Slava Ukraini! Heroiam slava!
In a personal piece, Associate Dean Ford (Creative Director of The Modern Agency) shares his own experience of how the war has affected his outlook on business and what we can do to help.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, The Modern Agency like so many businesses, stopped to think about how we could or even should, be marketing our services. With family, friends and colleagues in Ukraine, the horror of the unfolding war occupied almost every moment of my day, and frankly many moments of my night.
Our home resembled a newsroom with constant calls and messages to family, arranging UK visas for travel, and finding last minute hotels at midnight in Romania for those who had decided, or were able, to leave.
There were many other calls and messages with those remaining in Kyiv or travelling to other towns or village locations in the hope of safety, all against a backdrop of rolling TV news.
It didn't feel right to be talking about such 'first world issues' like branding, design and marketing, when so many people didn't know if they, their children or parents would still be alive in the morning. But of course business has continued for us all outside of Ukraine throughout this period.
But what a privilege it is for most of us to be able to run businesses, to work, to wake up each morning for another day of making a difference. These are the things our Ukrainian family, friends and colleagues took for granted too just a few weeks ago, and what they are fighting so bravely for now.
The spirit of Ukraine has shone through with the strength of the people and the amazing leadership of Zelenskyy. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all in their fight for freedom, and a return to their homes and peaceful lives; those who still have homes, those who still have a life. So let's support them in every way we can; but let's also make the most of every day we have to run our businesses successfully, and to help others to do the same.
On a personal note, Ukraine has become my second country, Kyiv my second city. I have always been made so welcome there. You are treated as a friend first, a customer second. Ukrainians have a deep love for their country, and a no-nonsense approach to life, lived with a wry sense of humour. Many of us could learn a lot.
Thankfully, our family members who were able to leave are now safe here in London. There has been an overwhelming amount of support from friends, colleagues and complete strangers with donations of toys, children's clothes and money, for which we are truly grateful.
However, the war goes on, and the future of the country and the many millions affected by it is uncertain. One thing is for sure, the Ukrainian people will never give in to Russian aggression.
If you are able to make a donation to help those both in Ukraine, and those who have become refugees, please do so at DEC or through Unicef.
Slava Ukraini! Heroiam slava!
