Ep. 117: Tatiana Kotova, how can building code and robots rebuild hope in war times?

In this episode of Leaders Talk, Karsten speaks with Tatiana Kotova – a certified coach, consultant, and founder of the I Will Association. Tatiana shares her moving personal journey: growing up in the Soviet Union, emigrating to Canada, and ultimately launching an initiative that now brings education tochildren across war-torn Ukraine.

What started with a grandmother knitting hats for children in orphanages has become an organization focused on empowering the next generation through digital skills. Tatiana talks about her motivations, the impact of war, the resilience of her late father, and why she remains humble and hopeful despite everything.

Timetable of the interview:

- Tatiana introduces herself and the mission behind the “I Will Association” (3:00)

- Early aid efforts and the shift toward education (14:20)

- Digital literacy and robotics programs in Ukraine (27:20)

- What changed with the war (34:05)

- Personal resilience and the role of her father (37:15)

- What’s next: the I Will Scholarship (53:30)

Further links:I Will Association (Website)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatianavkotova/

What are your thoughts on Tatiana’s story? Feel free to share your reflections in the comments. If you have suggestions for inspiring guests on Leaders Talk, we’d love to hear from you at [e-mail].

Guest: Tatiana Kotova
Host: Karsten Drath
Production & Editing: Hannah Jandl & Konradin Schuchter
Research & Preparation: Lena Wokurka & Antonia Kaiser