Take a reasonable risk, that's where the good opportunities lie

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

Zhanet Belberova - I work as a Client Service Director at Universal Media.  I have two children, a dog, and a cat. Outside of the corporate world, I am a consultative psychologist and gestalt psychotherapist.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?  

I dreamed of becoming a researcher, to work in a laboratory and to conduct experiments and discoveries 😊

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early age and form our interests? What is Your recipe for curiosity, sources and wells of information and inspiration at this stage of our human development?

Parental messages from childhood continue to resonate in our minds long after we have grown up. They are like invisible threads that pull our reactions in certain directions, often without us even realizing it. How the adults around us responded to our childhood curiosity often influences our behavior as adults. When our childhood questions were met with patience and encouragement, we grow with the confidence to explore the unknown. When the same questions provoked irritation or rejection, we often develop internal brakes that limit us. Awareness of these early influences creates space for choice and change, as well as the discovery of  new ways of acting that previously seemed inaccessible, such as asking questions without fear of judgment, and to experiment without the paralyzing fear of failure. Ultimately, the journey towards authentic growth often involves re-acquainting ourselves with the child we once were – with its courage, curiosity, and ability to marvel at the world.

Has there been any significant difference in your perceptions In your more mature age about what motivates you to do or not do something?  

Yes, there is definitely a change in what motivates me. Lately, I think more about how what I do, contributes to others and to me. Not so much the goal, but the process and the journey are more interesting to me now. 

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was that decision correct, looking back today?

It was my decision 😊 I really wanted to graduate in computer science. I entered my first choice with computer science and it turned out that there was no possibility for such a specialty at the university and they  reformatted it to sociology. Sociology is such a different discipline (excluding the many statistics and higher mathematics), but it turned out to be much more interesting and much more of a humanitarian specialty. From there, my focus shifted from numbers to people.  

Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies?

Gradually, my interest turned into a second profession. Psychology and psychotherapy broaden my perspective on both the corporate world, and the processes within it. In the end, we are all just people and experience the colorful spectrum of emotions in our relationships with each other.

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as our soft skills are key conditions for success in the last few years. How do you cope with the daily challenges of life to stay in good shape and mood? 

Very nice question, suitable for a therapeutic office 😊 Healthy boundaries, self-care, a lot of movement, and meetings with friends.

What are the most important conclusions you have drawn so far about maintaining proper communication considering the different characters of the people you meet daily – colleagues, friends, relatives?  

Experience has taught me that there is no universal formula for communicating with the different people in my life. The key is in the ability to listen carefully, to check whether we really understand the same thing when we talk, and to set clear boundaries. I have also learned not to be afraid of conflict – sometimes it is through it that we reach true understanding and a deeper connection.

What do you think about money? What is its influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

Money is a tool that supports freedom of choice and security, but by itself does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment. "Sufficient" is different for everyone and depends not so much on the absolute amount as on the values and needs of the person. Sometimes the pursuit of "more" is driven by external expectations, internal conflicts, and not so much by personal needs.

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?  

Create genuine connections with the people around you. Not just to collect business contacts, but build relationships based on authenticity and trust. Find someone who has already walked the path and can guide you, and don't forget to lend a hand to those behind you. Constantly learn new things - the world does not stand still. Sometimes it is good to step out of your comfort zone and take that reasonable risk (that you have been thinking about for a long time) - that’s where the best opportunities may lie. And perhaps most importantly - seek the work that brings you joy and meaning, not just a good salary. When you work with interest and feel satisfaction, success usually finds you on its own.