Women of Knowledge
In celebration of International Women's Day (IWD), we are thrilled to share the stories of some successful and inspirational women from Constructor Knowledge. From Bremen to Singapore, Zurich to Belgrade, they reflect on their career paths, challenges, growth, and success, shedding light on universal topics such as work-life balance, navigating motherhood, and excelling in dynamic careers.
This year's IWD theme urges us to promote understanding and appreciation for women's inclusion. As we delve into these women's journeys, each story contributes to a shared tapestry of experiences, offering diverse and unique testimonies that foster a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment for women everywhere.
Get inspired by Yana, Diana, Irmela, Stephanie, and Bojana’s practical insights and how they’ve overcome work challenges, beyond geographical, cultural backgrounds, and age differences.
As you read these stories, we hope you enjoy and get inspired by their experiences, embracing continuous learning, assertiveness, and the courage to take unique paths. These narratives also reflect Constructor Knowledge's continuous commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Yana Percheva-Barlagen, Senior Marketing Manager at Constructor Knowledge
How do you balance work and personal life, and what unique insights do you have as a working woman, mother - or early-career professional?
Since I became a mother, balancing work and personal life has been a game-changer. I reckon the best weapon to maintain that balance is to plan well ahead of time and set clear priorities for every role. That is not an easy journey, and as a working woman and mother, I've learned to communicate openly and set boundaries to maintain harmony. I believe effective communication is the key in both professional and personal spheres, especially when one works in various time zones and multicultural teams. At work, being transparent about my expectations allows me to manage responsibilities efficiently. In my personal life, it's crucial to carve out quality time for family and self-care. For me, having a loving partner always helps, and a rewarding hobby to take your mind away from work dynamics. Personally, skiing and the outdoors give me that freedom and balanced state of mind.
What do you consider to be the essential qualities and skills for women to develop in a career?
I believe there are no universal qualities and skills, particularly for women, that would guarantee career development. Yet, given my career experience so far, I believe women excel tremendously when they are focused, proactive, run the extra mile, and are critical first to their performance. All that, combined with genuine appreciation and support from their team and management, can move mountains. I would add to that list of skills, things such as:
- Bring your uniqueness to the table – it’s vital to contribute with your unique personality and vibe so that teams can become stronger and more diverse.
- Right timing – develop effective time management skills to juggle multiple responsibilities well. Luckily, we, as women, are naturally good at it.
- Do not fear the unknown – embrace a continuous learning mindset and leave your comfort zone. In rapidly evolving industries, staying curious and updating skills are vital to staying relevant and competitive. At the same time, challenges are great learning curves, and they always come hand-in-hand with a few mistakes along the way.
How do you feel about your career progress so far, and what aspects contribute to your current satisfaction in your professional journey?
My professional journey so far has been very diverse and dynamic. I am proud of the progress I've made in my career so far. The satisfaction I derive from my professional journey stems from personal growth, meaningful contributions, and a supportive work environment. I feel empowered because I trust my ability to handle multiple and complex situations. I feel committed because I always had the chance to work with incredible and very diverse teams. I feel motivated because I constantly learn new things, an essential drive in professional development. In many cases, I rely on my intuition and tend to think that often it ‘beats’ knowledge.
What key lessons have you learned from moments of failure in your career, and how have those experiences contributed to your growth and success?
Failures have been invaluable teachers in my career. They've taught me resilience, the importance of embracing change, and the ability to extract lessons from setbacks. One key lesson is that failure is not the end but rather a stepping stone to growth. Each setback has provided an opportunity for self-reflection, skill refinement, and a renewed determination to overcome challenges. Learning from failures has made me more adaptable, creative, and better equipped to navigate the complexities of my professional journey. Although it is never easy to admit failure, it is the best compass for true achievements.
Given your experience and insights, what advice would you offer to a younger woman aspiring to build a career within Constructor Knowledge?
Constructor Knowledge and the whole group are very dynamic, and so should you be. You need to be adaptive and curious, seek solutions to problems that have not yet arisen, meet new people, and connect the dots on how everyone could help each other. Plan well, but leave enough room for flexibility to pick up in a totally new direction if needed. Embrace challenges: don't shy away from challenges; view them as opportunities for growth. Finally, go with the flow and learn – wisdom comes with experience.
Diana Zalani, Performance Marketing Manager at Constructor Knowledge
How do you balance work and personal life, and what unique insights do you have as a working woman, mother - or early-career professional?
For me, navigating the dual roles of motherhood and a career is a constant learning process. It's a lot about integrating work into life. Since becoming a mother, my daily goal has evolved. It's now important to feel that I've given my best at work by the end of the day, devoting all attention to my little girl, ensuring she receives my best. In trying to strike the balance, I strive to be present and focused in the moment, wherever I am.
What do you consider to be the essential qualities and skills for women to develop in a career?
Know what you want and set clear goals. Adaptability is important; be flexible to changes. Be firm in your pursuit and remain open to continuous learning and upskilling. Couple your aspirations with good intentions. I believe having self-confidence and good values are essential for career development, while also keeping you grounded.
How do you feel about your career progress so far, and what aspects contribute to your current satisfaction in your professional journey?
I feel positive about my career progress so far. Several factors contribute to my current satisfaction – Firstly, I've been fortunate to work in a field I love! I’ve learned and grown in terms of skills and expertise, which is important to me. Throughout my career, I had the opportunity to work on projects that align with my interests. It has kept me engaged and excited about my work. Secondly, the supportive work environment and colleagues have been key to my satisfaction. Overall, I feel fortunate to have had the different experiences and opportunities that shaped my professional journey.
What key lessons have you learned from moments of failure in your career, and how have those experiences contributed to your growth and success?
My career's highs and lows have taught me resilience and perseverance. I've come to see setbacks as stepping stones that got me to where I am today. I've learned the importance of recognizing when you feel stagnant and need to make a change, or when it's necessary to move on from an unsupportive environment. While there may be dark days, it's important not to let someone else's opinion define your worth. Keep pushing forward, persevere, and prove yourself, no matter how tough it gets.
Given your experience and insights, what advice would you offer to a younger woman aspiring to build a career within Constructor Knowledge?
Having worked in marketing for the higher education industry for over six years, I find it incredibly fulfilling and meaningful. Education represents a lifelong journey with endless possibilities. It would be great if you are passionate about seeking knowledge. Working at Constructor Knowledge exposes you to diverse educational businesses and projects, offering exciting opportunities to contribute in your capacity. Additionally, the flexibility of remote work and the chance to collaborate with colleagues from different nations and cultures make working in Constructor Knowledge uniquely enriching!
Irmela Abrahamse, Office Manager at Constructor Knowledge
Explore the wisdom of Irmela Abrahamse, Office Manager at Constructor Knowledge, as she shares a no-nonsense approach to work-life balance, emphasizing presence and quality moments. Her advice to younger women echoes the importance of education, networking, and confidently claiming a seat at the table in Constructor Knowledge.
How do you balance work and personal life, and what unique insights do you have as a working woman, mother - or early-career professional?
- Good pre-planning – work is the place where you are a human, your skills are implemented, and you are surrounded by adults. Be there, be in the moment.
- Take the time for your family – no phones, no mental absence. Be there, and fully embrace the moment. Spend the time and enjoy quality moments; kids grow up so fast.
What do you consider to be the essential qualities and skills for women to develop in a career?
- Do what you really like, because then you will love what you do, and it is a happy space to develop your skills and gain experience.
- Stop worrying about what others think of you. You have studied and qualified yourself for your chosen profession. Stop doubting yourself.
How do you feel about your career progress so far, and what aspects contribute to your current satisfaction in your professional journey?
As someone over 50, I have experienced many highs and many lows, and the gender pay gap realities. I attribute my happiness and job satisfaction to my attitude, personality, and drive to always include and encourage teamwork and support other minority women. We are all different individuals and have our own specialties; if we all respect and engage with others, we can achieve so much more together.
What key lessons have you learned from moments of failure in your career, and how have those experiences contributed to your growth and success?
- Never give up; “put on the big girl panties” and start over.
- Maintain a positive outlook on life.
- Take the comments and criticism that you receive as valuable input; incorporate them to improve yourself.
- Believe in yourself.
Given your experience and insights, what advice would you offer to a younger woman aspiring to build a career within Constructor Knowledge?
- Engage, engage, engage. Open your mouth and fully fill that seat at the table.
- Network, attend women's events, and other events that interest you to meet more people and be in real-time on top of the business game.
- Go study; education does open the path to your success. And always continue to study and improve your knowledge.
Stephanie Anguelsky, IT Recruiter at Constructor Knowledge
How do you balance work and personal life, and what unique insights do you have as a working woman, mother - or early-career professional?
Balancing work and personal life as an early-career professional is an ongoing journey that requires constant adjustment and self-awareness. By setting boundaries, prioritizing effectively, practicing self-compassion, utilizing support networks, embracing flexibility, and celebrating achievements, I've been able to navigate the challenges of balancing work and personal life with greater ease and fulfillment.
What do you consider to be the essential qualities and skills for women to develop in a career?
As a woman navigating a career, essential qualities and skills include confidence, resilience, communication, leadership, networking, continuous learning, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. These attributes help in building a strong professional foundation, navigating challenges, and achieving success in a dynamic work environment.
How do you feel about your career progress so far, and what aspects contribute to your current satisfaction in your professional journey?
The satisfaction in my current professional journey stems from a combination of personal growth, a supportive environment, and continuous learning. Personal growth, marked by tangible progress and meaningful achievements, fuels my fulfillment. Working in a supportive environment where I feel valued and encouraged contributes significantly to my satisfaction. Additionally, embracing opportunities for continuous learning enhances my engagement and motivation, ensuring that I remain fulfilled in my career.
What key lessons have you learned from moments of failure in your career, and how have those experiences contributed to your growth and success?
I've learned invaluable lessons that contributed significantly to my growth and success. Firstly, failure has taught me resilience and the importance of bouncing back stronger from setbacks. It's shown me that failure is not the end but an opportunity for growth and improvement. Additionally, failure has taught me the importance of seeking feedback and learning from mistakes. Each setback has been a chance to reflect, adapt, and refine my approach, ultimately leading to greater success. Overall, embracing failure as part of the journey has been instrumental in shaping my resilience and determination, ultimately contributing to my growth and success in my career.
Given your experience and insights, what advice would you offer to a younger woman aspiring to build a career within Constructor Knowledge?
For a young woman aspiring to build a career in Constructor Knowledge, my advice is to prioritize continuous learning, both technically and in soft skills like communication and leadership. Seek out mentors and networks for guidance and support, and be resilient in the face of challenges. Advocate for yourself and promote diversity and inclusion within the industry. Embrace learning opportunities, build a strong network, and advocate for yourself and others to pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career in Constructor Knowledge.
Bojana Milosevic, Chief of Staff at Constructor Knowledge
How do you balance work and personal life, and what unique insights do you have as a working woman, mother - or early-career professional?
I don't believe in achieving a perfect balance between work and personal life; instead, it's more about finding a blend that works for you in the moment. As a working mother, priorities constantly shift, demanding adaptability and flexibility. It's about embracing the ebb and flow of life and professional demands while staying true to what matters most to your family and balancing it with work priorities.
I find immense joy and fulfillment in my work; it's not just about the obligations but also about doing what I love and finding satisfaction in the journey of professional growth and personal fulfillment. Moreover, I'm fortunate to work in an environment where I'm surrounded by inspiring individuals who share a common vision, fostering a sense of camaraderie and purpose that further enriches my experience.
What do you consider to be the essential qualities and skills for women to develop in a career?
Resilience, adaptability, and assertiveness are essential qualities for women to cultivate in their careers. Resilience helps us bounce back from setbacks, adaptability allows us to thrive in ever-changing environments, and assertiveness ensures our voices are heard and our contributions recognized.
Furthermore, effective communication skills are also very important. Whether it's articulating ideas, negotiating contracts, or leading teams, the ability to convey messages clearly and persuasively is essential for building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and advancing one's career.
Fostering a strong network of support is invaluable. Building meaningful relationships with mentors, sponsors, and peers provides women with guidance, opportunities for advancement, and a sense of belonging.
Cultivating self-confidence is one of the keys. Believing in oneself and one's abilities is not only empowering. It also influences how others perceive and respond to women in professional settings. Confidence enables women to assert themselves, take risks, and confidently pursue opportunities.
In addition to these qualities, continuous learning is indispensable. In an ever-evolving landscape, women prioritizing ongoing education and skill development remain ahead of the curve, ensuring their relevance and adaptability in an increasingly competitive job market.
I believe these qualities and skills form the foundation upon which women can build successful and fulfilling careers, challenging societal norms and paving the way for future generations of female leaders.
How do you feel about your career progress so far, and what aspects contribute to your current satisfaction in your professional journey?
My career journey fills me with gratitude, stemming from meaningful relationships and the impact I've made. Continuous learning and seizing growth opportunities, akin to an entrepreneurial journey, shape my career satisfaction. The entrepreneurial mindset of staying alert, responsive, and detail-oriented, coupled with strategic thinking, has been pivotal in navigating my professional path. Continuous learning and seizing opportunities for growth, akin to an entrepreneurial journey, shape my career satisfaction.
What key lessons have you learned from moments of failure in your career, and how have those experiences contributed to your growth and success?
Failure is not the opposite of success; rather, it's a stepping stone towards it. Each setback in my career has been a valuable lesson. I've learned the importance of resilience and the power of turning adversity into opportunity. Each challenge faced has contributed to my growth, reinforcing the value of ambition, initiative, and the ability to make quick decisions.
Given your experience and insights, what advice would you offer to a younger woman aspiring to build a career within Constructor Knowledge?
Be bold in your pursuits, never underestimate the value of continuous learning, and don't be afraid to carve your own path. Seek mentors who can guide and inspire you, and remember that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth. Your journey may not always be linear, but every experience will contribute to your evolution and eventual success.