Inside the Dynamic Workspace of a Leading FinTech and Software Executive

Discover the inspiring work environment and productivity strategies of Alexander Kovalenko, CFO of Ecwid and X-Cart, Product Director at the innovative software company DZ, and founder of the Professional Accountants Association of the Volga Region.

In this feature, we delve into Alexander's approach to managing responsibilities across multiple companies, his effective time management techniques, outsourcing philosophy, daily routines, preferred software tools, and hardware essentials. Gain insight into how he optimizes his work life to achieve exceptional results.

About Alexander Kovalenko

Alexander oversees financial operations for two major firms: Ecwid and X-Cart. He also leads product development at DZ, a company known for contributing to platforms such as Yandex.Market, Ulmart, and various mobile banking applications. As the founder of the most technologically advanced accounting outsourcing association in the Volga region, he is deeply involved in community service and philanthropy, including membership in the Ulyanovsk Rotary Club.

What defines your daily work?

My daily routine primarily involves analytics, negotiations, and meetings, complemented by creative tasks like drafting plans, proposals, and presentations. Public speaking is frequent, influencing my careful choice of work tools.

I am passionate about my work, embracing a fast-paced and productive style aligned with my energetic temperament. I expect my team and tools to operate under the 'fire-and-forget' principle—once a task is assigned, it’s reliably completed without constant oversight.

This philosophy extends to business processes and my workspace, which must function seamlessly without causing stress. Delegation is key; I empower my assistants to grow independently, allowing me to focus on new challenges. I strive to minimize hands-on involvement, adhering to the motto: ‘Never do something yourself if you have a capable substitute.’

How do you manage your time effectively?

I follow a simplified version of the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology. I maintain three task lists: a digital organizer, a handwritten list capturing tasks that arise during conversations, and flagged email threads in Gmail. I avoid cluttering my organizer with routine tasks like replying to emails, since those are tracked directly within email conversations.

Describe your daily routine and work environment.

My schedule is flexible. Currently, I identify as a morning person, though I was previously a night owl. My peak productivity occurs in the early morning before others start their day, and later in the evening after most leave the office. I work best in unconventional settings—during travel, at a countryside retreat by the fire, or in cafes. Changing context boosts my creative output. For me, the office is more a hub for team communication than a primary workspace.

What role does physical activity play in your workday?

My office once lacked gas heating, relying on a wood stove. To warm up or stretch, I would chop firewood or fetch logs from the shed—a practical and effective way to stay active during the day.

How is your workspace organized?

I'm naturally a bit untidy, so maintaining order is challenging. To limit clutter, my desks have no drawers, and I can't reach any cabinets without standing up. This confines my clutter to the desktop, which forces me to tidy regularly.

One of my proudest creations is a custom-built bookshelf designed to protect my extensive library from dust and my wife's allergies. Featuring glass doors with rubber seals, it combines aesthetics with functionality, allowing me to close doors firmly without noise—an extension of my fire-and-forget principle.

My home workstation includes a dedicated electrical cabinet with a metal panel separating it from clothing storage, and space reserved for a future home server. Networking equipment such as a 2011 AirPort Extreme router and an external hard drive are neatly organized, with cable management crafted by my wife to tame wire clutter.

What technology do you rely on?

My devices form a diverse ecosystem: a Windows PC, MacBook Air, and iPad for mobility. I prefer a classic button phone—a Nokia 8600—over smartphones for tactile dialing. Although I once used Palm PDAs extensively, their discontinuation led me to assemble a suite of modern apps replicating their functionality.

Which software tools support your workflow?

Task management happens via Toodledo on desktop and Pocket Informant on iPad, which syncs with Google Calendar. Though Pocket Informant has grown complex, it remains my preferred organizer.

Financial accounting runs on a mix of 1C:Management Professional (platform 8.2) and a custom 1C 7.7 system, necessitating Windows for full compatibility. For text and presentation creation, I rely on Apple's Pages and Keynote on my MacBook, appreciating their elegance and efficiency. When required, I export documents to Word or Google Docs for collaboration with partners unfamiliar with Pages.

Excel remains unrivaled for spreadsheet work, especially for complex solo projects, while Google Docs facilitates team collaboration. Numbers is less practical for me due to limited keyboard navigation. For project collaboration, I use Yandex.Disk, appreciating its responsive support and reliability. For tender searches, Trade.su serves as a valuable resource supported by proactive legal assistance.

Communication tools are carefully selected for security and efficiency. I use Gmail, Viber, Hangouts, and iMessage, avoiding Skype due to security concerns and battery drain on iPad. I keep Viber and Hangouts active continuously and use Skype sparingly, only during necessary calls.

Does paper still play a role in your work?

Absolutely. I capture thoughts, lists, and project outlines first on paper. Draft pads are always within reach at work, home, and my countryside retreat. I enjoy writing with gel and fountain pens in various colors, valuing the tactile connection that paper provides.

Alexander Kovalenko’s Contemporary Inspiration

During commutes, I listen to audiobooks and podcasts suited to my interests. Recommended listens include IT-focused shows like “Runetology” and “Runet Today,” entrepreneurial guides such as “Just Do It” by Andrey Sharkov, and general knowledge programs including “Science 2.0” and “TASS Authorized to Announce.” Music podcasts like “Favorite Rock Ballads” and “The Chillout Lounge Mix” provide creative ambience.

While video lectures are often impractical, I extract their audio tracks for podcast-style consumption. Notable seminars I recommend include “Speech Strategies” and “Managed Intuition” by Timur Gagin, as well as marketing insights from Igor Mann and Alexander Levitas.

Essential reading for managers includes Vladimir Tarasov’s “The Art of Managerial Struggle,” Carmine Gallo’s “iPresentation,” and Timur Gagin’s “Expert-Leader.” Regardless of your medium, consistently engaging with 15 or more new professional books annually places you well ahead of peers.

Continuous learning and development are vital for sustained success.

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