Curiosity leads to competitive advantage

Introduce yourself in a few words..

Svetlana, who has loved learning since she was little and wants to leave a positive mark.

For you, the journey around the world is? Learning, exploring, discovering, including myself.

How many different countries have you seen so far?

I hadn't counted them until now, about 25.

Tell us a curious incident or highlights from your travels?

The first time I flew across the Ocean (to the USA), it seemed so distant and risky that before the flight I called my close friends, just like that, in case I didn't see them again.

Do you like to repeat destinations? Give examples and motivation “for” or “against”?

Yes, of course. In some parts and cities of Greece, Italy, Spain, and France, I can go several times a year. For: because it is proven to be nice, familiar, saves time for research and searching. It is important to have moments of security in our lives, diversity can also be tiring.

What was your first trip that truly changed you as a professional and can be said to have changed your thinking?

My first trip to the USA in 2013 (the same one I mentioned above). It was part of my master's program at WU Executive Academy. At that time, I felt that the next step for me was to leave the corporate world and create my own company. I was infected by the spirit of freedom to try and fail, and to try again and again, regardless of how old you are.

What do you learn about yourself and your professional skills when you are in a new cultural environment?

That I still have a lot to learn, despite 30 years of professional experience, which has been from day 1 in a multicultural environment.

Have you met people or ideas during your travels that have influenced your career path?

Yes, of course. Both for more significant decisions, like starting my own business, and in more operational terms, ideas that I can apply in my work.

Do you think that your travels help you expand your professional network? How?

Yes. I have been professionally engaged in networking and building relationships for 10 years. Expanding my network is a natural aspiration for me. Wherever I am (on a hike in the mountains, on a yoga retreat), with whomever I talk, I consciously try to learn more about the interests and excitements of the person in front of me, listening to how I can be helpful.

What skills do you develop the most when you travel, and how do they reflect on your work?

Organization, curiosity, acceptance of uncertainty and imperfections, reverence for the power of nature. Being organized is a basic skill; without it, you can't even get somewhere on time, let alone tackle a whole bunch of tasks. Curiosity leads to competitive advantage. People deprived of it today remain where they were yesterday. If someone does not accept uncertainty, they better never start their own business. Acceptance of imperfection is crucial: in most business situations, it is better to take action, even if imperfect, than to sit with crossed arms and/or lament that you can't execute them perfectly. Reverence for nature teaches that there are circumstances, in which the best solution is to follow, because everything you could have done has already been done.

Is there a city or country that has inspired you to start a new business or project?

I have already shared, the USA.

When you are in an unfamiliar country, do you feel more motivated or more distracted? Why?

Neither, I just enjoy the experience. Whether on vacation or for work, I strive to get the most out of meetings with people and places, to learn as much as possible and to draw ideas.

Are there destinations that act as a “restart” for your creativity and ambition?

Yes, mountain peaks and clean, sparsely populated sandy beaches. Even a 40-minute run in the nearby park has a similar effect.

How do you manage the balance between work and pleasure, when you travel?

With work😊. On myself. I have accumulated enough experience to know that few things are truly urgent. On the other hand, travels (including waiting at airports and flight hours) are ideal times for writing, reading, creating more strategic products, planning.

How have travels changed the way you perceive the value of money?

On one hand, I saw how privileged I am (I have seen truly poor neighborhoods and people), on the other: I am motivated to continue having the opportunity to travel and discover.

Do you travel with the aim of finding new ways to earn money?

I often return with ideas for improvements, some of which are more significant.

What lessons about financial independence have you learned from different economies and cultures?

I haven't compared cultures from this perspective. My personal belief is that financial independence is important and everyone can achieve it. That's why I have been working constantly since I was 20.

Do you think it is better to spend on experiences, rather than on material possessions?

People are very different. My choice is experiences. For other people, it is the opposite.

How do you see the future of digital nomadic life?

I know young people for whom such a life allows them to travel the world and live on different continents within a year. I believe this enriches them spiritually and intellectually. For some, nomadism is a dream come true, for me, for example, unthinkable. I love to settle down.

Are there specific countries that are more favorable for work and investments?

There are experts on both topics who will answer better than I can. I know that when a person seeks opportunities and is willing to work for them, they find them everywhere (where the basic levels of safety, legality, and economic freedom are present, of course).

If you could choose one place in the world to develop your next big idea, what would it be and why?

When I feel what that idea is, I will know the place too.

What are the destinations you would definitely recommend visiting and why?

It is important what our eyes and hearts are open to when we visit destinations, and what we take from them. My personal preferences lean towards authentic places with history and/or natural landmarks, towards active vacations with a discovery element (and with a lot of walking). It is entirely possible for someone else  with different preferences than mine to go on the most static vacation, during which they do not leave the hotel, and there read a book or have a conversation with a huge positive impact on them.

What is the career advice you would give based on what you have seen around the world?

The only way to get where you are going is to walk as long as necessary. Always hold yourself respectfully and kindly.