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  1. Long reads
5 March 2012updated 24 Sep 2015 10:46am

The NS Interview: Sergei Polonsky, businessman

“Next time, I’ll bet on something more edible than my tie”

By Sophie Elmhirst

Forbes magazine listed you as one of the “nine most unusual Russian businessmen”. Is that a fair assessment?
My only grievance is that I only came in sixth place! Even German Gref, the head of Savings Bank (the largest bank in Russia) was ahead of me. He’s very proper and not unusual at all. I’m very disappointed with that ranking.

You made your fortune in property development – what sparked your interest?
The war in South Ossetia. I served active duty in the airforce. After seeing the horrors of war and the destruction it caused, I decided I no longer wanted to destroy; I wanted to create.

Which building are you most proud of?
The Federation Tower in Moscow. It is a very complex building, and not yet completed. It will consist of two towers – the first was completed in 2008 and the second is due for completion in the autumn. At 506 metres [the central spire] is due to become the tallest building in Europe.

You are known for your entrepreneurial success. What’s your secret?
I keep a diary filled with meditations on mental, visual and aural experiences. Last year, two books of these were published. All my secrets can be found in these.

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Do you have a business “philosophy”?
My philosophy is best summarised in the words of Steve Jobs: “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” Jobs was an inspiration to us all.

What else inspires you?
The flow of energy through space.

How did your upbringing shape your outlook?
I grew up in the Vyborg District of Leningrad. I took a lot of influence from my parents. Although I think education is very important, I don’t think it is as important as the talents provided to you by nature and the Lord. These gifts are indispensable.

You were part of the huge boom in Russia. Was that accumulation of wealth healthy?
This is a complex issue. Many countries have been through booms, and it was Russia’s turn. A few people were able to take advantage – they were in the right place at the right time. But this is no different to any other country.

What is the biggest challenge facing Russia?
Russians need to learn to live by their conscience and the law, and develop a civil society.

What do you think will be the outcome of the presidential election?
I do not comment on policy. I do not like to get involved with the politics of Russia.

If you could change one thing in Russian society, what would it be?
I would make the judges more independent, honest, incorruptible and fair.

Is free expression in danger in Russia?
No. As long as we have the internet, an unrestricted area for individuals to air their thoughts, free speech will be available.

How do you see the future of Russian media?
Traditional media aren’t of interest to me. Time is running out and they’ll slowly and surely come to a natural death. The internet is the future.

You became known in the UK when you were punched by Alexander Lebedev on television. What was your reaction?
It was an enormous shock – a cultural, emotional and information shock. To find out that a large proportion of people considered Lebedev a hero disappointed and disgusted me. It was only after time had passed that people saw it in black and white: I was the victim.

What do you think of Lebedev’s interests in British newspapers?
It isn’t my place to say anything about Lebedev’s business. I think it is up to the journalist community to look at him and decide whether he is the right kind of person to own the media.

You ate your tie recently after losing a bet. Are you always a man of your word?
Yes. I had made a forecast for the following six months and my predictions were wrong. I kept my promise and did eat a part of my tie. Between us, it wasn’t very tasty. Next time I’ll be sure to bet on something more edible.

Is there a plan?
Does Donald Trump have a career plan?! I think we should call them “creative plans”. My ultimate aim is to make a significant contribution to the architectural skyline of Moscow.

Do you vote?
Yes.

Is there anything you’d like to forget?
Every night, I try to forget the day that has stood before me and I aim to begin every new day afresh, with new thoughts.

Are we all doomed?
We should smile and enjoy our lives, then the world will be endless.

Defining Moments

1972 Born in St Petersburg
1989 Joins Russian Airborne Troops
1990-92 Does service in air assault brigade. Is stationed in Tskhinval combat zone
1994 Establishes Stroymontazh Ltd, specialising in construction
2004 Company is renamed Mirax Group; erects many big buildings in Moscow
2011 Liquidates the Mirax brand after financial crisis
2011 Is punched by Alexander Lebedev

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