ELIZAVETA PETROVSKAIA

Elizaveta Petrovskaia is a young and passionate professional with a dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship. Her journey in the world of business and management began at NRU HSE University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in International Business and Management. During her academic years, she expanded her horizons by participating in an academic exchange program at the University of Turin, Italy. Her career path has been a testament to her commitment to making a meaningful impact through entrepreneurship. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is proud to be a founder of three startups: WANDO, Vegan Fox, and GC Kids, each dedicated to sustainable, eco-friendly, and innovative solutions. 

“A Mentor Provides Guidance, Support and Inspiration”

Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings! 

I was born in a Russian village on the border with Ukraine and spent my childhood dreaming of leaving this place for as long as I can remember. Also, I dreamt about having a better family: my parents divorced and my father was disabled, while my mother got cancer and was with a horrible man in unhealthy relationships until now. Having him as a stepfather was one of the reasons I wanted to leave and why I do not want to go back now. At school, I was the smartest in class and others did not like me for this. After school, I got free education in one of the best universities in Russia, but I got tired of it and left because I didn’t want to live in Russia.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

I am not sure what is my “society”, as I failed to construct new connections abroad. My challenge is to find a job and move to a nice country.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them? 

One of the significant hurdles I faced was my dream of studying abroad, specifically in the UK. I was accepted twice into the Erasmus GLOCALl programme, which was a major achievement for me. Unfortunately, I did not receive the scholarship, which meant I had to decline the offers. This was a major setback for me, as I had envisioned gaining international experience and expanding my horizons through these opportunities. 

Unable to afford studying in the UK without a scholarship, I decided to pursue my education in Naples instead, as it was within my financial means. Although this was a challenging and disappointing situation, in Naples, I immersed myself in the local culture, took advantage of available resources. This situation taught me the importance of adaptability and perseverance. While I couldn't fulfill my original dream of studying in the UK, I turned a challenging situation into a rewarding and enriching experience by staying open to new possibilities and making the best out of what I had. 

This experience has made me more resilient and resourceful, teaching me to navigate and overcome obstacles by finding alternative paths to achieve my goals. It reinforced my belief that even when faced with setbacks, there are always opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed in different ways.

Why is the role of a mentor important for you? 

My mentor is smart and has enormous experience of people, who have achieved something in life.

The role of a mentor is important for me because it provides guidance, support and inspiration that significantly contribute to my personal and professional development. Mentors bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from their own careers and life journeys. They can offer insights and perspectives that I might not have considered, helping me navigate challenges and make informed decisions.

A mentor can help identify areas for improvement and provide targeted advice and resources to develop necessary skills. This personalised feedback is invaluable for my growth and helps me advance more quickly.

Mentors often have extensive professional networks and can introduce me to key contacts, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations. This can be crucial for career advancement and expanding my horizons. 

Having a mentor means having someone who believes in my potential and encourages me to pursue my goals. Their support can boost my confidence and motivation, especially during difficult times. 

A mentor helps keep me accountable for my goals and actions. Regular check-ins ensure that I stay on track and make consistent progress towards my objectives. 

Beyond professional development, mentors can also guide personal growth. They can help me develop important life skills, such as resilience, adaptability and effective communication, which are essential for overall well-being. 

Mentors provide a safe space to reflect on my experiences and challenges. Their outside perspective can help me see situations more clearly and find constructive solutions. 

Seeing a mentor's achievements and values in action can serve as a powerful role model for me. It helps me understand the behaviours and attitudes that lead to success and fulfillment. 

The mentor-mentee relationship often evolves into a long-term connection that can provide continuous support and guidance throughout my career and personal life. 

In summary, a mentor plays a crucial role in my development by offering expertise, support and opportunities that I might not access on my own. Their influence helps shape my path, build my confidence and ultimately leads to greater success and satisfaction in my endeavours.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share? 

Connections are the most important thing in life.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives! 

Glasnya media against women violence.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

Women face gender inequality treatment in all spheres in Russia. Some people are trying to do something, but I don’t see results.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by. 

Who doesn't risk, do not drink champagne. With this, I try to be less scared of risk.

Q: If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do? 

I would do a unique grown-up sleep-away summer camp nestled in the heart of the picturesque countryside. This camp offers women a novel experience of slow travelling, fostering self-exploration and a deep connection with the surroundings. Women will come there from all countries and have different activities to rest, enjoy, connect and cure their inner child.