Different cultures and environments offer new perspectives and ideas

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Chanita Belova and I have been an entrepreneur for 35 years. I am a proud mother of two wonderful daughters. I love my job and I admit that I might be a bit of a workaholic. I own a cosmetics distribution company, with one of the iconic brands I have been involved in for over 30 years being Golden Rose. This is one of the most successful and beloved projects in my career.

What does traveling the world mean to you?

I love to travel! I work a lot so that I can travel. Traveling the world for me is like peeking into different universes – each culture reveals a new way of thinking, new flavors, new rhythms of life. It enriches you in a way that even books cannot – it broadens your horizons, teaches you tolerance, and reminds you that the world is colorful and full of stories worth hearing.

How many different countries have you seen so far? Share an interesting story or highlights from your travels?

So far, I have had the pleasure of visiting 48 countries, I count them – each with its own character and unexpected surprises. In Cambodia, for example, I found myself at a morning ceremony with monks at a temple near Siem Reap – the smell of incense, the silence, and the morning light created a feeling that time had stopped.

In Vietnam, I tried street soup “pho,” sitting on a small plastic stool while motorbikes whizzed around me – it was chaos, but the inspiring kind, full of life.

In Italy - I love Italy - I learned that “espresso” doesn’t just mean coffee – it’s a ritual, almost a philosophy.

And Hawaii… there I accidentally stumbled upon a local festival of the traditional hula dance – music, smiles, fire, and ocean all in one. I realized it’s not just a destination, but a whole emotion.

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

Yes, I love to repeat destinations – not because I don’t want to discover new ones, but because I believe that every place reveals a different face with each return. For example, every year, I return to Italy a few times – and each time is different, but incredible! You can fall in love with Rome and its classical sights, and on subsequent visits discover lesser-known but extremely charming places like Bologna and Puglia.

A repeat visit gives you a chance to dive deeper, to escape from tourist routes and feel the rhythm of everyday life. I believe that sometimes the same place can inspire you in a new way, as long as you have your eyes and heart open.

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

The first trip that really changed me as a professional was to the USA. I visited New York – a city that literally vibrates with energy, ambition, and creativity. It was inspiring to see how people from all over the world gather in one place, exchange ideas, and work with passion and confidence. This trip helped me change the way I view work and myself – I realized that the mindset “everything is possible” is not just a cliché, but a real driving force.

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

When I find myself in a new cultural environment, I always learn something new, both about myself and about the way I work. Such situations show me how important it is to be adaptive, observant, and open to different perspectives. I learn to communicate more empathetically, as well as to rely not only on my experience but also on my intuition. Professionally, this helps me develop flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and broader thinking – skills that are extremely valuable in an increasingly connected world.

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

Yes, definitely. During a trip to the USA, I had the opportunity to meet an entrepreneur who had left the corporate world to create his own company, based on sustainable practices and social impact. Our conversation was inspiring – he showed me that it is entirely possible for a professional path to be not only successful but also meaningful. This turned upside down the way I think about my career – I started looking for directions where I can combine my expertise with my personal values. Meetings like this stay with you forever and guide you on unexpected but right paths.

Do you think that traveling helps you expand your professional network? How?

Yes, definitely. Traveling provides me with the opportunity to meet people from different industries and cultures, which expands my professional network. Participating in international conferences, seminars, and informal events also contributes to creating valuable contacts.

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

Traveling has helped me develop adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to quickly solve problems. These skills are particularly useful in a dynamic work environment, where every day I need to adapt to new situations and challenges.

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

Visiting Singapore inspired me to realize how important technology is in business. I saw how much innovation and entrepreneurial spirit there is, and this motivated me to work on my ideas for process automation in business, as well as for using more and more technologies.

When you are in a foreign country, do you feel more motivated or more distracted? Why?

I feel more motivated because the new environment stimulates curiosity and the desire to learn. Different cultures and environments offer new perspectives and ideas that can be integrated into my work.

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

Yes, places like Barcelona and Berlin are known for their creative atmosphere and energy. Spending time in such cities always helps me to "recharge" and generate new ideas.

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

I try to plan my day so that I allocate time for both work and sightseeing. I use remote work technologies and strive to be productive in the first half of the day, while I dedicate the afternoons to walks and exploring new places.

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

Traveling has shown me that the value of money is relative and depends on the context. In some countries, small amounts can provide significant comforts, while in others even large sums do not guarantee a high quality of life. This has made me more aware of my spending and priorities, as well as the significance and meaning of money.

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

Yes, sometimes I travel with the aim of exploring new markets and business opportunities. Meeting with local entrepreneurs and understanding the economic conditions in different regions helps me identify potentials for development.

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

I learned that financial independence is not just a matter of income, but also of managing resources and adapting to local conditions. For example, in some cultures, saving and investing are deeply rooted, while in others, consumerism is more pronounced.

Do you think it’s better to spend on experiences rather than material possessions?

I firmly believe that investing in experiences is more valuable, as they leave lasting memories and enrich life in a way that material things cannot.

How do you see the future of digital nomad life?

I believe that digital nomad life will continue to grow and evolve, thanks to advances in technology and the increasing flexibility of employers. More people will have the opportunity to work from anywhere in the world, which will lead to greater mobility and diversity in the work environment.

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

Countries like Singapore, Switzerland, and Germany are known for their favorable conditions for business and investments. They offer a stable legal framework and a high quality of life, although they are also very competitive.

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

I would choose San Francisco for its innovative ecosystem and the presence of numerous startups and investors. The city is an ideal place for developing various projects and receiving support from leading experts in the industry.

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

Indonesia, Cambodia, and Hawaii are three places that everyone should visit at least once in their life. They represent unique historical and cultural heritages that offer invaluable lessons and inspiration.

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

Be open to new opportunities and don’t be afraid to take risks. The world is full of unlimited possibilities for those who are willing to step out of their comfort zone and seek new horizons.