Interview with CEO of Plavno - Aleh Lipunou

SelectedFirms in an exclusive interview Aleh Lipunou, CEO of Plavno

 

1. What inspired you to start Plavno, and what are the company's core values and mission?

 

It all started with the three of us, but we dared to dream big! We stuck to our principles, kept reinventing ourselves, and stayed agile to get where we are today. No matter how big or small, we still react quickly. That's how we earned the trust of many customers, whether startups or big companies.

 

We were inspired to start the company because we needed high-quality software development services focused on delivering exceptional results. We see our mission in helping customers build excellent apps to become game changers in their industry so that our core values revolve around professionalism, innovation, and client satisfaction.

 

2. Can you share some of the most challenging projects that Plavno has undertaken, and how did the company overcome those challenges?

 

Plavno has undertaken lots of challenging projects over its 15 years of experience. One notable example is a large-scale healthcare management system implementation for a major hospital network. The challenges included integrating multiple legacy systems, ensuring data security and privacy compliance, and managing complex workflows.

 

However, we faced some non-technical challenges as large-scale projects like this often require significant personnel, infrastructure, and budget resources. Plavno successfully assembled a cross-functional team with diverse expertise and skills relevant to the project. This included developers, data analysts, project managers, and subject matter experts. The team members were carefully selected based on their experience in handling large-scale projects and their ability to work collaboratively. In addition, it ensured the project had the skill sets to tackle various aspects effectively.

 

By implementing effective project management strategies and maintaining open communication, we successfully delivered the project on time and within budget.

 

3. What are the key trends currently shaping the IT industry, and how is Plavno adapting to these trends?

 

The IT industry is constantly evolving, and at Plavno, we recognize the key trends that shape it. Nowadays, some significant trends include artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

 

The only way to adapt to these trends is to invest in our team's skills and expertise continuously, stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, and foster a culture of innovation. That is why we also offer training programs and encourage our employees to learn to stay ahead of the curve continuously.

 

4. What sets Plavno apart from other web development companies, and what are some of the company's unique strengths?

 

Our pre-formed entire teams dedicated to specific industries or tech stacks allow us to offer deep knowledge and expertise. This specialization enables us better to understand our client's unique challenges and requirements, resulting in more tailored and practical solutions.

 

Additionally, our focus on reducing time-to-market and minimizing technical debt through bespoke tools like CMS and CRM systems sets us apart as a cost-effective and reliable partner.

 

5. What are some of the long-term goals and ambitions that Plavno has for the future, and how does the company plan to achieve these goals?

 

Plavno's long-term goals revolve around expanding our market presence and becoming a trusted global leader in software development.

 

Our approach to accomplishing these goals involves upholding our dedication to excellence, consistently investing in our team's skills, fostering robust client relationships, and exploring cutting-edge technologies.

 

Additionally, we aim to establish strategic alliances and collaborations that will bolster our capabilities and expand our range of services and global presence.

 

6. How do you prioritize customer needs and requirements when developing software products?

 

At Plavno, customer needs and requirements are of utmost importance to us.

 

We adhere to a customer-centric approach throughout the software development process. We gather specific requirements, conduct regular communication and feedback sessions, and involve the client in decision-making at critical stages.

 

Of course, at the very first stages of our cooperation, we sign and NDA to ensure client data privacy.

 

By maintaining open lines of communication, understanding their business objectives, and focusing on delivering value, we ensure that the software products we develop align with and address our customers' specific needs.

 

7. Can you speak to the company culture at Plavno and how it contributes to the business's success?

 

The company culture at Plavno plays a crucial role in our success. As our developers are usually involved in teamwork, we foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages creativity and innovation within teamwork.

 

Our employees are empowered to take ownership of their work, contribute ideas, and grow professionally and personally. We build our work through the SAFe methodology to maintain cooperation inside the team.

 

We emphasize a healthy work-life balance, provide opportunities for skill development and advancement, and recognize and reward exceptional performance. However, we also pay attention to actively spending time all together.

 

This positive and supportive culture contributes to high employee morale, motivation, and, ultimately, the success of our business.

 

8. What are your thoughts on the recent buzz surrounding blockchain and AI?

 

Blockchain and AI have immense potential to transform industries and drive innovation.

 

At Plavno, we closely monitor these technologies and their applications. We believe that blockchain has the potential to revolutionize areas like supply chain management, financial transactions, and data security. As for AI, we see tremendous opportunities in areas like predictive analytics, natural language processing, and automation.

 

We often receive clients who need blockchain development or implementation of artificial intelligence functionality in their projects. That's why we stay updated on the latest advancements and collaborate with clients to explore how these technologies can be leveraged to deliver value and solve complex business challenges.

 

9. As a CEO, how do you motivate and inspire your team to achieve their best work?

 

Motivating the team is a top priority of the company's leader. I believe in fostering a culture of trust, respect, and open communication. I encourage my team to take ownership of their work, provide autonomy, and create a supportive environment where they feel empowered. Recognizing and rewarding achievements, setting clear goals and expectations, and providing opportunities for professional growth are essential motivational factors.

 

Sports compensations, flexible schedules, corporate training, and events are just some of the benefits Plavno's employees receive to feel as comfortable as possible within our working environment.

 

10. You've been in this sphere for a long time, 
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start a successful software development company?

 

Focus on finding a niche or specialization, building a talented team, and prioritizing customer satisfaction.