While I've always had a deep understanding of our services and products, it wasn't until last week that I experienced first-hand the intricacies of security management during my trip to Ukraine.
As the Head of Marketing and Digital at Spearfish, I've had the privilege of working with a remarkable global team engaged in projects across some of the world's most delicate yet captivating countries. Our focus at Spearfish is on Security Risk Management, ensuring that individuals operating in fragile environments receive the necessary support, tools, and training to carry out their essential work.
With just a week's notice, I embarked on a journey to Ukraine, where Spearfish has been actively operating since May. Our country manager, Charlie, who has been residing in Ukraine since 2015, accompanied me on this trip. The purpose was multi-faceted: to undergo a Journey Management exercise, immerse myself in the client's perspective, and observe our security protocols.
The journey began with my arrival in Rzeszow in Poland, where Charlie met me at the airport and drove across the border into Ukraine. The trip allowed me to meet our Training Team in Lviv, witness a First Aid course, and engage with clients. The subsequent 600-kilometre road trip then continued to Kyiv, where I spent 48 hours meeting clients, the team, lawyers, and accountants before returning to Poland on the long but very comfortable train journey.
While I had been eager to travel and meet our global team for a while, nerves set in as the departure date approached. My family, understandably concerned due to media reports on Ukraine, added an extra layer of anticipation. As a 'client,' I underwent the standard travel form submission, a routine I often oversee as Head of Digital. This was followed by a comprehensive travel briefing highlighting security assessments, risks, mitigating measures, and the on-ground expertise provided by our Regional Security Advisors (RSAs).
The trip was an eye-opener from the start. Before we drove across the border, Charlie detailed the car's contents, emphasising the presence of essential equipment, including a First Aid Kit, a car window hammer, and personal protective equipment (PPE). This was when the reality of visiting a conflict zone sank in.
The decision to arrive at the border early in the morning was wise. We were only four cars from the front, and the border was a relatively painless crossing. It may sound like an obvious point to mention, but it was at the crossing that I realised that being unable to understand, speak, or read the Ukrainian language would be a barrier. English is spoken but only sometimes and indeed not translated on signposts. At the border, the sight of Ukrainian men crossing into Poland for army training served as a stark reminder of the country's conscription reality.
We arrived just before lunch. As we walked through Lviv's beautiful city centre, the cultural richness and resilience of the Ukrainian people were evident. The war has touched the city, most notably by martial law enforcing a curfew between 11 pm and 5 am each night. The sound of air raid alerts at least twice daily punctuated the peace and charm of its golden-domed churches, cobbled streets, great restaurants, and bars. Conversations with Charlie revealed his experiences in Ukraine since 2015, offering me a deeper understanding of the country and its long, complicated relationship with Russia.
Whilst in Lviv, there was a large missile and drone attack against Kyiv. This created concern, but we reassessed the mission and decided to continue monitoring the situation. The sirens worked well, and the country's air defence systems were highly effective. The experience of air raid sirens and discussions on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) highlighted the delicate balance between preparedness and practicality. The city's residents displayed a remarkable blend of normalcy and vigilance, a testament to their resilience. Before getting into bed each evening, I ensured I had my grab bag, clothes and shoes ready in case I needed to make my way to the shelter.
The road trip to Kyiv further showcased Ukraine's vastness and distinctive regions. Nearly every house, shop, and town hall flying the Ukrainian flag as sign of solidari . As we got closer to the outskirts of Kyiv, I could see areas of destruction caused by drone attacks, which underscored the gravity of the situation.
he city is a brilliant blend of classic Soviet Union Architecture and more Western influences; there is a café culture like everywhere else in Europe. It snowed most of the time while we were there, and the Kyiv pavements were like skating rinks. I was relieved that even the toughest-looking Ukrainians were slipping as much as I was.
The prospect of Putin targeting the country's utilities and infrastructure was sobering. In a city where the modern conveniences of life are often taken for granted, the sudden loss of electricity and heating would transform daily existence into a struggle for survival. The quaint cafes that provide warmth and refuge would go dark, and winter's biting cold would replace the familiar hum of central heating.
Meetings with lawyers, accountants, and clients provided valuable insights into the importance of Spearfish's work in Ukraine. The trip spotlighted my misconceptions, revealing the profound connection Ukrainians have with their country and the significance of their identity amid ongoing challenges.
My journey through Ukraine not only provided a unique perspective on the operations of our security management company but also offered a profound understanding of the resilience, pride, and determination that define the Ukrainian people. This experience reinforced Spearfish's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of those working in fragile environments.
Before this trip, I was well travelled, but travelling to a conflict zone is different. I had to think about my 'risk appetite' before travel and the whole time I was there. Once you're in the country, your risk appetite might change. Mine did, but because I was not travelling alone and had the support of an in-country expert, I was able to ask the questions, which was highly reassuring.
I loved my travels through this fascinating country, well-loved by its people and look forward to returning.