Name: Anelya Altiyeva

Title: Marketing Manager

Organisation: Preference Properties LLC

Anelya is a dynamic and accomplished professional from Karamendy, Kazakhstan. Excelling academically, she graduated as a petroleum field developer and began her career in Moscow. Her journey took her to Dubai, where she gained valuable experience in real estate and social media. Anelya's career progressed rapidly, leading her to marketing management and a strategic role as a CMO in an IT company. Currently, she is on the verge of launching her own marketing agency and is looking forward to furthering her education in New York, with plans to immigrate to Canada. Anelya's story is one of continuous growth and cross-cultural professional achievements.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Anelya's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

The key challenge has been continuously adapting to new environments and expectations while maintaining high performance and leadership standards.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I became a leader driven by a desire for more, a trait that has been with me since childhood. I never understood why others would just sit idly by and not act. This desire to help and lead started with my friends; I assisted those who struggled academically, guiding them through their studies. This natural inclination towards helping and improving things around me gradually evolved into managing business processes and teaching teams to utilize cutting-edge technologies like AI in social media.

My journey in leadership wasn't just about climbing the corporate ladder; it was about making a tangible difference. Whether it was helping friends with their studies or enabling my team to embrace new technologies, I always aimed to push boundaries. Teaching teams to use AI in social networks and helping my bosses achieve their goals faster were just parts of my broader mission to lead by example and inspire action. This drive, combined with my passion for innovation and efficiency, has been the cornerstone of my leadership style.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Wake up Early: Around 6:00 AM, to start the day with a clear mind.

Morning Exercise: A short session of yoga or a quick jog to energize.

Healthy Breakfast:

Review Daily Goals: Briefly overview the day's objectives, checking the schedule and prioritizing tasks.

Work Day:

Morning Work Session: Starting around 8:00 AM, focusing on high-priority tasks.

Mid-Morning Check-In: A quick team meeting or remote check-in

Late Morning: Focused Work

Lunch Break: A balanced meal with a short period of rest or a walk to refresh.

Afternoon:

Client Meetings or Networking: Engaging with clients, potential partners, or attending networking events (especially relevant for real estate and marketing ventures).

Collaborative Work: Working closely with team, especially on projects involving new technologies like AI in social media in real estate / create content

Skill Development: Allocating time to learn something new, keeping up with industry trends

Evening:

Wind Down from Work: Concluding work tasks by 6:00 or 7:00 PM.

Personal Time: Activities like reading, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family.

Dinner: A relaxed meal, possibly involving social interactions or networking.

Preparation for the Next Day: A brief period to organize and plan for the next day.

Sleep: Ensuring a full night's rest, aiming to sleep around 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Key Aspects of This Leadership Lesson:

Embracing Change: In the fast-paced world of technology and global business, I am likely learned that being open to change and able to pivot quickly is crucial. This could be especially true in my work with AI in social media, where trends and technologies evolve rapidly.

Lifelong Learning: As someone who has transitioned across multiple industries and roles, I has probably been reminded of the necessity of continuous education and skill development. This is not just about formal education but also about staying informed about industry trends and advancements.

Cultural Sensitivity in Leadership: Working in diverse geographical locations like NurSultan, Moscow, Dubai, and planning for New York and Canada, I might have gained deeper insights into the significance of cultural sensitivity in leadership. Understanding and respecting different work cultures and practices is crucial for effective leadership in an international context.

Balancing Vision and Execution: My journey from an assistant director to a CMO and entrepreneur likely underscored the lesson that having a vision is important, but so is the ability to execute that vision effectively. This involves strategic planning, delegation, and the ability to motivate and lead a team towards common goals.

Resilience in the Face of Challenges: Finally, the challenges of starting a new business, especially in a foreign country, likely reminded me of the importance of resilience. Overcoming obstacles, whether they are related to language barriers, cultural differences, or business setbacks, is a key aspect of successful leadership.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that has profoundly influenced my leadership is Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist," which I read at the age of 13. This book left a lasting impression on me, shaping not only my personal philosophy but also my approach to leadership.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

In a world that's constantly changing, the ability to learn, adapt, and apply new knowledge is your greatest asset. Don't just focus on acquiring technical skills or specific industry knowledge; cultivate the ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and remain flexible in the face of change. This mindset will not only help you navigate the complexities of your current role but will also prepare you for unforeseen challenges and opportunities in the future. Remember, leadership is not just about directing others, but also about being a lifelong learner and an adaptable, resilient individual.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

When I took on my role in Dubai, I identified an opportunity to revolutionize our approach to social media marketing. I noticed that our methods were traditional and not fully leveraging the potential of emerging technologies. With this in mind, I proposed the integration of AI tools to optimize our social media strategies. This was a significant shift, requiring not only a change in technology but also a shift in mindset and approach within the team.

The journey wasn’t smooth. Implementing AI involved overcoming initial skepticism from the team and higher management.

My leadership was truly tested during this phase. I listened attentively to the team's concerns, adjusted our strategies, and ensured everyone felt involved and competent in using the new tools. I led by example, showing how AI could creatively enhance our engagement with audiences and improve the efficiency of our marketing campaigns.

The real change came when we began to see substantial improvements in our social media engagement and campaign results. This not only boosted the morale of the team but also firmly established the efficacy and necessity of embracing innovative approaches in our work.