We recently connected with Olga Shykalo and have shared our conversation below.
Olga, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Building my confidence and self-esteem has been a gradual, transformative journey rather than an overnight success. It’s been about learning to embrace challenges, finding lessons in failures, and celebrating even the smallest victories. Early in my career, I often doubted myself, especially while leading campaigns for global giants like Dell, SAP, Google, and Intel. These high-pressure roles taught me to think strategically, trust my expertise, and remain calm when stakes were high — a skill I didn’t realize I was building at the time.
This year, I took a leap of faith and launched RAYANA, my own brand, during one of the most uncertain periods in Ukraine. It was far from easy, but I poured everything I had into creating something meaningful. The process taught me resilience, how to trust in my vision, and the power of staying consistent, even when things felt impossible. Building RAYANA hasn’t been just a professional milestone — it’s been deeply personal, a testament to years of hard work and unwavering belief in what I could achieve.
Mentorship has been another cornerstone of my growth. Programs like PRJCTR, BUD, and Seeds of Bravery have allowed me to support others in their journeys, which, in turn, helped me discover my own strengths. This year, I even launched my own email marketing intensive — a project I once thought was beyond my reach. But I’ve learned that confidence doesn’t come from waiting to feel ready; it comes from staying curious, taking risks, and showing up even when you’re unsure.
If there’s one lesson my journey has taught me, it’s that success isn’t about perfection or overnight victories. It’s about showing up consistently, trusting the process, and letting curiosity lead the way. Every challenge, every step, has brought me closer to where I want to be — and I’m just getting started.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m driven by a passion for creating things that matter — projects that connect with people and make a difference. I thrive on turning ideas into reality, whether it’s building brands, creating systems, or launching new ventures. Seeing those ideas grow and positively impact others is what motivates me every day.
Professionally, I wear a few hats. I’m the founder of RAYANA, a textile brand that blends premium quality with sustainability. We create products for people and businesses who value comfort and care, and I’m excited to be building something meaningful in such challenging times. I’m also the partner and CMO at DUOTET, where we simplify accounting and legal processes to help businesses focus on what truly matters — growth and innovation.
Beyond my brands, I find so much fulfillment in mentoring and teaching. Sharing what I’ve learned and helping others unlock their potential fuels my own growth. Right now, I’m focused on expanding RAYANA, mentoring the next generation of marketing professionals, and continuing to create meaningful, impactful work. For me, it’s all about driving progress — for my brands, my clients, and the people I work with.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you approach every challenge. For me, three qualities stand out:
– <b>Adaptability</b>: Learning to act quickly and embrace change has been a game-changer. Whether it’s pivoting strategies or picking up new skills, staying flexible has kept me moving forward.
– <b>Curiosity</b>: Staying hungry to learn and grow has been my driving force. Even when things felt tough, that desire to improve pushed me to keep going.
– <b>Confidence</b>: Believing in myself and trusting my instincts has been essential. Confidence gave me the courage to take risks, lead, and make bold decisions.
These qualities align with what I call Aptitude, Attitude, and Altitude: the ability to learn, the mindset to stay driven, and the ambition to reach new heights. Together, they’ve been my foundation for growth and success.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Two years ago, I finally connected with Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand after several attempts. It came to me at just the right moment — a turning point in my life — and left a profound impact.
One line resonated deeply:
“The world you desire can be won. It exists… it is real… it is possible… it’s yours.”
At a time of uncertainty, those words gave me the courage to trust my vision, take risks, and stay true to myself. The book challenged me to confront my doubts, push past limits — both external and internal — and believe that meaningful success is possible with resilience and boldness.
Its lessons continue to guide me, shaping how I face challenges, make decisions, and build what truly matters. It’s a powerful reminder that the only limits are the ones we choose to break through.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olgashykalo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-shykalo/
