Dmytro Makarov on the Secret to Sustained Productivity in High-Growth Business
Dmytro Makarov is not your typical marketing executive. Born in Kyiv in 2001, he dropped out of school after the eighth grade and never pursued a formal business education. Instead, he chose relentless self-education and practical experience – a path that would lead him to become one of the most in-demand marketing strategists of his generation.
By just 24, Makarov built a global marketing agency with over 100 employees and more than 500 successful campaigns worldwide. His clients include notable names such as BMW, Intel, Durex, Hugo, NIVEA, Domino’s Pizza and the large Ukrainian brand Kyivstar. But his greatest challenge is not in reaching new bigger numbers – it is maintaining personal productivity and vision at the helm of a high-growth company.
So how does Dmytro Makarov stay sharp, driven and effective in such a demanding rhythm?
The Power of Structure
Makarov believes productivity starts with structure.
“The most important part of my day is the morning,” he says. “That is when I build my focus and set the tone.”
The foundation of his day includes a non-negotiable 20 minutes of silence in the morning while drinking a cup of black coffee. He uses this time for planning and prioritizing. “I always start my day with setting a clear list of goals,” Makarov explains. “And I always try to learn something new – at least one idea from a book, podcast or a newspaper article.”
His daily routine reflects that discipline:
- 7:30 AM: Wake up, coffee and catching up on war news from Ukraine.
- 8:00 – 9:30 AM: Focus time – strategic planning, analytics, key decisions.
- 10:00 – 7:00 PM: Meetings, team management, client work, campaign oversight.
- Evening: Time for fitness, reading and unwinding – often with a book or reviewing old history movies or matches.
Dmytro Makarov adds that so much mental and intelligent work he has to do every day would not be possible if he did not have a routine. A routine that includes new ideas, time for himself and obligatory time for morning and evening physical training, be it a walk outside or proper fitness training. “It is important to keep both your body and mind toned,” says the entrepreneur. “This is my “code of the day” that helps me keep focused and stay energized”.
Focus Over Hype
Although his agency has launched blockbuster campaigns viewed by millions, Makarov dismisses vanity metrics. “I do not believe in numbers for the sake of numbers,” he says. “We focus on effectiveness, relevance and long-term impact.”
His secret? Deep cultural awareness and relevance. Whether it is launching Intel’s NUC series with top-tier tech influencers or creating a campaign for Durex that earned 3.3 million views through authentic gaming content, Makarov always searches for the right voice – not just a famous one. “Influencer marketing, when done right, creates trust that traditional ads can not replicate.”
A Team Built on Trust
Makarov’s company did not scale overnight. It took grit, clarity and the ability to start over when needed. “I am not afraid to begin over and over again as long as I know that the goals are worth it,” he says. “What matters most is that what I do has meaning – for the business and people around me.”
That mindset helped him build a team of over 100 specialists operating across markets in the U.S., Asia, Europe and the MENA region. He emphasizes systems thinking, professional intuition and the ability to adapt messages across cultures while preserving brand consistency.
“Trust is the foundation,” Dmytro Makarov explains. “You can not buy it. You earn it through results, consistency and service.”
The entrepreneur adds that trust in the team can be built only if you all are united by the same values and same goals. Such an approach to forming the working environment allows businesses to go through both hard times and rapid success.
Books That Build a Mindset
For Makarov, reading is not a hobby – it is a strategy. “Books shape how I think, how I lead and how I make decisions.”
His top five recommendations reflect this approach:
- “Principles: Life & Work” by Ray Dalio – for systems thinking and decision-making.
- “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant” by Eric Jorgenson – on wealth, freedom and mental clarity.
- “Atomic Habits by James Clear” – a manual for turning small habits into big success.
- “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman – to understand intuitive vs. rational thinking.
- “Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future” by Peter Thiel – a must-read on innovation and building what does not yet exist.
The entrepreneur strongly believes that reading meaningful literature can not only provide one with new ideas and new approaches but also shape the way one reacts in critical situations.
More Than Metrics
While he is proud of the 524 campaigns his agency has launched by today – reaching over 2.6 billion digital impressions – Dmytro Makarov insists his real success lies elsewhere.
“The most valuable achievement? Staying true to myself, despite everything. Despite success, failure, war or starting from scratch again and again. Another achievement is building a team I can trust, who believe in the mission as much as I do.”
Outside the working processes, Makarov finds inspiration in Ukraine’s defenders, in volunteers and teachers and in small, quiet everyday moments – like a walk without a phone or a deep conversation with a friend.
“I am not a genius,” he says. “I simply work hard, care deeply and believe that success comes right after you do something meaningful.”
