S-PRO is more than a software development firm. Rather than just building apps and websites, S-PRO aims to understand its clients' goals and challenges. Some of S-PRO's top projects are:
- Energy market insights analytics platform for Modo Energy — a company that provides unique market insights for energy companies;
- Swiss investment platform for Stableton AG — a leading fintech firm;
- E-banking platform for Swiss Digital Asset Bank — the world's first regulated bank for digital assets.
S-PRO, with headquarters in Switzerland, has over 15 years of expertise in providing digital tools to corporations to streamline workflows, lower expenses, and boost income.
Meet Vlad Hrebenyuk: Designers Lead
As the lead of the design team, Vlad oversees all designers and ensures high-quality, consistent work that meets clients' needs. His daily responsibilities include:
- guiding designers in developing user experience flows, wireframes, prototypes, and visual designs;
- reviewing designers' work and providing constructive feedback;
- collaborating with project managers and development teams to make sure designs are feasible and align with scope;
- staying up-to-date with design trends and tools to improve team processes;
- mentoring junior designers and helping them strengthen their skills.
Let's see what Vlad says about himself:
What Is One Exciting Fact About Yourself
I started my career at S-PRO as an intern seven years ago and have grown into my current leadership role. I have worked in the social sector for seven years, and this is my first company. Outside work, I enjoy film photography, boxing, and industrial design.
How Has Your Role at S-PRO Evolved Since You Started?
I started at S-Pro as an intern, chosen from just two candidates for the designer position. I moved up the ranks from Junior to Middle designer as the company needed someone to take on leadership responsibilities — managing projects and teams intuitively.
I enjoy the process of management, solving issues, and "putting out fires." The constant attention and tight deadlines drive and energize me. In just 3–4 years, I have risen to become a Lead.
Share a Favourite Memory from Your Early Days at the S-PRO
One of my favorite early memories is the first S-PRO mini-corporate party — Pizza Day. I enjoyed communicating with colleagues in an informal atmosphere.
Share a Pivotal Moment or Project That Significantly Impacted Your Career
A pivotal moment was when I had to act intuitively during a crisis. It sparked my interest in management and added more theory and structure to projects.
What Personal Achievement at S-PRO Are You Most Proud Of?
I'm most proud of my work on one of S-PRO's largest projects — the Modo Energy redesign. I helped bring new processes to the product approach. My team successfully navigated a redesign phase and is now implementing further product features.
What Skills Have You Developed During Your Time Here?
Over time at S-PRO, I have developed many skills:
- a consistent hard work ethic that leads to growth;
- mastering design software;
- understanding clients and their needs;
- adapting to different customer needs flexibly;
- managing change effectively.
I developed abilities like empathy, emotional intelligence, systematic thinking, open-mindedness, and handling criticism constructively.
How Do You Relate Your Personal Growth with Your Path at S-PRO?
My growth at S-PRO has been closely tied to the opportunities and challenges presented through various client cases. Each new project requires adapting to different contexts, audiences, and design problems. This constant exposure to new experiences has allowed me to expand my thinking and build up expertise over time.
The key is taking feedback and criticism as a chance to learn rather than a personal attack. With an open and empathetic mindset, any project can become an opportunity for growth.
How Has the Company Supported Your Professional Growth?
S-PRO supports me by providing opportunities to take on more responsibility, work with highly experienced mentors, and connect with colleagues. While they provide helpful courses and resources, the most valuable learning has been through hands-on work and networking.
Surrounding myself with expert designers and leaders in the field inspired me and shaped my skills tremendously.
When Overcoming Personal Challenges, Did You Feel the Support from Your Team at S-PRO?
Absolutely. My team has always been there for me during difficult times. They frequently checked in to see if I needed help and were ready to provide support in any way they could. Knowing they cared about my well-being and success helped motivate me to push through challenges.
What Advice Would You Give to New Employees Joining S-PRO Today?
Here is the advice I would offer new designers at S-PRO:
- focus on communicating complex ideas in a simple, easy-to-understand manner;
- have confidence in yourself and your abilities, and patience to gain experience;
- remain open to feedback and willing to step outside your comfort zone;
- find the right balance between dedicating yourself to the work and recharging;
- connect with your colleagues and learn from their experiences.
Criticism and challenges help you grow as a designer.
What Are the Most Significant Changes You've Seen in the Company's Approach to Its Projects or Clients?
S-PRO has always been in the process of constant evolution and growth, even before the pandemic accelerated it. The company today looks very different from the 60-person operation it was seven years ago.
I would like to highlight some key aspects that have enabled this transformation:
- focus on hiring for soft skills, English proficiency, and cultural fit, in addition to technical skills;
fostering an empowering, inspiring environment where people feel valued and able to grow;
- adapting processes as the company scales rather than forcing rigid frameworks;
- keeping the momentum going even during tough times;
One thing that hasn't changed is S-PRO's focus on its people.
S-PRO — a Team That Shares Experience for the Sake of the Future
Overall, Vlad emphasized that S-PRO's greatest asset is its people. By supporting employee happiness, development, and inspiration, the company has built teams that share experiences and pull together for future success. When you invest in your people, growth and transformation will follow.
