Leonid Zhelezniak🇺🇦

About Leonid Zhelezniak

Operations Manager (ex-Ubisoft, ex-KPMG) at Defence tech, Ukraine

I work in commercial operations in Ukraine's defense tech sector, one of the fastest-moving defense ecosystems in the world right now. Before that, I was a Delivery/Project Manager at Ubisoft, working on the Ubisoft Connect platform. That mix gives me a rare view of how building technology differs between a global consumer platform and a wartime defense industry.

Happy to talk about: moving into defense tech from commercial IT or finance, how delivery and commercial work change when the end user is on the front line, working with stakeholders and cross-functional teams, bridging tech and finance, PRINCE2 and Agile in real projects, and building an international career from Ukraine.

Bring a concrete question or challenge, and we'll work out a practical next step.

Expertise

Sessions with Leonid Zhelezniak

• Changing careers into tech or defence tech (30 min): I changed careers twice: from 10 years in finance (audit, investment banking) to QA at Ubisoft, then to project and operations management, and recently into defence tech. We can talk about how to make the move, what transfers from your old field, how to position yourself, and what to expect in the first year. Come with your background and one concrete decision you're facing.
• Delivery, stakeholders and growing into team lead (30 min): 8 years at Ubisoft on the Ubisoft Connect platform: release management, QA operations, automation, reporting to stakeholders, onboarding and growing people. Good fit if you're a PM, delivery manager, QA lead or new team lead and want practical input on processes, stakeholder communication or building your team. Bring a real situation from your work. Tip: please join with a headset and a stable connection.
• Defence tech in Ukraine: build, test, scale (30 min): A perspective from inside Ukraine's defence tech ecosystem after 4+ years of war: how requirements form, why production and supply chains are the hard part, how development and testing differ from civilian IT. Industry-level discussion only; I don't discuss my employer's products or internal details. Best for founders, engineers and analysts researching the sector. Tip: please join with a headset and a stable connection.

What mentees say

“I had a productive session with my mentor, who provided incredible insights and addressed all my queries with amazing communication and problem-solving skills. His motivation and subject knowledge truly stood out, making the experience both enriching and constructive. I highly recommend booking a session with him, as I believe others may benefit even more”

“I had an outstanding experience with Leon! His amazing communication skills and deep subject knowledge truly guided me through my challenges. He motivated me to push my boundaries and excel. I highly recommend booking a session with him; his support exceeded my expectations and will undoubtedly benefit anyone seeking”