Alumni Spotlight

Nadejda Khrustaleva: Work in the Business Environment

1 March, 2016

Nadezhda Khrustaleva is a graduate of the first cohort of the MA in Economic Governance and Development (EGD) Programme of 2013. Currently Nadezhda is a Finance Manager of one of the most popular chain of coffee houses in Bishkek - Sierra, which is also the largest importer and roaster of coffee in Kyrgyzstan.

1.Nadezhda, you are one of the first alumni of the EGD Programme. Did the knowledge you received during your studies help you in your career today?

During my studies at the Academy, I received much knowledge about different areas of the economic and political life of our country and also the Central Asian region. Speakers, invited from other countries, shared their experiences with us, students, and also gave valuable international perspectives on relevant topics. 
All of this helps me to orient myself today in the processes happening in the country and understand the reasons behind what is happening here in Kyrgyzstan and the Central Asia region in 2016. This is very important for a person such as myself in a management position in a growing company. Knowledge, and more importantly, the ability to evaluate information, is a critical skill that the Academy has provided me with. 

2. What are the most challenging and most interesting aspects of your work?

The business environment in the country and in the world is very challenging in and of itself, primarily because it is so dynamic. Economic conditions change very quickly and it is my job to secure that our Sierra team makes the correct turns when it needs to make adjustments. So, the most challenging in my work for me is to make right and timely decisions. This is critical to success in any business, but even more so in Central Asia today!
Sierra is a dynamic and progressive company. Being led by modern-thinking director – Brad Brenneman – the company is not only profit oriented, but also tries to be involved in the social and economic aspects of our country. One of the greatest achievements for us was to be invited by the Kyrgyz Republic Chamber of Commerce to represent the Sierra brand and the Kyrgyz Republic as part of the Kyrgyz Pavilion at EXPO 2015 in Milan.  It was extremely interesting for me to visit one of largest and most important exhibitions and to contribute actively to the promotion of our beautiful and unique country.

3. As a graduate with some experience what could you advice to our current students and recent graduates?

I love tables, so let me answer this way:

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