Olga Akatyeva has been managing her own company Global Group for five years, which specializes in business aviation and private jets. It's not a woman's business, you know. It is hard to believe, but the young entrepreneur made a business alone, and at the same time raising two children. It was not easy in the business environment at first. Until now, new clients and business partners often see Olga as just a beautiful woman. But if Akatyeva speaks out, stereotypes break down.
Do you think it’s important for women to have a role model?
Absolutely. Women always have a perfect picture in their head that they want. Portrait of the ideal man, for example, or relationships, at home and so on. Unfortunately, quite often it is this picture in the head that causes stress and neurosis. But the role model as an example of behavior, in my opinion, rather serves the opposite function. Especially if it's a strong person. This may sound rather trivial, but I had this “role model” as a child. Scarlett O'Hara: I won't think about it today. I'll think about it tomorrow”. In difficult situations, it always works.
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What rules should a business woman follow?
First of all, stay a lady, of course. Emotional control is a key principle in business, especially if you’re a woman. What is forgiven to men is never forgiven us. And at the same time, even despite a busy schedule, look after yourself and maintain high standards. I really think the demands on women are much higher.
How do you feel about sexism? Do you have to deal with that?
Fortunately, less and less. I work in the field of service, where girls are not uncommon. Yes, there are situations when people look at me with disbelief, saying, “Well, you didn’t achieve it all yourself.” A gift? Who's your dad? Who is your man?” Maybe it’s because of my age, I’m only 31. If there was a young man in my place, he would not be asked these questions. Take a popular meme. The son of his mother's friend - he is a successful entrepreneur, he has expensive cars and watches, an apartment in the center. And my mom's girlfriend's daughter is married to this guy. Do you feel the difference? Yeah, that's 100% sexist. But do I feel this way every day and am I sad? Of course not.
Are you investing your money?
Yeah. My own education. I studied at a language school in Malta, got a diploma of financial manager at the State University of Management. Now I am studying for a second university degree – at the Faculty of State and Municipal Management of RANEPA. Sometimes I think about a career in politics, and I honestly believe there are things that need to change.
Is it possible to combine career and motherhood?
You can — and you must. Motherhood teaches empathy. “Remaining human” in all its forms is the key to success. Children are not a burden, but a joy that makes you more meaningful. They are growing, I am growing with them, not just satisfying my ambitions through business. You know, you can't put principles in a child's head. You can only learn to say "thank you" and "sorry." And they take an example from their parents. If the mother is happy and free, then the children will grow up the same. I spend all my free time with them. I do this not quantitatively, but qualitatively. They motivate and inspire me. And I try to do the same for them.
What are you doing solely for yourself?
It's scary to say, but I do sports and yoga. This is the most stereotypical stereotype in our time. It sounds like I have lactose intolerance or a gluten allergy. I’m not trying to make fun of people for whom this is a real problem. Rather, those who follow the trend for fashion. Yeah, every morning I start with training. It works like coffee to me.
You seem very rational. Do you ever feel like dropping everything and doing something spontaneous?
Every day I think of going somewhere so far away that even my own planes cannot reach it. But there is probably no such place in the world. Joking aside, I really don't like traditional tourist destinations. I am currently planning an expedition to the Arctic. Do not post photos of knees under the palm tree to the envy of friends, but really live without the Internet and feed the bears (not yourself, I hope). Well, I want to learn Chinese. I am very interested in Chinese culture. Maybe D&G will hire me as a cultural advisor.
Source: L'OFFICIEL Russia
