Workspaces: Alexander Orlov, Managing Partner at Stratoplan

In an exclusive interview with Lifehacker, Alexander Orlov discusses the evolving landscape of online education, the qualities of great managers, and the sources of his productivity and energy.

Alexander Orlov

He is the managing partner of the Stratoplan School of Managers and a project management consultant by profession. With a background in programming, Alexander has previously led teams at Intel.

Who is harder to teach – adults or children?

I haven't worked directly with children professionally, but as a father of three aged 3, 12, and 14, I have firsthand experience. When my eldest hit adolescence, communication became quite challenging. I later learned that teenagers develop critical thinking skills actively by debating with adults since peers don’t provide the same challenge. I began to view these debates as training, which eased frustrations and improved our interactions.

Adults learn very differently from children in school. They bring their own experiences and a threshold of skepticism and critical thinking. To reach them effectively, you need innovative methods such as flipped classrooms and project-based learning.

How effective is online learning?

Online learning lacks physical presence—you can't shake hands or stand close, so nonverbal cues are limited.

However, online education offers more possibilities than commonly assumed. For example, forming groups and collaboratively editing documents via Google Docs sparks dynamic brainstorming. Negotiation battles can be held over Skype, among other interactive formats.

With well-structured methodologies, extended course durations, and easy access to experts and resources, online learning can often outperform traditional classroom settings, saving time otherwise lost in traffic.

What does your workspace look like?

I currently work from an office equipped with a full studio setup. Here's an overview:

• Lighting: 3 lamps, each providing 500 watts.
• Brand wall measuring 3 meters wide and 2.5 meters high.
• Flipchart with a notebook for explaining ideas.
• Two computers equipped with video capture cards for streaming.
• Sony HDR-CX400E camera.
• Clicker for remotely controlling presentation slides.
• Large TV screen displaying audience questions.
• Monitor showing presentation slides.

When I need to write articles, I leave the studio and head to an anti-cafe, carrying my Dell XPS laptop and Samsung Galaxy S8+ smartphone.

All notifications are turned off during work to maintain flow state. In case of emergencies, people call me directly. For writing, uninterrupted focus is essential.

Do you avoid checking emails even then?

Previously, my day was dictated by incoming emails. At Intel, I would start work by opening Outlook and facing a flood of messages. Then colleagues would approach with questions, and the day would be spent putting out fires. By evening, I’d clear the inbox, only to return the next morning and face the same cycle—a true Groundhog Day.

The best time management advice I ever received was to avoid checking emails first thing in the morning.

At first, it felt strange, but it forced me to think proactively about my day. I started investing morning hours in personal growth—listening to podcasts, reading, and writing articles.

Spending two hours on myself each morning creates an incredible sense that the day has already been well spent. This energy boost makes regular tasks easier, often surprising those around me with my productivity. The secret lies in a well-structured morning.

How do you approach planning?

Sometimes I write daily plans; other times, I don’t. While plans are important, understanding the purpose behind your tasks is even more critical. I manage work and personal to-do lists in Wunderlist—simple, convenient, and clutter-free. Calendar events, calls, and webinars are tracked through Google Calendar, shared with my team and students.

I’ve embraced working in bursts I call “pirate raids”: gathering the team, working intensely, and delivering projects we’re proud of. This approach energizes me.

What qualities and skills make a great manager, and how can they be developed?

Personal traits like result orientation and responsibility are difficult to cultivate, so hiring based on these is key.

Skill-based competencies—public speaking, delegation, recruitment, email writing—can definitely be developed with proven methods.

The most effective way to improve skills is through practice.

Don’t know how to speak publicly? Watch Radislav Gandapas’s YouTube course on public speaking, prepare a talk for colleagues, family, or students, record yourself, then review and improve.

Are you good at delegating authority?

I believe so, though I sometimes get overworked due to passion for my work. Lately, I strive to delegate tasks to the team immediately.

Yes, people make mistakes, but that’s part of gaining experience. When they err, I’m actually happy (though they might not be), because it means they’re learning.

Is physical activity important for productivity, or is it a myth?

I used to think it wasn’t necessary—exercises seemed trivial. But after installing a pull-up bar at home for my kids, I realized they weren’t using it much. To set an example, I started training myself and have been consistent for four years. My energy levels have noticeably increased.

My routine includes dumbbells, pull-ups, and push-ups. Initially, I trained with a coach, but now I manage on my own. I work out four times a week for about an hour focusing on legs, shoulders, chest-triceps, back-biceps, with abs every session.

I enjoy the muscle soreness the next day. If I train well, soreness can start the same day. This boosts energy and well-being. At 39, I’m in the best shape of my life.

Which three books do you recommend for managers?

While I find trainings more valuable, these books are must-reads:

1. "Developing Leaders: Understanding Your Management Style and Communicating Effectively with Different Types" by Ichak Adizes

There’s no perfect leader because leadership involves four components that sometimes conflict. New managers often see people as “like me” or “wrong.” This book teaches how to communicate with different personality types, including phrases to use and avoid.

Available on major book platforms.

2. "The Human Factor: Successful Projects and Teams" by Tom DeMarco and Timothy Lister

This book transformed my understanding of team management by showing that pressure isn’t the best way to lead people.

Available on major book platforms.

3. "No B.S. Management: How to Get People to Work for You" by Dan Kennedy

This book added an important perspective: leaders don’t always have to be soft. Sometimes, especially as a business owner, you must be firm.

Available on major book platforms.

Which three videos should managers watch?

1. Svetlana Ivanova’s "The Art of Hiring" – a comprehensive guide on selecting the right people and preparing interview questions.
2. "Constructive Confrontation: How to Resolve Conflicts Systematically" – one of my webinars for HR professionals, based on a technique by Intel co-founder Andrew Grove.
3. Vladimir Gerasichev’s speech on decision-making, importance, and choice – a mind-opening presentation.

What final advice do you have for readers?

Live a life worth sharing with your grandchildren, and always be true to yourself. You can deceive others or inflate your status, but never yourself.

So, friends, pursue what interests you. Read books, explore Lifehacker, embrace change, and follow your own path. Then you’ll have stories worth telling future generations.

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