Interview with Denis Parfyonov (Denys Parfonov)

I’m Denis Parfyonov, a national ballroom champion in Ukraine and co-author with Martha Harper of the book, Service in Leadership: What is Your Agenda?

I would like to respond to some questions and make some comments.

1. How did I get involved with co-authoring this book?

Three years ago I worked on translating Martha Harper’s book “Teach for Today or Train for Tomorrow” from English into Russian. This was my first experience of this kind of work, and it turned out to be quite successful. Over time, having become acquainted with Martha's other works, I could not refuse her offer to become a co-author of one of the new books.

2. Since I have several academic degrees, coach all over the world and have a leadership role in the dance industry why was I interested in writing this book?

Of course, I was attracted by the topic, but especially, my part of the assignment when working on the book. Leadership is very important in all aspects of life and in any profession. We encounter challenges daily, sometimes without even noticing it. My dancing experience helped me to choose as an example stories from my life that, in my opinion, reveal as much as possible each leadership quality.

3. What was the most challenging part for you and why?

The most difficult thing was to correctly translate the name of the book in order not to lose the idea that runs through the whole book. A competent translation from English into Russian is not an easy task. In the translation process, sometimes it seems that you are writing a completely new book. It was also not easy to select exactly those examples from personal experience that would be most suitable for each chapter, and to describe them briefly and easily.

4. What have you learned from the writing experience, from the book content, and what do you want to share with others who might be interested?

I believe that I have gained invaluable experience in expressing my thoughts in a generally accessible format. Work on the book made me recall more than a dozen stories from my life, look at them again from a new angle, analyze, and draw conclusions that were unexpected for myself.

5. Where can we get the book?

Our book is already in print. It will be released in Russian and English. An electronic version will also be available. Very soon you will be able to order a book on my website “Ballroom Library” at http://books.parfyonov.com.ua. Follow our advertising in social networks.

Thank you for your time, and for your interest in our book.