“I applied for a job I wasn’t fully qualified for—at least on paper,” says Iryna Tytarchuk, Executive Director at Ukraine’s Investment and Trade Facilitation Centre, in the latest episode of She’s Next Talks, empowered by Visa.
Back then, she was a university lecturer with deep expertise in agricultural policy but only intermediate English. “I rehearsed idioms just in case,” she laughs. “But at the interview, they never even asked.” She got the job—and it changed everything.
Today, Iryna leads both policy work and grassroots entrepreneurship initiatives. She’s also the founder of Women In, a platform born from a simple observation: “Most of the people showing up to export training sessions were women—and most had more questions than confidence.” That realisation turned into action, then into a movement supporting female-led SMEs in navigating finance, strategy, and global markets.
When war broke out in Ukraine, Irina saw both devastation and reinvention. “Some businesses were destroyed—literally,” she says. “Others pivoted with extraordinary courage. It wasn’t just about survival. They learned to calculate, strategise, export. They became true businesswomen.”
She’s clear-eyed about the challenges, including access to finance and the biases women face in male-dominated investment circles. “We need to stop romanticising support,” she warns. “It’s not just about helping women because they’re women—it’s about recognising the innovation and value they bring.”
Iryna is also redefining leadership. “Mentorship isn't therapy,” she says. “It’s about accountability, structure, and growth. And yes, we need more of it—especially in Eastern Europe, where the concept is still new.”
“Iryna’s story is full of grit, warmth and practical reinvention,” says podcast host Andrew Wrobel. “She doesn’t just support women—she challenges them to own their potential and make bold moves.”
Looking back, Irina has one message for her younger self: “Ask for help. Sooner. You’re not alone. And if something feels off—change it. Don’t wait five years like I did.”