Social elevator or leadership institution? Discover why WOG prioritizes the growth of its employees.

The development of employees' careers at WOG is nurtured at every stage – from assessing leadership potential during the hiring process to creating individual development plans, training, and forming a talent pool.

"Talent development translates into increased competitiveness for the company and helps reduce employee turnover," says WOG HR Director Ivanna Baranyk. "Every employee has the opportunity for professional growth, regardless of their position or gender, because a developing employee inevitably becomes more effective and gets noticed. Not only does their scope of authority expand and their rewards increase, but their responsibilities also grow. As a result, the company benefits from a motivated, loyal, and productive employee who contributes to achieving the strategic goals of the business."

Ivanna Baranyk notes that if an employee performs their tasks professionally, shows a desire and ability to realize their potential, is eager to develop, persistent, and results-oriented, possesses leadership and moral qualities, and can work with people, they will certainly have the opportunity to ascend the career ladder.

There are many such examples within the company.

Liliya Diakonova, Director of the Analytics Division at WOG.

Analyzing expenses and planning revenues are key tasks for the division led by Liliya Diakonova. The effectiveness of its operations directly impacts the successful functioning and growth of the business.

In April, it marked 24 years since Liliya started working at WOG. She is one of those who were there at the company's inception. She began as a marketer in the commercial department. In 2003, she became a specialist, then a chief economist, and in 2007, she headed the company's economic department. For the last five years, she has led the analytics division. Many people have to change companies, often multiple times, to achieve such a career. What prompted Liliya to remain loyal to WOG?

"First and foremost, it’s the opportunity for continuous development, the innovation, and the dynamism of the company," says the analytics director. "It’s never boring here. Business processes and approaches change, and along with them, you grow and develop. Another important factor is the team – both professional and humane."

"Management always supports the desire to move forward. During my time with the company, I have attended numerous courses and training sessions. It’s incredibly valuable that the company provided me with the opportunity to earn an MBA from the Lviv Institute of Management," emphasizes Liliya Diakonova.

The knowledge and skills gained are particularly relevant in times of war. "As a leader, you must be able to work effectively with your team, understand the level of stress and pressure that people are experiencing. You must be able to respond quickly with unconventional actions and approaches to completely unpredictable and unplanned changes in the company, business, and market," the interviewee summarizes.

Victor Smirnov, Director of the Kyiv Regional Directorate.

Victor joined WOG in 2013 as a manager of a fuel station in Krasnoarmiysk (now Pokrovsk). "It was a team of professionals," he recalls. "The director of the division that included our fuel station was an example of a demanding yet effective manager with a very humane approach to the team. This inspired and motivated us to develop and work towards results."

Within three years, Victor became the regional manager of the Donetsk cluster, working with teams from various fuel stations. A key task was to improve the business performance of the region.

In 2018, Victor was offered to head the revenue department, then the department overseeing the operations of fuel stations. In March 2020, he took over the Kharkiv Regional Directorate. At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, it was one of those most affected by the aggressor. "Two of our fuel stations are located 30 and 35 km from the border with Russia. From the very first day, explosions were heard nearby, and battles were occurring on the outskirts of Kharkiv. The fuel stations had to operate at the first opportunity without risking the life and health of the staff – refueling military vehicles, critical infrastructure, and allowing people to leave the region. We managed to accomplish this," Victor recalls.

He continues: "In wartime, it’s essential to be flexible and adaptive, to make decisions and act quickly, to support and motivate the team to maintain their faith and productivity."

Since May 2023, Victor has been leading the Kyiv Regional Directorate.

"Throughout my 10 years with the company, I have felt constant support from the company and have been inspired by colleagues with whom I have grown. This has energized me, driving me to move forward," the interviewee concludes.

Mykola Shkurynskyi, Director of the Zhytomyr Regional Directorate.

"In June 2017, I joined as an operator at a fuel station in Kurakhove and immediately fell in love with the company. I believe that if you love what you do, the results will follow," Mykola begins. "I always ask myself, 'What more can I do?' I answer and then do it."

This approach to work did not go unnoticed. Within a year, Mykola became the manager of a fuel station in Mariupol, and later the regional manager of the fuel station management department in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions. Thus, he had the opportunity to operate on a larger scale.

"Whenever I lacked certain knowledge, the company always helped me acquire it. If you want to work better with analytics – here’s a course for advanced Excel study; if you need to enhance your public speaking skills – we’ll invite you to the relevant masterclass. Regular training, workshops, working with coaches, assessments, and a plethora of courses and literature on the Corporate University website," Mykola lists the opportunities.

His motto: do 1% more each day, and the company will definitely notice and support you. And it truly works. In October 2022, Mykola Shkurynskyi became the head of the Zhytomyr Regional Directorate. And that brings new tasks and challenges.

"In wartime, to implement ambitious plans and tasks, the team needs not just a classic manager but a true leader who will guide and protect their 'flock,' clearly understanding the direction to move in, at what speed, and will always lead by example – showing how to react to situations and cope with difficulties," the interviewee emphasizes.