Eugene Lebedev, (Managing Director and Owner, Vidi Corp) a figure driven by both entrepreneurial spirit and a deep understanding of data analytics, has carved a significant path in the technology and business sectors. His journey began with event organization during his time at the University of Surrey, laying the foundation for his future leadership. This early experience was further developed through operational management at a startup recruitment agency.
Driven by an evolving interest, Eugene transitioned his focus to data analytics, culminating in a master’s degree in business analytics. This academic achievement paved the way for a professional role as a Power BI data analyst at Autodesk, where he honed his technical skills.
Building upon this experience, Eugene established Vidi Corp Limited, a UK-based consulting firm specializing in Power BI, Power Apps, and automation solutions. Under his guidance, Vidi Corp Limited has successfully completed over 500 projects, serving prominent clients such as Google and American Express. Through these endeavors, Eugene Lebedev has demonstrably contributed to the transformation of the data analytics landscape.
From Russia to British Entrepreneur
Eugene Lebedev, originally from Russia, moved to the United Kingdom at the age of sixteen. He completed his education in the UK, including university, and after a period of employment, established his own company. Recently, he obtained British citizenship. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, with both parents running their own businesses and a sister active in social media, Eugene was inspired to pursue his own entrepreneurial path. He graduated in 2019 and was active during his university years.
Values and Vision in Data-Driven Business
Eugene’s university years were marked by active engagement. He led the Russian Speaking Society, organized events, pursued unpaid internships, and contributed to a friend’s recruitment startup. This experience provided practical insights into agency operations, particularly in sourcing personnel for local businesses. Concurrently, he earned a master’s degree in business analytics.
Upon graduation, Eugene joined Autodesk as a data analyst, refining his analytical skills. Recognizing the convergence of his agency experience and analytical expertise, he launched a freelance data analytics consultancy during the COVID-19 lockdowns. He managed both his full-time role at Autodesk and his burgeoning business, ultimately transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship.
As a leader, Eugene Lebedev prioritizes delivering high-quality client work. He defines quality by technical accuracy, rapid execution, and responsiveness. To expedite project delivery, he ensures his team understands the client’s context beyond technical specifications, minimizes revisions, and maintains open communication. He emphasizes responsiveness, actively monitoring client interactions and addressing communication delays promptly.
Revolutionizing Data Extraction
As a Microsoft partner, Vidi Corp recognizes the value of the Microsoft Partner Program in staying informed about updates and innovations. The program provides early access to new releases, which helps the company stay ahead of industry changes. Additionally, Microsoft offers consultancy on the technical aspects of solution implementations, which has been instrumental in the business.
The Microsoft partnership has been beneficial in maintaining innovation. By focusing on a key initiative—data connectors to various data sources—Vidi Corp has developed a platform built on Microsoft technologies. This platform helps businesses extract data from popular third-party software like QuickBooks Online, Xero, and ClickUp, which are commonly used by small businesses worldwide.
Vidi Corp stands out by bridging the gap between software development and consultancy. While many software companies provide only the tools, the team also consults clients on how to derive business value from the data they extract. The company focuses on minimizing the data transformation work required by clients. Unlike many competitors who simply return raw data, Vidi Corp transforms the data before delivering it, allowing clients to directly build their data solutions with minimal effort.
The Rise of AI in Business Intelligence
Eugene’s career milestones reflect a series of significant accomplishments. While working at Autodesk, Eugene developed a Power BI dashboard used by the C-suite, including the CEO and CFO. This dashboard provided daily analysis and insights, marking a key achievement in his career there.
A major turning point came when Eugene Lebedev transitioned from full-time employment to self-employment. Working in a recruitment agency gave him firsthand experience of the challenges that come with building a business from the ground up. Eugene learned to navigate the tough initial phase where results weren’t immediate but remained committed to the journey.
In terms of large-scale projects, Eugene’s first enterprise-level project was for Google, where he built an analytics tool to track and manage legislation compliance across multiple countries. This project sparked deeper thoughts on how to measure and present problems effectively to users. The following year, Eugene worked on a dashboard for Cellular Performance to measure the impact of their marketing efforts on company sales. The year after, he contributed to the UK Ministry of Defence, developing a system for managing contractor requests and providing a platform for suppliers to propose candidates.
In recent times, Eugene has closely observed emerging trends in the industry, particularly the rise of AI. As a Microsoft partner, he’s seen how Microsoft Fabric—a new AI-powered cloud platform—has impacted enterprise-level clients. While still in early stages of adoption, Eugene Lebedev believes it will eventually be accessible to businesses of all sizes. This platform significantly reduces the time required for data analysts to complete their work. Features like formatting dashboards with a simple command and enabling non-technical users to explore data through AI-driven chatbots are game-changers for user adoption, making complex data analysis more accessible and efficient.
The Entrepreneur’s Evolving Mindset
Eugene believes that the necessary qualities and habits for success evolve throughout one’s career. In the early stages, a strong work ethic and determination are crucial for overcoming initial challenges. However, he cautions against maintaining this mentality indefinitely, as increased effort does not always equate to greater results.
He suggests that after a period of rapid growth, when progress plateaus, entrepreneurs should shift their focus from sheer effort to strategic thinking. This involves identifying knowledge gaps and actively seeking resources to address them. Eugene emphasizes the importance of learning key skills personally, rather than solely relying on external hires. He argues that effective management requires a deep understanding of essential processes, particularly business development.
He advocates for entrepreneurs to personally drive business development efforts, rather than outsourcing them. He has learned through experience that marketing, for instance, requires the entrepreneur’s direct involvement. He has taken it upon himself to learn SEO, social media, content creation, and video production to ensure the company’s vision is effectively implemented. He believes that entrepreneurs should set the direction for their company’s growth.
The Evolution of Data Entrepreneur
Eugene believes that aspiring entrepreneurs should focus on leveraging their existing skills. He emphasizes that starting a business requires little more than a marketable skill and the ability to sell it. He advocates for analyzing one’s background to identify strengths that can form the basis of a service offering.
Eugene’s own journey exemplifies this principle. His background in finance and business analytics led him to roles at Autodesk and ultimately to the establishment of his data analytics agency. He advises against venturing into unfamiliar fields, stressing the importance of aligning business ventures with one’s expertise.
He also highlights the value of exploring diverse business areas, particularly in the early stages of one’s career. He encourages those with the flexibility to experiment, while reminding those further along in their careers to leverage their accumulated experience.
From Skill to Software, Building a Sustainable Business
Looking ahead, Eugene envisions transitioning his company from a consultancy that develops software to a software company that provides consultancy. He believes this model offers greater sustainability, shifting the focus from client acquisition to customer retention and value delivery through software and consulting services.
This transition also provides a competitive advantage. By owning the data extraction software, his company gains unparalleled expertise in the data and can customize solutions efficiently. Eugene aims to avoid the limitations and dependencies associated with third-party software, which can lead to extended support delays and client dissatisfaction.
Eugene plans to expand the data sources supported by his data connector platform and develop standardized solutions for efficient client deployment. He believes this approach will solidify his company’s competitive edge.
Important Lessons from Eugene Lebedev
- Leverage Existing Skills and Experience
- Adapt and Evolve with Growth
- Prioritize Quality and Responsiveness
- Embrace Continuous Learning and Personal Skill Development
- Build Sustainable Business Models
