Meet Kateryna

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kateryna. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kateryna below.

Hi Kateryna , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I have my husband and my family. They’ve always supported me. And being honest, sometimes I get a strong feeling that my husband believes in me much more than I believe in myself. And we do lots of things together to succeed. We have same goals. With that type of support you can’t lose. But I hadn’t always had him by my side. Since my early childhood, and years later when I was on my own, I’ve always known I was meant for greater things, I’ve always felt that “burning” in my guts that kept me pushing towards my dreams and goals achieving. If you’re meant for something – you can’t escape that. Just keep going whatever the cost. It won’t be easy. But you’ll get there.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’ve been acting and doing music as long as I remember myself. It’s just something you eventually can’t imagine yourself without.
I’ve been in lots of musical projects as a singer, from pop style to metal, and now I know for sure that my heart belongs to rock music and there’s no turning back. It’s like my secret power that makes me feel hilariously happy. And same with acting. I’ve been a leading actress in theatres for most part of my conscious life. Being on stage/on set gives me those “wings”, and I know why I’m here, I know the purpose.
I’m Ukrainian and I’m proud to be one. My nation taught me so many values about art and culture. And most importantly, how to be kind and have courage to share it with the world.
Right now I’m building my path into acting in Hollywood. It’s a dream that now feels more real than ever. And together with my husband we are working on the musical part of our lives. He’s the most determined, inspiring and talented musician I’ve ever met. He transforms on stage and makes people go crazy like a magician. I learned a lot from him.
The war in Ukraine made us leave our country and start our lives all over. It wasn’t an easy decision to make. Our journey was tough, and it could easily become a scenario to a new Hollywood movie. But now, finally, we’re ready to share our art with the world.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

First, and most important, is an “unhealthy” belief in yourself. No matter what the odds are, no matter what stage of life you’re in right now, you HAVE to believe in yourself and stick to that faith in the toughest, darkest times. And when people call you crazy, don’t disappoint them. Do crazy things on the way to your dream. This is how you get there.
Second, always get better in your field of expertise. Whatever it is: art, science, sales etc. Learn new things, take courses, watch YouTube/movies that will help you grow, read books, talk to people from your industry and learn from them! World changes and evolves so fast. Do not stop. Go, go, go!
Third, surround yourself with people that believe in you and will help you grow. Surround with those who inspire you. People are an undervalued resource these days. You’ll be surprised how the right surrounding can influence you in the most positive way, and will help you to get where you want to be faster.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

To be seen and heard. Hollywood is such a giant and powerful industry. It’s a concentration of the most talented and beautiful people from all around the world. They all came here to be seen and heard. The competition is fierce. What makes some of us get to where we want to be, and others to be left aside? Courage. And persistence, on my opinion.
Courage to get out of our comfort zone and talk to people, show our talent and what we stand for. To grow and not be afraid of that growth. But to not change who we are inside, our authenticity.
Be persistent in what we want and disciplined in what we do. Doesn’t matter how many “no” we hear on our way – we go there over, and over, and over again until we make it. Until we’re heard and seen. And we will be.
I want to build a successful acting career in Hollywood, I want to build a successful musical career with my husband. It requires a lot of work and patience. And of course, I am afraid at times to take a step.. But I take it anyway. Of course, I’ve made mistakes on my way, I still do.. But that’s the precious experience that makes me stronger and smarter, and I’m beyond grateful for that. I do not give up, but move forward, as I know that one day I will get to where I want to be.

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