Place of Residence: Tirana, Albania

Position: Head of Marketing and Business Development at Nullius in Verba (NIV)

Please describe a day in your life

A day usually starts with me on the balcony, soaking in the sun, with a coffee in one hand and the daily news in the other. It’s my “me time” — a moment to reflect, absorb new information and soak up some vitamin D. Shortly after, I head to the Nullius in Verba office, where I have a quick chat with colleagues, share progress updates, and then dive straight into work. Being part of a startup means that each day is different. One day, I might be on calls or in client meetings; another day, I could be busy with marketing activities, preparing for events, filing grant applications, recruiting new staff, handling administrative tasks, etc.

After work, I usually pursue an activity that brings me joy—whether it’s playing volleyball, learning a new language, or going on a date with my husband. I believe this is very important, and I try to prioritize it as much as I can. I usually end my day by working for another 2–3 hours to set the stage for the next day. I enjoy the routine I’ve built to the fullest, and I believe it perfectly balances everything I need and want.

How many projects are you currently working on? Please describe them

I’m currently handling and overseeing multiple projects — the complete sales process, at least two marketing campaigns, a communications strategy for our upcoming product updates (for Neura), and two upcoming events. In addition, I have business development activities to manage, including partnerships and a few pending program and grant applications, as well as several candidates to interview for my department.

In your opinion, who is the most influential person/company in the world of technology these days?

I wouldn’t limit it to just one individual or company; instead, it’s an ecosystem of players in the technology field that set trends and drive disruptions. Notable ones include Alphabet (Google), Microsoft, Apple, and OpenAI. However, with technology evolving quickly, a new company can rise to prominence with the right innovation, while longstanding conglomerates can be challenged instantly.

If you could pick one app/product/project existing now that you wish you were involved in, what would it be?

Canva. Their story is incredible!

How do you see technology evolving in the next ten years?

The next ten years in technology will likely bring transformative changes across multiple sectors, with advancements that will profoundly impact how we live, work, and interact. Specifically, AI will become more integrated into daily life, powering everything from personal assistants to decision-making processes across industries. Robotics and AI-driven automation will reshape manufacturing, agriculture, and other industries, increasing efficiency and reducing the need for human labour in repetitive tasks. As AI becomes more powerful, there will be a stronger emphasis on developing ethical AI systems, with regulations in place to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability.

What are the three characteristics you have that make you successful in tech?

Adaptability, Innovation, Drive

What is the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your career?

Perhaps something that everyone goes through once in their career is burnout.

What is your greatest achievement up until today?

On a personal level, I was raised with the belief that I always had to strive for more and become better, which often left me feeling never fully satisfied with my progress. This has always been a struggle for me. However, over the past few months, I’ve come to realize that at this point in my life, I have everything — and more — than I could wish for: health, love, amazing people surrounding me, a career I love, and mental peace. Therefore, being truly happy with what I have and reaching this level of gratitude and contentment is my greatest achievement to date.

On a professional level, Graduating at the top of my class and earning an MSc Diploma with Distinction from Sheffield University, a top university worldwide, while working full-time and fully funding my studies was an extremely significant milestone. It proved to me that if I set my mind to something, I can achieve it.

With NIV, I also have many fond memories: participating in the Uplift Accelerator Program and winning 1st place on Demo Day, being nominated and selected as finalists at the Albanian ICT Awards 2024 for Startup of the Year, building our name in the region, and closing deals with some of the most influential companies in the Albanian-speaking markets, just to name a few.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Five years ago, I couldn’t have imagined where I’d be today! So, it’s hard to predict where the next five years will take me. But I’m sure I’ll be happy wherever I end up.

What is your next goal?

I’m in the process of fulfilling my current goal: going as far, as well, and as fully as I can in all aspects of life and career.

What tips do you have for people wanting to start in the tech world?

Always keep yourself open to self-growth, education, opportunities, and networking. Knowing the right people, saying “yes” to the right things at the right time, and having the necessary confidence, mindset, and education can take you very far.

If you could say something to your younger self, what would it be?

Just keep doing what you’re doing; everything will turn out perfectly.

What do non-tech people around you (family, friends) think you do?

I actually asked them for this interview because I didn’t know. It turns out they know quite well what I’m doing!

What is the invention of the century in your eyes?

The internet. It has made knowledge, communication, and innovation more accessible than ever, and that’s truly exciting.

What can’t you do without? (app/product…)

My phone.

Which famous person would you like to have dinner with and why?

Mira Murati — I’d love to show her our work on AI at NIV and explore potential business opportunities together in the Albanian-speaking markets and beyond. So, Mira, if you’re reading this and are up for it, dinner’s on me!

Where would you like to travel next?

USA

Do you have a person who influences or motivates you?

I certainly have more than one! My husband is my rock, as is my family, especially my parents. Career-wise, my colleagues at NIV make work a pleasure every day.

What did you dream of creating/inventing/doing as a child?

Since childhood, I’ve always had an innovative, entrepreneurial mindset… it wandered quite a lot. I remember thinking about the concept that Uber eventually brought to life. However, dreaming about it and actually doing it are two different things.