Welcome to the Leader’s Insights, a place where The Future asks the simplest, yet, the most interesting questions to the executives of well-known companies, startups and innovators.
Today we discuss with Serhii Serhiienko, an innovative and dynamic leader who is transforming the global advertising landscape as the CEO of Kadam, the largest advertising network that leverages cutting-edge technologies to provide comprehensive solutions for customer needs, and a Board Member of Smart Dynamics, a leading global advertising network specializing in delivering innovative marketing solutions.
Since joining Kadam in 2017 as a Marketing Manager, Serhii has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and vision, rising to the position of CEO in just four years. Under his guidance, Kadam’s revenue has grown sevenfold, and its valuation has increased 15 times over the past five years, solidifying its position as a leader in the advertising industry.
He has driven the expansion of Kadam’s global client base, introduced impactful product features, and championed sustainable business practices, ensuring the company’s long-term success.
Recognized as “The Top Advertising Network 2023” and the “Top Ad Network 2024” by OfferVault Summer Awards, Kadam continues to excel under Serhii’s visionary leadership.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Serhii is dedicated to mentoring young professionals and fostering educational programs within the company.
Let’s see what Serhiienko has to say…
1. Do you remember your first day on the job at Kadam?
Seven years ago, I joined Kadam as a Marketing Manager, stepping into a completely new world after navigating the chaotic highs and lows of entrepreneurship in infobusiness, finance, and construction. Those failures became my greatest teachers, equipping me with boldness and resilience. Affiliate marketing immediately captivated me with its dynamic nature, but what truly inspired me was the energetic team that welcomed me from day one. That leap marked the start of a transformative journey, shaping my career and perspective on the limitless opportunities in this field.
2. What is more difficult: being interviewed to join a team or doing the interviews yourself?
Honestly, I can hardly remember what it’s like to be interviewed—maybe only right now, and wow, it’s tough! It would be fascinating to see how I handled it back then. Conducting interviews, however, is something I genuinely enjoy. I love observing people and asking unexpected questions, like, “What’s the one thing you’d do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” or “What’s a misconception people have about you?” These moments often reveal a candidate’s true potential.
For me, interviews are also a great way to keep a pulse on market trends—understanding what’s driving talent and innovation helps me align hiring with the bigger picture. Staying updated is essential because it allows us to not just fill roles but shape the future of the company with the right people. That said, every hiring decision ultimately comes down to clear criteria and data to ensure we bring in the very best.
3. What do you value most in your employees?
I value discipline and emotional intelligence in employees. These traits lay the groundwork for independence, accountability, the ability to learn from mistakes, and the courage to discuss challenges openly. I deeply value individuals who set high standards for themselves and others while remaining true team players, as this combination builds trust and drives productivity.
4. Which is a motto/quote you use in your work?
“The only limit to your growth is the amount of effort you put into it”. This motto reminds me that any result is achievable if you’re willing to work hard. I also believe that having a clear plan and setting detailed goals not only increases the chances of success but also helps you achieve results faster and with less effort.
5. If you were back to the start, what would you advise yourself for a great career?
If I were back at the start, I wouldn’t expect people to change. Focus on building a strong team from the start, one that shares your values and is driven to achieve common results. It will save you a lot of time and energy in the long run!
6. How do you pump up your creativity?
For me, creativity comes from curiosity and collaboration. I love brainstorming with my teams – Sales, Marketing, Account Management, Optimization and others. Each team gives a new perspective that helps me to build a beautiful picture out of a thousand puzzle pieces. I enjoy debating “what if” scenarios, or finding unexpected inspiration in books, whether fiction, psychology, or science. Often, ideas from unrelated fields spark the biggest breakthroughs.
Creativity is vital because it’s the only way to truly stand out in a competitive environment.
7. What is a talent you would like to have?
I would love to have the superpower of persuasion. Just imagine being able to stop wars and resolve misunderstandings simply by finding the right words. This talent could make the world a better place overall and make the advertising industry more honest and tech-driven. The ability to convince people to collaborate, trust each other, and work towards common goals is a powerful force that can change not just companies, but the world.
8. How do you balance work and personal life?
Work takes up a lot of time, but to avoid burnout and stay energized, I make sure to maintain a balance. Spending quality time with my family is really important to me—it helps me recharge and switch off. I also always try to make time for hobbies and sports, which are a great way to relax and stay both physically and emotionally fit. Ultimately, this balance helps me stay productive in both my work and personal life.
9. What are the top five foods you like in Cyprus?
- Grilled and baked halloumi, especially with delicious sauces—it’s absolutely amazing,
- Kleftiko—I mean Cypriot lamb Kleftiko, which is truly authentic and finger-licking good,
- Meze, especially the meat options, though the seafood is great too,
- Fresh juices made from local oranges,
- Souvlaki, but you need to know the right places to get it juicy and tender.
10. Can you name your top five favourite places in Cyprus?
- The beaches of Ayia Napa,
- The Troodos Mountains, especially the hiking trails,
- Coral Bay in Paphos,
- The Blue Lagoon in Akamas,
- The village of Zygi, near Limassol, is known for its fresh seafood.
11. Which personality, throughout history, do you admire most?
If we talk about historical figures, I admire Admiral Horatio Nelson for his leadership and ability to inspire his team in challenging times, leading them to victory.
Among modern figures, I’m inspired by Elon Musk’s determination, Bill Gates’ vision of using success to address global issues, and Sam Altman’s innovation in transforming lives through technology.
They all inspire me to balance ambition, responsibility, and a drive for innovation.
12. Who is your favourite author/book that helped your career?
Several books have greatly influenced my approach to work and leadership.
“The Goal” by Eliyahu Goldratt taught me to focus on key metrics for results, while “Measure What Matters” helped me set measurable goals.
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins inspired me to aim for excellence, even when success seems achieved.
“The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni and “No Rules Rules” Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer (Netflix) were key in learning how to build strong, trust-based teams. These books helped transform our Board of Directors into a true team.
I also value fiction, which helps us understand emotions and human nature. “Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts, for example, offers powerful lessons on resilience and finding beauty in difficult situations. It’s a great read that encourages reflection on life and the people around us.
13. Where would you advise our readers to go this winter?
This winter in Cyprus, I recommend visiting the Christmas markets in cozy villages and heading up to the Troodos Mountains to enjoy the snow and the completely different atmosphere of the island. Overall, my advice is to ask yourself what brings you joy and focus on spending time in places that recharge you. Whether it’s traveling, enjoying nature, or a cozy evening with family, the key is to find moments that refresh and inspire you!
