Volodymyr (Vlad) Silchenko, Berkeley Haas MBA Class of 2026
Age: 31
Hometown: Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Master of International Economics ‘18; Bachelor of International Economics ‘16)
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Capital Food LLC, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, 2014-2024
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After years of navigating and growing my business through extreme crises—both during the pandemic and a full-scale war in Ukraine—I felt it was time to pivot and push my entrepreneurial journey further. Leading my restaurant business in Kyiv through missile shellings and blackouts, I’ve experienced firsthand how innovation and resilience can sustain not only a business but an entire community.
However, I’ve reached a point where I want to scale beyond the boundaries of what I’ve already accomplished. The chaos I lived through taught me the importance of building businesses that can adapt and thrive, even in the most unpredictable conditions. Business school will allow me to formalize those lessons, expand my skill set, and access the tools, network, and global perspective necessary to take my next venture to the next level.
While my journey began in Ukraine, my vision is to create innovative solutions that can make a significant impact—not just in Ukraine, but globally. An MBA program is the perfect place for this because it allows me to operate on a higher level, collaborating with bright minds and leveraging resources to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.
Why did you choose Berkeley Haas? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Berkeley Haas because of its unmatched focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. Leading a business through the unimaginable crises in Ukraine, I sought a program that not only understands how to start ventures but also teaches how to build sustainable businesses with long-term societal impact.
The values-driven leadership culture at Haas, particularly the “Beyond Yourself” principle, resonates with my personal commitment to community impact. During the war in Ukraine, I transformed my restaurant business into a community hub in the center of Kyiv that provided food during day-long missile shellings, shelter, and a rare optical Internet fiber connection for all emergencies when other networks failed. I knew I wanted to be part of a school that fosters leadership with a focus on positive social change.
Haas’s top global ranking for producing venture-funded startups, combined with resources like the Launch Accelerator, StEP, and SkyDeck incubator, provide unparalleled opportunities to scale ventures that truly benefit communities. Chancellor Richard Lyons’ words about “affecting the cognitive transition from ‘they do that’ to ‘I do that’” particularly resonated with me. I sought an environment that could challenge my thinking, unlock new possibilities, and give me the tools to see how big things could get—Haas was the clear choice.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
My most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 is my ability to inspire others to embrace entrepreneurship, even when it feels daunting or risky. Coming from Ukraine, where I led a business through war and crisis, I developed a resilience that drives me to constantly ask, “What’s next?” I thrive in environments of uncertainty, and I want to share this mindset with my classmates.
For many, entrepreneurship can feel overwhelming because of the inherent risks involved. I believe my personal experience—growing up in challenging conditions, and leading a business under missile shellings and blackouts—will evoke a sense of possibility in others. My goal is to help as many people as possible become entrepreneurs by showing that risk is not something to fear, but a pathway to finding solutions, spotting gaps, and innovating. This attitude perfectly aligns with the Haas culture, which is built on questioning the status quo and pushing boundaries.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m a wine connoisseur and have curated a personal collection, tracking my favorite tastes on the Vivino app. Unexpectedly, I came across a bottle of Northern Californian wine in Kyiv during the war. I placed it in my home, where I could see it every day, as a manifestation of my goal. I promised myself that when I got accepted into a business school in the region where the wine was made, I’d open it to celebrate. I finally opened that bottle when I received my acceptance call from Berkeley Haas last year. That, to me, was truly tasting victory.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m in ‘founder mode,’ working on a venture that has the potential to make a significant global impact. While the project is still in stealth mode, it aligns with my passion for creating solutions that drive positive change in communities worldwide. I’m always open to connecting with like-minded individuals, especially those with AI expertise, to explore opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again is being authentic and deeply introspective throughout the application process. Reflecting on my personal experiences allowed me to convey my true values and motivations, which I believe made my application stand out. Staying true to my story was key.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
The only thing I’d change is the tendency to look back and wonder what could have been done differently. It’s easy to fall into that trap, but it often holds you back. Instead, I’ve learned to trust the process and believe in the journey. If you’re passionate and stay committed to your goals, you’ll achieve everything you’re aiming for—no second-guessing, just steady, forward momentum.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
One part I would have skipped if I could was the stressful process of finding a place to live. My logistics were unpredictable because I had to leave Ukraine under martial law and navigate the no-fly zone with daily curfews. I couldn’t lock in a place in advance, which made things challenging when I arrived. If I could do it over, I would definitely plan my living arrangements much earlier to ensure a smoother transition. What helped me get through this was the incredible Haas community. Before arriving, I connected with my now-friend, Danny, a second-year MBA student. We connected on LinkedIn when I was accepted way before, and when I landed in San Francisco, without hesitation, he offered his room to help me get settled. It’s moments like that which highlight the unique sense of community at Haas
What is your initial impression of the Berkeley Haas students/culture/community?
My initial impression of Berkeley Haas is that it’s more than just a business school—it’s an incubator for innovation and bold thinking. I’m surrounded by people who challenge me to think bigger and push boundaries. Haas gives me all the tools and resources to turn big ideas into scalable ventures, and the culture here constantly pushes me to redefine what’s possible. You can’t be what you can’t see, and at Haas, I see what’s achievable when passion meets opportunity.
What is one thing you have learned about Berkeley Haas that has surprised you?
One thing that really surprised me about Berkeley Haas is the concept of ‘Berkeley Time.’ Classes technically start 10 minutes after the scheduled time, so a 9 a.m. class actually begins at 9:10 a.m. But what’s funny is that ‘Berkeley Time’ can be extended beyond the classroom—it feels like time works differently here. In my first week, I realized just how packed my schedule became, with overlapping events, workshops, and social gatherings. It was a crash course in time management, and I was genuinely surprised at how quickly I had to make decisions about what to prioritize. It feels like the laws of time have shifted at Berkeley—there’s just never enough of it!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m most anxious about keeping up with the social ties and relationships I’ve built during the beginning of my time at Haas. There’s so much happening throughout the day, both on campus and across the Bay Area—between Tech Week, startup events, and opportunities like the World Startup Cup Final, it feels like time flies. I realize how important it is to invest in relationships, but with so much going on, I sometimes worry I won’t be able to spend as much time with my classmates as I’d like. It’s a constant balancing act between academics, events, and fostering these important connections.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the simple things in my first year. After a long day at a nine-hour conference, walking with classmates late into the night in San Francisco feels special. Or something as simple as having someone smile and say ‘Go Bears’ just because my friend was wearing a Cal hat—it’s those moments of connection that repeat, and they mean a lot. Walking by the Berkeley Marina at night—something I couldn’t do for the last three years due to curfews back home—I now appreciate these moments of freedom in a way I never could before.
I’m excited to share that feeling with others—to remind them how fortunate they are to live this life, and to appreciate the everyday moments. Whether it’s a fear of missing out or the joy of missing out, I remind myself to look at the stars and feel connected to something bigger. These simple things are what excite me the most in my first two months in the US and the Haas so far.
…and, of course, hustling is what excites me about my first year, too. From attending every possible conference to maximizing networking opportunities, it’s all about making connections. Whether I’m building a team, finding a co-founder, attending a military conference in Palo Alto, or pitching my ideas, I’m always pushing forward. I’m excited to ask people to join the board or become an advisor for my project. Every conversation, every event, feels like a step toward something bigger—and that’s just as thrilling as the simple moments.
