Don't wait for the 'right moment' - it rarely comes on its own

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My name is Maria Sivkova and I am the owner and manager of a digital SEO agency Conversion Century. My professional journey in marketing started at the age of 18 with an internship at an international fast-moving consumer goods company – an experience that sparked my interest in communications and the digital world. At 21, I became part of Conversion Century as an intern, and just two years later, I took over its management as its owner. 

Today, nine years after my first steps in the field, I continue with even greater dedication to build a team and a company where expertise goes hand in hand with integrity, quality, and sustainable growth. 

Tell us what the philosophy and values of the company you represent at the moment are? 

At Conversion Century, we believe that SEO is not just a service – it is a strategic partnership with a long-term horizon. We help brands build a sustainable and meaningful digital presence through individual strategies created with attention to detail, adaptability, and a clear vision for the future of their business. 

We do not see ourselves as an external provider, but as an extension of the client's internal team. We share their goals, ambitions, and responsibilities – and we work with dedication as if the project were our own. 

Many of our partnerships have lasted over six years. This is because we believe in the value of what our clients offer – and we do everything possible for their clients to see and feel it too. 

How long have you been developing your current company? What are the most valuable lessons that the events during this period have taught you? 

I have been part of Conversion Century for six years now. It all started with an internship during my third year at university, and later – after the founder of the company moved to the USA – I had the opportunity not just to manage it, but to acquire it. I was 22 years old, with no practical experience in business management, but with a very clear feeling that this was an opportunity I could not miss. 

I financed the purchase of the company through a loan – a decision I made with more faith and courage than with a plan. I had no clear idea of what exactly I would do afterward, but I was ready to take risks and take full responsibility. 

From today's perspective, I know that this was one of the most important decisions I have made – not only for my career but also for my personal growth. The most valuable lessons..? I learned that improvement begins when you dive into something before you feel completely ready. That every difficult moment is an opportunity for growth. That leading a business means not just managing processes, but building value, trust, and inspiration – for the team, for the clients, and for yourself. 

If you personally had to write a job advertisement, how would you attract the attention of a future employee? 

At Conversion Century, we are not just looking for new additions – we are looking for like-minded individuals. People with internal discipline, attention to detail, and of course, an interest in digital marketing. For us, work is not a checklist of tasks, but a process with direction and depth. 

Our internal culture is built on trust, open dialogue, and genuine support. That’s why we are a team that not only moves in one direction – we collaboratively build it. 

It is important to me that colleagues perceive the company's vision as their own because only then does work become not an obligation, but a shared path. And thus, one begins to feel that they belong to something valuable to themselves. 

What does your company do to organize a constructive and beneficial working environment for everyone? Do people in the team need to be friends? 

With us, communication is not limited to task distribution – we know each other well, support each other, and treat each other with respect not only as colleagues but also as individuals. It is in such an environment that communication flows naturally, decisions are made quickly, and motivation comes from within and remains long-term. 

For me, leadership is not a matter of position, but of behavior. It starts with personal example – with attitude, with persistence, and with real commitment to the people around you. Where there is trust – there is also movement forward. And where there is energy and a shared vision – sustainable results come. 

What makes you enjoy going to work? How do you deal with difficult and stressful moments? 

What drives me is my internal motivation – not just for completing daily tasks, but rather for meaningful and sustainable development – of the company, of my team, and of the services we offer. I believe that difficult moments are the most valuable 'school' for every entrepreneur – every challenge unlocks a new way of thinking, expands our horizons, and builds new qualities in us. 

I am grateful for all the difficulties up to this point because they have given me lessons that few young people at 26 have the opportunity to experience – and to go through them independently.  

If I have to be completely honest, I look forward to future difficulties with anticipation because I know that they will continue to develop me – as a person, as a leader, and as a professional. Without difficult and stressful moments, we cannot learn the lessons that truly shape us as individuals in the long term. 

What work model does your company adhere to – office or remote? What do you think about the possibility of offering flexible working hours, within which employees have greater freedom to balance their personal and work commitments? 

At Conversion Century, we work on a hybrid model that combines the advantages of the office environment with the flexibility of remote work. We provide freedom not only in terms of location but also in time – everyone in the team has the opportunity to organize their day in a way that effectively combines work with their personal rhythm and commitments. 

However, such a model requires more than good processes – it requires mutual trust. I always approach with openness and faith in my team, but I expect the same from the other side. In my opinion, this mutual respect is the foundation of a stable and productive working environment.  

How do the ongoing technological changes worldwide affect your business? 

We work in one of the fastest-growing and most sensitive to technological changes industries. Technologies not only transform the tools we work with – they redefine the very essence of SEO as a profession and strategy. 

We see all these changes as opportunities for the development of the company's activities and our scope of work. We constantly train, participate in international conferences, exchange experiences with experts from around the world, and continuously test and experiment. We develop our products, websites, and platforms to better understand the market and provide better service. 

I believe that SEO will not disappear – it will evolve. And we are ready for that. 

How important is hierarchy and what does it mean to you? What kind of communication do you advocate in your company? 

In our company, hierarchy exists, but not as something strict and formal – rather as the necessary structure to know who is responsible for what. However, in our daily work, we rely on open and informal communication. 

I personally also rely on leading by example – I work alongside the team every day, I get involved in every project, meet with clients, train, and help when someone needs it. I believe that when people feel heard and respected, they truly engage. I do not believe in an authoritarian style – I believe in building an environment where everyone has a voice and a sense of contribution. 

What is your career advice for all people building a strategy for their professional development? 

Don't wait for the 'right moment' - it rarely comes on its own. Be proactive, seek knowledge, make mistakes, learn from them.  

Motivation, persistence, and the desire to develop are things that no one can give you – or take away from you. They are within you. Use them.