Inspired by Taiwan’s determination to strengthen its ability to respond to natural disasters and other challenges, AmCham Taiwan on October 18 co-hosted an online forum, attended by members and livestreamed to a wider audience, with AmCham Ukraine. Entitled Whole-of-Society Resilience: Insights from AmCham Ukraine for a Stronger Tomorrow, the event brought together leading voices from Ukraine’s business community to share vital lessons on antifragility, business continuity, and crisis management.

Featured speakers were Andy Hunder, president of AmCham Ukraine; Kristina Linichenko, McDonald’s GR, ESG, and Philanthropy manager for Ukraine, Czech Republic, and Slovakia; Artem Prykhodko, general manager of InterContinental Kyiv; and Leonid Polupan, director of Microsoft Ukraine. The moderator was AmCham Taiwan Chairperson Dan Silver.

As Silver noted during opening remarks, “AmCham Ukraine and its members have persevered through extraordinary disruptions. They have succeeded by placing careful attention to planning and responding to the needs of their stakeholders and customers with agility.”

During the session, Andy Hunder recounted the early days of the Russian invasion in February 2022. Despite predictions of a quick fall of Kyiv, Ukraine’s robust contingency planning, international support, and resilience enabled it to withstand the attack.

“Kyiv stands, Ukraine stands, and business stands united with Ukraine,” said Hunder, emphasizing the importance of solid communication, adaptive planning, and the unwavering spirit of Ukrainian businesses.

Hunder related how AmCham Ukraine has been able to maintain operations during the war. In wartime, he said, difficult decisions are made daily, with leaders constantly weighing moral and strategic implications. Women have also taken on more leadership roles, reflecting the unique challenges posed by the conscription of men aged 18-60.

He also detailed how companies prepared for the invasion by securing paper maps, cash reserves, and fuel, as well as establishing communication channels with government bodies. The rapid shift of critical infrastructure to cloud services was pivotal, Hunder said. “The safest place for key infrastructure is up in the cloud,” he noted, reflecting on how this shift helped maintain uninterrupted operations.

Kristina Linichenko shared how McDonald’s Ukraine adapted its operations to safeguard both safety and business continuity. With 104 of its 119 restaurants in Ukraine currently operational, McDonald’s has built shelters near its outlets to protect customers and staff during air raids.

Linichenko described the challenges of managing closures and evacuations during missile attacks, evolving from 15-minute to 5-minute shutdown procedures. She emphasized that “people come first,” noting the company’s commitment to paying salaries throughout the crisis, even to mobilized employees. McDonald’s also distributed 320,000 food kits to families in need, demonstrating a strong commitment to community support.

Artem Prykhodko recounted how InterContinental Kyiv remained open throughout the invasion, maintaining five-star service despite air raids and resource shortages. Prykhodko’s initial directive to his staff was clear: “Stay safe where you are,” as moving to and from the hotel posed significant risks. The hotel adapted rapidly, securing food, water, diesel, and other essential supplies. It also transformed its shelter into a secure, comfortable environment for staff and guests.

The InterContinental became the base for international media and diplomatic delegations, hosting leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. Prykhodko credited a combination of strong leadership and transparent communication for sustaining operations, noting that the hotel’s full autonomy, including water supply and internet connectivity, played a crucial role.

“Leadership is immensely important,” he said, adding that the situation required strict, directive management to ensure safety and stability.

Leonid Polupan offered insights into the cyber dimension of the conflict, emphasizing the strategic importance of cybersecurity in modern warfare. He explained that the first strike of the invasion was not physical but cyber, targeting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. Microsoft had already partnered with Ukrainian authorities months before the invasion, helping migrate data to the cloud. This proactive approach preserved continuity despite heavy cyber and physical attacks.

Polupan highlighted that Russia’s war in Ukraine is a “3D war,” involving conventional attacks, media propaganda, and cyber warfare. He emphasized the need for governments to prioritize access to cutting-edge technology and collaborate closely with the private sector. “Innovation is our asymmetric answer,” he said.

The session concluded with actionable insights for Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, rapid decision-making, and public-private collaboration. Hunder stressed the need for speed and communication in crisis response, while Polupan urged rethinking critical infrastructure and ensuring fast access to technological solutions. The speakers collectively emphasized that resilience is built through unity, innovation, and a relentless commitment to safeguarding employees, businesses, and communities.

This event not only highlighted the extraordinary resilience of Ukraine’s business community but also provided valuable lessons for Taiwan as it seeks to enhance its own whole-of-society resilience. As Hunder aptly put it, “It’s not about survival – it’s about thriving in adversity.”