practices to deliver greater value to our clients.
More broadly, we see this as an opportunity to contribute to the development of a stronger export ecosystem by helping companies become more competitive, resilient, and successful in international markets. The programme has provided us not only with new knowledge and skills, but also with the confidence and network needed to create meaningful impact in export development. It is much better to be paid not for the time you spend, but for the impact you make, as it helps scale the business.”
Iryna Pyrih:
“For Horizon Export Agency, completing the ECM programme marks the beginning of our consulting practice.
We are already engaging our first private clients, applying the expertise, methods, and hands-on experience acquired through the programme. We are ready to support businesses seeking international expansion.
What makes our team unique is the diversity of our backgrounds and expertise. Each of us has built a successful career in a different field, but at Horizon Export Agency, we combine our knowledge and experience to create greater value together.
Our mission is clear: we prepare companies for export and international growth. By uniting our knowledge and enthusiasm for international trade, we empower more Ukrainian businesses to bring their products and services to global markets.
For us, this is only the beginning. We are determined to support Ukrainian businesses in achieving global success and creating sustained impact in international trade.”
Q: How has the program influenced your perspective on export development, and how do you see your role in strengthening export opportunities for your country and within European markets in the future?
Victoriia Semenets:
“The programme significantly broadened my perspective on export development. Before joining, I primarily focused on helping companies sell products in international markets and managing export operations. Through the program, I came to understand that sustainable export growth requires much more than sales – it requires strategy, market intelligence, strong partnerships, innovation, and the ability to build resilient business systems.
One of the most valuable lessons for me was recognizing the role of export consultants as facilitators of long-term growth. Successful export development is not only about finding buyers; it is about helping companies become internationally competitive, adapt to market requirements, manage risks, and create lasting value in global markets.
In the future, I see my role as helping Ukrainian companies strengthen their export capabilities and successfully integrate into European and global value chains. I want to support businesses in developing export strategies, entering new markets, building international partnerships, and navigating the complexities of international trade.
At the same time, I believe that stronger Ukrainian exporters contribute to stronger European markets by bringing innovation, resilience, and high-quality products. By helping businesses expand internationally, I hope to contribute not only to the economic growth of Ukraine but also to deeper cooperation and stronger trade relationships between Ukraine and Europe.”
Q: Looking back on the past nine months, how has this experience changed you personally and professionally?
Tetiana Stratii:
“Throughout the course, I applied all my knowledge in practice, which gave me the opportunity to consolidate it as effectively as possible. I have grown professionally and gained more confidence in myself and in my knowledge.
Thanks to our mentors, I understood the true value of consulting and the value of the knowledge we bring to other businesses. Today, I received an offer to cooperate with an international company. For me, this is a very important milestone, as it gives me the opportunity to continue developing and growing further.”
Q: Would you recommend this program to other professionals interested in developing their expertise in export and international business? What advice would you give to future participants before starting such an intensive journey?
Iryna Pyrih:
“Absolutely, I would recommend this programme to anyone who wants to grow professionally, expand their expertise, and deepen their understanding of export development and international business. Whether you are just starting your journey or already have years of experience, the programme offers a unique opportunity to learn from outstanding international mentors, gain hands-on consulting experience through real business projects, and join a strong professional community.
For me, the programme became much more than a learning experience. It strengthened my confidence, expanded my international network, and opened new professional opportunities. One of the greatest values of this journey was not only the knowledge gained but also the personal and professional transformation that happened along the way.
My advice to future participants is simple: take as much as possible from every opportunity the programme offers. Be curious, stay engaged, network actively, and step outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and demonstrate your expertise – some of the best opportunities come when you allow yourself to be seen.
At the same time, be prepared for an intensive journey. It is a marathon made up of seven demanding sprints. Once you step into the boat, you have to keep rowing. It will be challenging at times, but the growth, friendships, confidence, and opportunities you gain make every effort worthwhile.
If you fully commit to the journey, the results may exceed your expectations and have a lasting impact on both your career and your life.”
Q: Finally, if you had to describe this entire journey in one word or one sentence, what would it be?
Iryna Pyrih:
“Momentum.
We came together, became stronger as a team, achieved results, and gained the momentum to continue driving the development of Ukrainian exports. These nine months transformed knowledge into confidence, experience into expertise, and connections into a professional community united by a common purpose.”
The Success Story of Horizon Export Agency opens the Success Story series dedicated to the ECM Program 2025-2026.
In the following weeks, Visionest Institute will continue to present the experiences of all seven teams from Georgia, Ukraine, and Estonia. Each team brought its own perspective, expertise, and working style, contributing to a diverse and dynamic international learning environment.
Together, these stories illustrate the core value of the program – not only in the development of export consulting competencies, but also in the growth of collaboration, applied thinking, and professional confidence across borders.
We are proud to share these journeys and to highlight the professionals behind them – individuals who demonstrated commitment, adaptability, and excellence throughout the program.
As this series continues, we invite readers to follow each story and discover how different teams experienced the ECM journey in their own way.
The Export Consultants Mastery Program 2025-2026 has now concluded in Tallinn. However, for many participants, this marks not an ending, but a new beginning – opening pathways to further collaboration, international projects, and professional growth.
Stay tuned for the next Success Stories from this inspiring international cohort.
