Empowering Ukraine Through the Art of Speech: MySpeaker Rhetorich’s Transformational Collaboration

In a time of crisis, collaboration and innovation often emerge as powerful forces for change. MySpeaker Rhetorich, led by Mikko-Pekka Hanski, an esteemed Finnish entrepreneur, partnered with Ukrainian startups to address a critical challenge: empowering Ukrainian entrepreneurs to communicate with impact, grow their businesses, and drive economic recovery in the face of war. This inspiring initiative underscores how effective communication can become a cornerstone for rebuilding and resilience.

“Great ideas need great storytellers to make them resonate.” -Mikko-Pekka Hanski

A Vision Rooted in Communication

At the heart of MySpeaker Rhetorich’s mission lies the belief that impactful speech can change the world. The collaboration with Ukrainian startups exemplifies this ethos, focusing on bridging the communication gap that often hinders entrepreneurs from reaching their full potential. As Hanski observed during a 2023 Ukrainian startup competition, these founders possessed incredible ideas and talent but struggled to articulate their vision to global investors and audiences.

“The issue wasn’t the lack of innovation or drive,” Hanski noted. “It was about how they communicated their ideas. Great ideas need great storytellers to make them resonate.”

The Rhetorich training program was crafted to address this gap, offering a ‘gentle’ yet impactful way to build confidence and polish communication skills. Participants engaged with an AI-powered coach that provided feedback, ensuring a safe, judgment-free environment for growth.

Building Confidence and Connection

For Iryna Savytska, founder of the Ukrainian startup Bank of Memories, the collaboration was transformative. Her favorite aspects of the training included the deep theoretical insights, relatable personal stories, and the innovative AI coach.

“The AI showed me how well I performed, what didn’t work, and how to improve,” she shared. “It was not embarrassing because it’s a machine training me. There’s never a bad result.”

This safe space for practice allowed Iryna to refine her speech without fear of failure, bolstering her confidence to pitch effectively and connect deeply with her audience.

Transforming Challenges into Triumphs

The collaboration’s impact extends beyond individual participants. Ukrainian startups, facing the dual challenges of war and economic uncertainty, have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation. As Hanski noted, the number of new businesses in Ukraine has surged since the conflict began, underscoring the resourcefulness of its entrepreneurs. However, success requires more than ideas — it demands the ability to communicate effectively, build trust, and inspire action.

By equipping Ukrainian founders with these skills, Rhetorich acts as a powerful catalyst. For Savytska, this translated into impactful keynote speeches, stronger investor relations, and a deeper understanding of how to craft messages that resonate emotionally and logically.

“For Ukrainian startups, communication is essential. It’s as crucial as any other resource in their fight for economic and social stability.” -Mikko-Pekka Hanski

Communication as a Weapon of Growth

Effective communication, as Hanski emphasizes, is not just a tool but a weapon — one that can empower startups to thrive even in adversity. “For Ukrainian startups, communication is essential. It’s as crucial as any other resource in their fight for economic and social stability,” he explained.

This principle was brought to life in Rhetorich’s practical training modules, which drew parallels between startup founders and performing artists. Much like a band rehearsing for a concert, entrepreneurs learned the importance of practice, stage presence, and connecting with their audience.

A Broader Mission

The collaboration also highlights a broader mission: to inspire leaders worldwide to prioritize communication. Whether speaking to a team, an audience, or an investor, the ability to communicate authentically and persuasively remains a cornerstone of leadership.

In a world increasingly dominated by AI and digital interactions, human-to-human connection remains irreplaceable. As Hanski aptly put it, “Even with the rise of deepfakes and virtual assistants, genuine communication will always stand out. It’s one of the most human skills we have.”

“Winning hearts and minds is about being real, relevant, emotional, and logical. Rhetorich taught me how to achieve this balance.” -Iryna Savytska

The Magic of Rhetorich

As Mikko-Pekka Hanski recalls, participants often likened the experience of using Rhetorich to ‘ruusuvesi’ (rosewater) — a magical essence that uplifts and transforms. This metaphor captures the transformative power of the program, which not only refines the technical aspects of communication but also instills a sense of charisma and presence in its users.

As Savytska reflects, “Winning hearts and minds is about being real, relevant, emotional, and logical. Rhetorich taught me how to achieve this balance.”

Inspiring Change Through Collaboration

This collaboration serves as a shining example of how businesses and technologies can unite for a greater cause. By empowering Ukrainian startups to communicate with impact, MySpeaker Rhetorich and its partners have not only contributed to economic growth but also to a vision of hope and resilience for Ukraine.

As we celebrate this inspiring initiative, it’s a call for more such collaborations—to leverage innovation, empathy, and bold thinking to create meaningful change in the world. Because, as Rhetorich proves, words have the power to move mountains, inspire action, and build a brighter future.