Anastasiya Simsek is an adventurous and always up for a challenge journalist of Air Cargo Week. She started her journalism career in 2016 at Ukrainian TV channels 24 Channel and 1+1 Media. Having worked across several sectors, including news, medicine, and lifestyle, she joined the Air Cargo Week editorial team in 2024.
How did you get into airfreight/logistics?
By coincidence. I have worked as a journalist in news, lifestyle and health departments before. I was so excited when I had an opportunity to join to Air Cargo Week.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
There are no impossible things. There are not enough attempts.
What hobby have you always wanted to try but never got around to?
I had been always dreaming about pilot training school!
If there was a movie made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role?
Natalie Portman?
How do you motivate your team?
I am super enthusiastic and passionate about the job I do. I believe my energy motivates my team.
If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be and why?
I love this question. First, Lesya Ukrainka, one of Ukrainian literature’s foremost writers, was born in 1871. During Soviet times, her creative heritage was carefully hidden or censored with the slightest hint of the Ukrainian nation’s identity. But still, in 2024, her poems continue to support the Ukrainian spirit and strength.
The second person is Sviatoslav Vakarchuk, the lead vocalist of Okean Elzy. Vakarchuk’s songs motivate me a lot. By the way, this singer is originally from my home city, Lviv. We even studied in the same gymnasium. The third person with whom I would like to have as many dinners as possible is my father, who cannot leave the country at the moment.
What quote has most resonated with you?
Quote by Ukrainian poet Lina Kostenko.
English translation: “And everything in the world must be experienced,
And every finish is essentially a start.
And you don’t need to guess in advance,
And it’s not worth crying over the past…”
Early Riser or Night Owl?
Night owl! I work much better in the evenings and at night, especially if I have a creative task.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It is definitely a borsch. My dad knows the best recipe.
If you had not pursued a career in logistics, what other field would you have liked to go into?
I love how being a journalist opens all possible opportunities.
Cats or dogs?
I do not have any pets, unfortunately. I would most probably go with a small breed dog.
What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
Moving to the UK!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would love to teleportate! Meeting in a different country? One second… you are there! Just like in Harry Potter.
What is something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?
When I was 18, I created my journalism school for kids!
What would your autobiography be called?
Bring the fire!