How to Turn an Idea into a Successful Business: 3 Insights from Daria Leshchenko
Have you ever felt your efforts were futile or contemplated a simpler path? Many early-stage founders fail to achieve project success, largely due to poor processes, bad decisions, self-doubt, and unpreparedness for challenges. recently attended a business breakfast, organized by the Mission Possible venture building program, where she shared her journey and insights on building a company.
Building a completely different experience
Daria is originally from the Cherkasy region, having moved to Kyiv to study, she started her career working in service companies, including restaurants, where she was a waitress.
Currently, Daria Leshchenko is the managing partner and co-founder of a group of companies, which consist of SupportYourApp, Label Your Data and Outstaff Your Team.
In addition, Daria is a co-founder of a product AI company, CoSupport AI, which has already received a patent in the US at USPTO.
At some point, Daria had to dismiss the entire team and start working alone, literally living at work. And it worked, the clients were satisfied with the results.
The first six years were extremely difficult, often there was not enough income even for a salary. Daria constantly thought about leaving the business and going to work for another company, but every month she gave herself another chance.
“Now I am proud of the company we have built and I think what we do is sexy.”
Recognizing the need to be in America to attract American clients, Daria moved to Boston. This marked a pivotal moment for the company.
Thinking about ways to find new clients, Daria chose an out-of-the-box strategy. They launched a service project on Product Hunt, understanding that potential clients are located there. This strategy led to the company growing of 3–5 times per year. The organic growth of the company ensured the gradual creation of new functions and departments according to its needs.
Today, SupportYourApp has a team of over 2000 people, providing services in 60 languages and utilizing all communication channels. The company has its own systems, including a help desk, a CRM system, and a chatbot builder tool, which are used by its clients. An important component of the business is the AI component, which strengthens the company and allows it to remain competitive and a strong player in the market.
“There are call centers like boxes where people are like sardines in a can. And there is SupportYourApp, where you see murals, art, lithographs, and everything is different.”
What does it mean to be a CEO?
Insight 1: The role of a leader and his/her responsibilities are constantly changing and it requires new skills and approaches. Entrepreneurs need to continuously learn and adapt to new challenges.
“I’m constantly changing my roles. Sometimes, I’m a hands-on CEO doing operational tasks; other times, I’m fulfilling strategic responsibilities. It’s like being a CEO, but with the added responsibility of personally ensuring things get done.”
Daria shared that during her 13 years of managing people she received the main lesson — that the team is the main asset, and it is essential to motivate and support your team. Only in this case can you build an autonomous team where everyone makes a decision that are beneficial for the company.
Insight 2: Gradual growth allows you to adapt to new responsibilities, which helps to avoid failures in work. Great leaders are made, not born. They should be filled with experience and expertise. It is necessary to gradually build and transform processes.
Insight 3: A philosophical approach to criticism can safeguard the entrepreneur’s emotional wellbeing. With time and experience, Daria learned to approach any comments or criticism from a philosophical perspective. It is important to keep a “cold” mind and make rational decisions.
Daria’s entrepreneurial journey serves as a powerful reminder that unwavering perseverance and unshakeable faith in oneself are the cornerstones of achieving success in any project. Keep going, even when everything seems futile and unattainable — keep moving forward and your mission will become possible.
