Overcoming Life's Challenges While Learning Online

Published June 11, 2024

Courses mentioned in this post: Strategy Execution for Public Leadership

Through our online learning model, we’re proud to bring lessons from the Harvard classroom to learners worldwide. That often means that learners approach the course concepts from their own physical environments and everything that comes with them. For some, that may be their kitchen table after a long day of working and taking care of their kids. For others, it could be while living a nomad lifestyle, trotting around the globe to the next adventure.

For Oleksandr Bereza, a learner in our Strategy Execution for Public Leadership course, this meant finishing his online course work amidst the war in his home country of Ukraine.

Bereza was born and raised in Mykolayiv, Ukraine, and is the Head of Administration of the Central District of Mykolayiv City Council. His educational background goes deep beyond his time with Harvard Online, with his degrees from the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine, and a PhD in Public Administration. Prior to his position with the Mykolayiv City Council, Bereza worked in the State Service for Ukraine’s Export Control, the Defense Council of Ukraine, and as an Advisor to a member of the Parliament of Ukraine.

With such a lauded educational and professional career, Bereza dove deeper into his world of public administration with lessons from Harvard Kennedy School faculty and former Pentagon Chief of Staff Eric Rosenbach. Bereza shared his thoughts with us on what led him to take Strategy Execution for Public Leadership and how the course lessons have already made an impact on his work.

Harvard Online (HO): What drove you to initially want to enroll in an online course?

Oleksandr Bereza (OB): My life credo is to be better today than you were yesterday. I’m sure that development accelerates our lives. I clearly understand that to rebuild my country and to make it better, we need a new background, new knowledge, and smart instruments in the sphere of economic and public administration. This inspired me to strengthen my skills and enroll in the Strategy Execution for Public Leadership course.

HO: What is the most important lesson or takeaway you received from the Strategy Execution for Public Leadership course?

OB: First of all, in Ukraine, we don’t read manuals. So, learning how to read recommendations or instructions before starting something was a learning curve. I also learned how to make a risk assessment. While it’s a simple concept, assessment modeling does help provide a quick understanding of perspectives and risks.

HO: You have a unique perspective as you’ve been working in the depths of war and reconstruction while simultaneously taking this course. Have you experienced any parallels between course lessons and what you’ve dealt with in your own career?

OB: In any situation, even the most critical, such as war, we should have not only a strategy but also understand its execution. We should combine people to be responsible and openly articulate the current situation.

HO: Some may believe that taking a course during such a challenging time in one’s career adds a layer of stress, while others may believe the timeliness is useful. How did you feel about adding coursework to your busy career?

OB: The Strategy Execution for Public Leadership course helped me shift my attention and focus on future issues. Because during war, we should prepare ourselves for our victory and our future.

HO: Have you been able to implement any of your lessons from Strategy Execution for Public Leadership into your work and/or community? What impacts have your actions made on your community or work teams?

OB: Yes, the concept of risk assessment has been deeply impactful in my work. The course changed my understanding of human resources management, interactions with the media, and work with members of my team. I’ve also briefly analyzed some reconstruction projects with the help of PESTLE analysis.

HO: How have you been able to connect with your fellow Strategy Execution for Public Leadership learners?

OB: A fellow learner from our cohort created a community on LinkedIn. In this group, we communicate, send birthday invitations, and support new stages of careers.

HO: You said that you have a desire to take more Harvard Online courses and expand your involvement to in-person events on the Harvard campus. What does it mean to you to be a Harvard Online learner?

OB: For me, being a Harvard Online learner means having access to very effective and smart tools for personal development. Online learning allows you to learn even during war conflicts.

HO: What’s one piece of advice about online learning that you would give to the Harvard Online community?

OB: Be free with your ideas, share your own experience, and communicate with your cohort.

For more information or to enroll in the next cohort of Strategy Execution for Public Leadership, check out the course page here.