EDITOR’S NOTE:

Kate Mas is the Head of Copywriting at Preply. 

Until recently, she lived and worked in Kyiv. On February 24, 2022, she fled with her fiancé to escape the Russian missile attacks. 

She has done a standard, 6-question VGC interview to share her story — and resources — below.

Thank you, Kate.

Thank you, Kate.

Let’s get started. 

1) “What’s your work routine?”

For 8 days now, my work routine has been nonexistent. I'm on and off Slack to offer advice on positioning, provide feedback when needed, and answer messages from colleagues asking if I'm doing okay.

My team at Preply, based almost entirely in Barcelona, took over all the work processes.

2) “What do you know about your work now that you wish you’d known when you first started?”

I didn't know you could win wars with words. This is exactly what the information warfare of Ukraine is all about now. Copywriters, designers and developers are tirelessly producing content or attacking websites that are spreading the propaganda.

3) “What did your biggest professional failure teach you?”

Every professional failure now seems so small in comparison to witnessing a real war in 2022.

4) “What’s the #1 thing that has helped you shorten your craft’s learning curve?”

Asking for advice, feedback, or help from people I admire or trust. 

5) “What book has helped you the most over your career?”

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. 

6) “And your parting piece of advice?”

I’m calling on writers and creators around the world to continue telling our stories with truth and rigor.