What advice would you offer to the next generation of female leaders? 

The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, demanding flexibility and an open mind from each of us to embrace and contribute to these transformations. I encourage new leaders to relentlessly pursue professionalism, dare to set ambitious horizons, even those that seem unattainable. Be a pillar of support to those around you, have a clear vision of your desired future, to achieve and surpass your goals. Embrace change with courage. Be the change.

Which women have inspired you the most professionally and personally? How?

I draw my greatest inspiration from the women in my family as they embody versatility, inner strength, and kindness, navigating life’s trials with grace while remaining pillars of wisdom and love. Their resilience and nurturing spirit inspire me deeply, as they pass down their invaluable lessons to future generations.

Among the notable women who inspire me is Irina Viner, an honoured rhythmic gymnastics coach in Russia/USSR. She trained numerous world champions and Olympic medallists, and is one of the most influential figures in the world of sports. What sets her apart is not just her professional success, but also her unwavering dignity, commitment to principles, and wholehearted support for her athletes. Witnessing her leadership and the way she instilled confidence and discipline in others was deeply inspiring to me, reminding me of the kind of person I aspire to be – someone who leads with grace, integrity, and a genuine desire to uplift others.

What kind of a role model do you aspire to be?

Women indeed often demonstrate exceptional multitasking abilities and flexibility, which are valuable strengths in the workplace. In a professional role, I aim to leverage these strengths to support and promote integrity, competence, high professionalism, and collaboration. By dedicating myself to my work and continuously striving for improvement, I seek to exceed performance expectations and help my team members reach their full potential. Thanks to the supportive environment provided by marcus evans, I am developing professionally, ethically, and leading multiple stakeholders to pursue excellence in their own careers, creating a mutually beneficial environment where everyone can thrive and succeed.

What does “great leadership” mean to you? What key traits do you value the most?

Great leadership extends beyond mere words. Throughout my career with marcus evans, I have gained invaluable lessons from both my management and colleagues on how to maintain productivity, focus, and resilience in the face of challenges. Through this experience, I've come to realise that the most valuable traits include having an “I can do it” attitude, offering support to those around you, dedicating oneself to shared goals, upholding integrity, and genuinely seeking to uplift others whilst remaining the top performer in one’s job.

Embrace change with courage. Be the change.

Learn, explore and unleash your inner chef.

marcus evans Women Leaders Talk

Copyright © 2024 Marcus Evans. All rights reserved.

Yara Gusmanova

Position: Director Sponsorship Marketing, Summits

Location: Nicosia

Years at marcus evans: 16 years 

For more information, please contact: Sarin Kouyoumdjian-Gurunlian press@marcusevanscy.com

Click here to access the Women Leaders Talk interview series