Part 1 of 3: Interviewing Ad Astra Project Management’s Founder
Photo Courtesy: Evgeniia Potapov

Part 1 of 3: Interviewing Ad Astra Project Management’s Founder

By: Stephen Hudson

Charting a Dynamic Career

Q: Eugeniia, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Please provide an overview of your professional journey.

A: Thank you for having me. My career has been an incredible journey of learning and growth, starting in Russia and now extending globally. Over the past decade, I’ve worked in industries like pharmaceuticals, consulting, and IT, each offering unique challenges and opportunities.

My professional journey began at Global Pharma Company, where I led legal restructuring initiatives that aligned regional operations with global governance frameworks. These projects demanded technical precision and strategic alignment across diverse teams and geographies. Later, I ventured into entrepreneurship as the co-founder of CacaoJet, a food manufacturing business with wholesale contracts supplying supermarkets nationwide. Building a company from the ground up was a transformative experience that taught me the importance of resilience, creativity, and adaptability.

Currently, as the founder of Ad Astra Project Management, I focus on helping organizations navigate complex transformations. From legal restructuring to operating model redesigns and leadership development, Ad Astra is committed to delivering tailored solutions that drive measurable results and lasting impact.

Q: What inspired you to specialize in strategic transformation and program management?

A: Strategic transformation combines creativity, structure, and real-world impact—all things that I am deeply passionate about. I’ve always been drawn to the challenge of solving complex problems and turning ambitious visions into actionable plans.

At Global Pharma, I saw firsthand how well-orchestrated transformations could empower teams, streamline operations, and unlock significant value. During my entrepreneurial journey with CacaoJet, I experienced the importance of agility and customer-centricity. These experiences reinforced my belief that effective transformation requires a balance of structure and flexibility, strategy and execution.

Q: How has working across multiple industries shaped your approach to transformation?

A: Each industry has taught me valuable lessons. Pharmaceuticals emphasize precision, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration. Consulting provided me with a framework for analyzing challenges and creating scalable solutions. On the other hand, entrepreneurship required me to think on my feet, innovate constantly, and focus on delivering value to customers.

These diverse experiences have shaped my ability to approach transformation from multiple angles. At Ad Astra, we leverage this breadth of perspective to create practical and visionary solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Leadership at Global Pharma: A Foundation for Strategic Excellence

Q: Your tenure at Global Pharma was a significant chapter in your career. Could you elaborate on your role and the impact of the projects you managed?

A: At Global Pharma, I was a Senior Project Manager, leading legal restructuring initiatives across the CIS region. These projects were critical for streamlining operations, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and aligning regional activities with the company’s global governance model.

One of my most significant projects involved consolidating multiple legal entities to create a unified operational structure. This effort streamlined operational efficiency led to administrative synergies, and improved decision-making efficiency. Achieving these outcomes required close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including finance, HR, supply chain, legal, and external advisors.

Q: What challenges did you face during these restructuring initiatives?

A: Legal restructuring is inherently complex, especially in a multinational context. One of the biggest challenges was navigating diverse regulatory landscapes while maintaining alignment with global standards. To address this, I relied heavily on collaboration with local teams and legal experts to ensure compliance without compromising the project’s overarching goals.

Another challenge was managing organizational change. Restructuring often introduces uncertainty, which can affect employee morale and engagement. By fostering transparent communication and engaging key stakeholders throughout the process, we built trust and ensured a smoother transition.

Q: How did these experiences influence your approach at Ad Astra?

A: My time at Global Pharma taught me the importance of balancing strategic vision with operational practicality. At Ad Astra, we apply these principles to every project, ensuring our clients achieve seamless transitions and measurable outcomes. Whether legal restructuring or operational transformation, our approach is always grounded in collaboration, precision, and alignment with the client’s goals.

Published by Anne C.

(Ambassador)

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