Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

Courtesy photo General manager at Fashion TV Ukraine and one of the co-founders of Skryabin band

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I studied English at the university, but mainly I learned it at my present job when I realised that I really need to know this language to be successful.

How did it help you in your career?

My job as general manager at Fashion TV Ukraine channel includes a lot of traveling, which is impossible without knowledge of English, also it allows me to negotiate with my foreign business partners, which is the main part of my work.

Your favorite places (ways) to spend free time in Kyiv?

In winter I especially like Vernisazh restaurant on Andryivsky Uzviz. The owner of this place is a French man from Normandy. He’s always glad to offer you a big glass of good beer, the cozy atmosphere and an absorbing story about his motherland. Irish pub on Mykhaylivska is also one of my favorite places – I love it that they have live music there. In summer I like spending evenings in the Druzhby Narodiv park, watching the wake boarders train on the water rope-way or just wandering around.

What’s your idea of a perfect weekend?

Go to Prague, Vienna or Paris to visit the concert of my favorite musician.

What’s the key to success in life?

To live in this moment, don’t look back and don’t think about the distant future – enjoy your life today and you will be happy.

Your biggest pet peeve?

I get really upset when I see injustice or meanness – these two vices are the greatest threats of the mankind.

How would your friends describe you?

They would probably say, that I am a cheerful person and that I particularly like fishing and traveling, but most of all I like spending joyous weekends with them in my country house.

What was your childhood dream?

My biggest dream was to travel all over the world – to meet other nations, to discover their life, to try their national food and now this dream has almost come true.

Favorite movie?

From the latest it’s the comedy about rock musicians "Tenacious D in the The Pick of Destiny."

Favorite author?

Gabriel Garcia Marques and Bulgakov – whatever I read, I always compare it with their works.

What’s in your CD player at the moment?

Ukrainian rock singer Yulia Lord, but before her I was listening to Dave Gahan and Amy Winehouse.

What is the best place you’ve traveled to?

That is my last trip to Altay – incredible nature, magnificent landscapes and fascinating fishing. I strongly recommend Altay to those who suffer from awful heat in Kyiv.

Rostyslav can be reached at roy@fashiontv.com.ua