It is about a woman who feels her way with her heart and knows nothing is impossible. We continue to get inspired and inspire you by the stories of Ukrainian women. In an interview with 'GOSSIP Magazine', we present Tetiana Pikhota, the Director of Axis Educational Centre, entrepreneur, Master of Linguistics, who also has a Degree in International Business and Arts. Tetiana learns 7 foreign languages and knows how to realize her potential fully and be a harmonious person. 
Tetiana, after reading your regalia, everyone will be convinced that you are a determined, ambitious woman for whom personal development comes first. What does realization mean to you in general?
Self-realization is about balance, inner harmony and development for me. Each of us has the potential to be turned into something incredible if realized. I am for balance in everything. The balance between individual approach and systematic approach, between business profitability and charity, between introducing innovations and honoring traditions, the balance between work and personal life. Spending time with my family and my son is as important as achieving success in my business.
What are your ambitions now? Where is your focus?
I am very ambitious, and I raise the bar even higher every time I achieve a goal (smiling). Today, I focus on the latest technologies, primarily in medical education. I am passionate about VR, AR solutions and high-tech robotic simulation that can be used in various simulation processes, skills training, and education in general. I cooperate with manufacturers worldwide (USA, Canada, Europe) and constantly monitor the latest technologies and look for the most advanced solutions.
You are the Director of Business Development at ONIKO Company. Tell us about this project. What is its value?
ONIKO Company is 30 years old, and I've been working there for 15 years. We started with basic models for training, and now we offer solutions like the most daring inventions of modern science fiction. Throughout these years, I have observed how the approach to medical education is changing. In 2018, I presented the first AR solutions for medical simulation in Ukraine, and it all felt like a space flight. Only a few years have passed, and many educational institutions already use these technologies.
So, the company supplies robotic simulation equipment for medical education. How are such projects supported in Ukraine?
I am delighted that many experts in Ukraine sincerely believe in their work and want the best, the most advanced for their educational institutions. We have moved away from the post-Soviet approach long ago. Today, young professionals are involved in the process of creating curricula, offering and choosing methods and means of teaching modern students. This is really progressive.
I know that you are also the Director of Axis Educational Centre, a boutique foreign language school. Could you tell us where your love for foreign languages came from and how this love turned into a business?
Yes, that's right. In my opinion, a business built on love and passion cannot but succeed, and Axis Educational Center is exactly like this (smiling). Communication is one of my strengths. During my career, I have visited more than 50 countries, participated in thousands of negotiations, and signed hundreds of contracts. All of this was made possible through my knowledge of languages. “As many languages you know, as many times you are a human being,” Goethe said. There is indeed something in this. Each language opens up a new facet of personality, and speaking the language native to a person is priceless. Language matters!
Each language opens up a new facet of personality, and speaking the language native to a person is priceless. Language matters!
After the outbreak of a full-scale war in Ukraine, how did your approach to business change? How did you motivate your team, and what inspired you?
We remained true to our values, such as expertise, individual approach, and “we do everything with love” attitude. What has changed? The business has become more systematic. Our employees now live not only in different cities but also in different countries. Suppose we are talking about small and medium-sized businesses. In that case, I am convinced that everything starts with the owner/manager because we create a business according to our personal compass, our own values. Sometimes the business reflects our personal mission. Next, a team is created based on the same criteria. With growth and systematization, individuality can be somewhat lost, but if values are the basis, everything will work as it should!
Tetiana, you are learning 7 languages, and it's a wow! There is an opinion that an adult gets the new knowledge worse than a child does. Could you explain, using your own example, how you can speak, write and think in 7 languages?
That's a great question! I believe that everything is real and everything is possible. The brain is neuroplastic, but prejudices and beliefs are sometimes our main enemies. Love yourself, accept yourself, understand yourself, and continue working on yourself and your improvement. What does this mean? As a teacher, I know that, besides the level of language proficiency, it is important to consider the students’ psychotype, assess their reactions, and manner of communication. All these factors are the key to choosing the right course, program, and teacher. No approach or methodology is universal for everyone.
Who or what inspires you? After all, you have chosen to work in related but still different fields.
I work in education and see my purpose in helping to improve the level of education in different fields and for different people. I believe in people and I am sure that each individual's constant self-improvement will make the world a better place. Who inspires me? Primarily, those who enjoy life, do their job with love and improve themselves. These people usually create something incredible. My environment also inspires me. I am a member of various business communities and associations. It is essential to be with someone who is on the same wavelenth with you. Of course, my son inspires me. I learn a lot from him and grow up with him. Believe in yourself, take responsibility for your life and pursue your dreams!
tetiana.pikhota
www.axisec.ua
