Place of residence: Georgia

Position: Freelance Consultant

Please describe a day in your life

Usually, it starts the previous night. Before sleeping, I start making my mental notes on the next day’s plans. It refers to the weekends as well. This approach helps me make maximum use of time and keep up productivity.

As someone who decided to have it all—career, family, and personal life—I do a lot of planning. My project management skills and experience help me stay organized and clear on all fronts. A single day involves sending the kids to school, doing morning yoga/fitness, and then opening a laptop and starting work, which I typically resume at 11 pm. Unlike this, weekends are more diverse. On Saturday and Sunday, I distance myself from work and go hiking, picnics, and cooking with my family and friends.

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

Currently, I am freelancing in different roles for five projects. Three of them are work commitments, but the rest are volunteering projects. However, all of them are related to tech and entrepreneurship. For the last six years, I have managed tech startup acceleration programs in 19 different countries of the world, including Silicon Valley. Some programs were on-site, and others were remote or cross-country hybrid projects. During the last ten years, I have had five founder experiences. Some of them were successful, and others were good learning experiences. The last one so far has been last year when I was a cofounder of an AI startup based in Georgia.

Currently, I am working at 2080 Ventures, a global VC and accelerator. My role there is directing programs and partnerships in the former CIS region. I am also consulting the UN Women’s Accelerator for tech and SME women founders. On the volunteering side, I am an ambassador at Google’s Women Tehcmakers global community, through which we support women in technology via community activities. I also established an annual local Startup Ecosystem Award to stimulate tech startup ecosystem development by acknowledging key value-based players in it.

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

For someone in the technology field, it is not surprising to say that the most influential people are Elon Mask and Sam Altman. One influences hardware (and somewhat software) technology, while another revolutionizes the global business architecture via Generative Artificial Intelligence. It is super interesting for me to observe their next steps.

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

I would love to be involved in building ChatGPT or Gemini. I find what this backend technology can do fascinating, especially how fast it progresses. I imagine working for these products must be super dynamic and impactful.

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

I think AI and blockchain will be two key drivers of innovation. AI will bring our productivity to a new level, benefiting the routine tasks at work, at home, and in social settings. AI will boost the performance of private and public companies alike. I expect technology will allow a lot of cost-cutting on ops and payrolls, but on the other hand, it will create a lot of new tasks and job places. On the blockchain side, I expect that digital business models will become more beneficial for all parties involved, though they are decentralized.

I see many fears about tech evolution, but I don’t share them much. Of course, any change and development is painful; new technology brings new risks, but it’s not only a tech that can be used harmfully by the wrong people.

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

It’s a tricky question, but I will respond based on my self-assessment. I think those three characteristics are being hardworking, self-driven, and enthusiastic. It is not surprising that being hardworking is rewarding, but I am pathologically hardworking (as my family says). Being self-drive is important because, in the world of a fast-growing industry, there is limited time left for everyone to take care of their motivation. Being driven and passionate translates into outcomes and impact I create. As for the enthusiasm, it has helped me to build a fantastic network of like-minded people and similar values.

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

It is difficult to recall my memory on this, as I don’t think there is anything that one can’t handle. Maybe it is challenging to accommodate everyone’s time when working on an international project. But an international job has the advantages of meeting global people and many others.

What is your greatest achievement up until today?

There have been career movements in my life, but my greatest achievement is founding an internet community that currently unites 21,000 entrepreneurs. It took time and effort, but now it has become a central platform for community sharing and peer-to-peer support for entrepreneurs in Georgia. I also wish to expand this network to neighbouring countries, but the language is challenging. I am still thinking about how to figure it out.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Currently, I feel myself at another crossroads in my life. In a couple of years, I will have clarity of mind about what I’ll be doing for the next 5 years.

What is your next goal?

My next goal is to increase the impact from local to regional level. I have a great desire to unite communities around entrepreneurship to help each other make our successes. Especially, I want to contribute to women and youth entrepreneurs on their startup journeys.

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

Just go for it. There is a place for any competence in the tech world. You don’t have to be a tech person; this world needs domain experts, design experts, and other skills just as much. If you are new and don’t know what to do, start connecting with local networks via different thematic events. Having a network has helped me access new opportunities, and I would advise others to start with connections, too.

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

I’d tell my younger self that personal traits are more important than knowledge. So, spare time for building confidence via making small steps toward success, and don’t wait for acquiring an expert knowledge and skills only.

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

My sons understand what I do, but my mom gave up on it. She knows that I am doing something important, but she doesn’t know what. But it’s not her fault, too; I just don’t talk about work at home.

What is the invention of the century in your eyes?

In my opinion, generative AI is the biggest invention of the 21st century. It empowered humanity not only by handling massive work efficiently but has also skyrocketed our productivity, and we have a lot of inventions waiting ahead.

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

Google products! I definitely couldn’t survive without its mail, calendar, and map applications.

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

That would be Sam Altman. I would love to hear more of his opinions about AI and its future.

Where would you like to travel next?

The next destination on my wish list is a Pink Beach in Indonesia, which I think is one of the most beautiful natural wonders on earth.

If you were asked to stay on a deserted island for six months, what three things would you take with you?

I’d take only my sons, island survival guide, and knife, as I can find anything else on the island itself.

Do you have a person who influences or motivates you?

Not one, I have many such people. What can motivate or inspire me is not only a person but a certain act of behaviour that demonstrates exceptionally high self-awareness and maturity.

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

I was dreaming of travelling the world. It is still a work in progress.