I have a very good instinct that doesn’t let me down
What was your first-ever job?
I was born on a farm in Ukraine where we grew our own produce. I was nine years old when I encouraged my granddad to help me to pick fruit and vegetables and drop it off at the market for me so I could run my own market stall in the village.
I was very pleased to be able to buy myself a bike at the age of nine without any financial help from my parents. I have always been a very independent and ambitious individual.
How would your colleagues at Sugro describe you?
My team would describe me as a dynamic, driven, tenacious, ambitious and forward-thinking leader.
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport that would give you a chance of winning a medal, what would it be?
Networking, as I like socialising, motivating my team and bringing people together.
If time and money were not an issue, what hobby would you most like to get into?
I enjoy travelling and my dream is to see as many beautiful places as possible. It is difficult to find time to travel, especially with balancing my career and being a mum to my wonderful little girl, Franchesca, who is only 20 months old.
My favourite country is India, but I really want to visit Cuba, Bermuda and Barbados.
What would your perfect day involve?
I like warm weather, scenery and beautiful architecture, so a morning on the beach with my family somewhere in Italy followed by sightseeing and a delicious family meal in a nice Italian restaurant would be perfect.
What is your song of choice at karaoke?
I have never done karaoke, but never say never. If I ever did do it, my song would be Demi Lovato’s Skyscraper.
Who would be your four ideal dinner party guests?
Richard Branson, as I would love to be one of his first passengers on Virgin Galactic; Alan Sugar, as I have always wanted to find out what he was like in real life; James Blunt, who is a very talented individual; and Jane Austen, as I am absolutely smitten with her books.
What would you cook them?
I am a fan of simplicity, so I would go for fajitas, which are easy to make and delicious.
What fad or trend would you like to see make a comeback?
I adore history and tradition, and the Victorian era fascinates me. It would be great to see elements of traditional Victorian dresses such as corsets, crinoline under a skirt and, of course, beautiful hats.
If you were a superhero, what would you choose as your superpower?
I would love everyone to be healthy, so if I could have any superpower I would choose one that gave people health and the ability to beat cancer.
What do you wish you knew more about?
I would like to speak more languages – I’m currently learning German. I like to learn about people, different cultures and amazing places in the world. I enjoy studying management and leadership, too, and it would be great to do an MBA in the future.
When was the last time you changed your belief or opinion about something major?
I tend not to change my mind once it is made up. I have a very good instinct that doesn’t let me down.
