Interview with Ekaterina Borodich: 5 Secrets to a Successful Career

Contents:

• From an energy engineer to the leader of the Dodo Pizza UK project: the path to success
• Course for marketing directors: How teaching changes the approach to professionalism
• Brief overview

From Power Engineer to Dodo Pizza UK Project Leader: The Path to Success

In our previous interview, we discussed the launch of Dodo Pizza in the UK. What knowledge did you gain about pizzeria processes and management? It's important to note that opening a new pizzeria requires a deep understanding of both business processes and the specifics of the local market. I learned aspects of operations management, including optimizing production processes, supply chain management, and effective team collaboration. Furthermore, working in a new cultural environment taught me to take customer preferences into account and adapt the menu to local tastes. This knowledge helps not only in a successful launch but also in the long-term development of a business in a competitive environment.

Leaders in specific fields have a deep understanding of the nuances of their field. My job is to support the team in achieving shared goals, as well as monitoring compliance with deadlines and budgets. I am actively involved in all aspects of the project, even if some details may be beyond my direct control.

Before joining MYTH, I had experience in various fields. My path began with my first professional role, where I was able to develop skills and gain unique experience. In each of these areas, I encountered new challenges and opportunities, which contributed to my growth as a specialist. These diverse experiences prepared me for my role at MYTH, where I was able to apply my knowledge and skills to achieve shared goals. My journey has been one of continuous learning and development, allowing me to perform at a high level. I graduated with a degree in power engineering and worked in this field for two years, designing electrical systems for important facilities such as banks and hospitals. However, by my sixth year, I realized that I didn't want to pursue a career in this field. I focused on two attractive areas: marketing and HR. An internship at FutureToday, a company known for its approach to employer branding, was a significant career milestone. Over the course of a year and a half, I gained valuable experience in recruiting, digital marketing, and organizing large-scale events. After that, I launched my own project, dedicated to organizing speed dating in Moscow. The project became profitable in three months, but I realized that the reality of the product was not as romantic as I initially thought.

I came to «MYTH» thanks to my desire to develop my skills and expand my professional horizons. Working at this company opened up many opportunities for growth and self-realization. I've always looked for a place where I could apply my knowledge and learn from the best in the industry. "MYTH" has become exactly that kind of space, where ideas and initiatives are valued, and every employee has the opportunity to contribute to the common cause.

While working at FutureToday, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Olga Evsikova from the publishing house "MYTH". After completing our project, Olga invited me to join the team of this renowned publishing house.

Six months after closing my business, I decided to write for "MYTH". I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of their products and knew the professionalism of the company's employees. Remote work was also an important factor for me. Just a week and a half after submitting my application, I successfully passed the interview. In a year and a half, I was able to grow from a junior marketer to the head of the marketing team.

During my work, I was involved in editing and streamlining collaborations with Russian authors. Thanks to these efforts, we were able to reduce the book publishing process from two years to six months. This was a significant achievement for our company and significantly accelerated the release of new publications to market.

Speeding up the book writing process requires the use of effective strategies and methods. First, it is important to establish a clear work schedule that will help you organize your time for writing. Regular writing sessions will help develop a habit and increase productivity. Second, using technology, such as word processors with automatic proofreading, helps reduce editing time. Third, creating a detailed book outline before you begin writing allows you to avoid obstacles in the process and focus on the main ideas. It is also worth emphasizing the importance of minimizing distractions to maintain concentration. Finally, regular self-study and studying the experiences of other authors will help improve your skills and speed up the writing process. By applying these methods, you can significantly increase the speed of book creation.

Athletes need coaches, just as writers need support and assistance. I supported authors in overcoming creative blocks and discussed possible steps forward with them. This support inspired and accelerated the writing process. When we saw positive results, we decided to hire a dedicated manager to streamline this task.

Inspiration plays a key role in the creative process, but perseverance and hard work are also essential. We have streamlined production processes, allowing authors to hand over chapters to editors and proofreaders immediately after writing them. This significantly speeds up the editing process and improves the quality of the final product.

If you're looking to change careers and enter the field of marketing, start by learning the basics of the field. Familiarize yourself with key concepts such as target audience, promotion strategies, and analytics. Read books, blogs, and articles about marketing to expand your knowledge and understanding of current trends.

Practical experience also plays a vital role. Consider taking digital marketing courses or participating in webinars. This will give you not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that can be applied to real-world projects.

Creating a personal brand and portfolio can significantly increase your chances of successful employment. Work on projects, even if they are volunteer or freelance work. This will help you acquire the necessary skills and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

Finally, build contacts in the professional community. Participate in networking events and connect with people working in marketing. This will help you gain valuable information about the labor market and perhaps even job recommendations. Changing careers takes time and effort, but with the right approach, you can successfully enter the world of marketing.

Before deciding to change your career path, you need to understand whether this is truly your desire or simply a desire to escape current difficulties at work. I developed a matrix in which I listed the industries and professions that interest me. This tool allowed me to narrow my search and be more focused in choosing a new career path.

As a result, I settled on marketing and HR. I was looking for an opportunity to test myself in both fields. Realizing that I would have to significantly reduce my income, I remembered my husband's words: "You may lose years of study, but you will find something that will bring you happiness." This decision became an important step for me towards finding my true professional passion.

I actively searched for entry-level positions and went through interviews, which allowed me to better understand employers' requirements. As a result, I got a job at FutureToday, and after a year and a half, I finally decided on marketing. This experience deepened my knowledge of marketing and helped develop the skills necessary for a successful career in this field.

During your studies, you could use additional sources of knowledge. These could include books, research articles, online courses, webinars, and professional communities. These resources help deepen your understanding of theoretical foundations and develop practical skills. Using a variety of sources of information facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the topic and prepares you for future professional work. Thus, combining practical experience with additional knowledge is key to successful learning and development in your chosen field.

I actively self-educated myself by reading articles, taking online courses, and using free resources. After a year and a half of this training, I realized the need for deeper knowledge and enrolled in the Wordshop Communications Academy. There, I successfully studied brand strategy and digital marketing, giving me a solid foundation for further professional work in these fields.

To find the courage to start a new path, it's important to listen to your inner desires and determine what exactly you want to achieve. Don't shy away from research and exploring new areas that interest you. This will not only help you better understand your goals but also gain confidence in your abilities. Start with small steps, and gradually you will be able to build your new path based on conscious choice and personal interests.

Course for Marketing Directors: How Teaching Changes the Approach to Professionalism

Professionals from successful brands like Dodo choose the path of teaching for several reasons. Firstly, the transfer of knowledge allows them to share their accumulated experience and skills with new generations of professionals. Secondly, teaching promotes personal and professional development, as it requires constant updating of knowledge and adaptation to new industry trends. In addition, working in the educational field allows you to strengthen ties with colleagues and build a network of contacts, which can be useful for further career advancement. Thus, teaching becomes not only a way to put your knowledge into practice but also an important contribution to the development of the industry.

As an expert in my field, I began sharing my knowledge at conferences even before founding Dodo. My primary goal is to provide my audience with not only theoretical but also practical knowledge that can be applied in real life.

My motivation is based on three main aspects. First, it is the desire for personal development and self-improvement. I am convinced that constant learning and growth help you reach new heights. Second, an important aspect is the desire to help others. I find satisfaction in being able to provide support and make a positive difference in the lives of those around me. Third, I am motivated by achieving clearly defined goals. Having clear guidelines helps me focus my efforts and allows me to move effectively towards success. These three aspects build my inner strength and inspire me to new achievements.

Early in my career, I faced the problem of a lack of quality content. While researching information, I noticed that many webinars and conferences offered only superficial knowledge that did not meet the needs of professionals. As a result of this experience, I decided to create content that would be truly useful and in demand. My goal is to provide insightful and practical materials that will help others develop and succeed in their field.

Second, inspired by my mother, who is a teacher, I began teaching others at the age of 14. Teaching not only brings me pleasure, but also creates a unique atmosphere where the knowledge I impart contributes to the success of my students.

Third, nothing compares to the joy when course participants share their successes and tell how my lectures inspired them to new achievements. Teaching requires significant effort, but the end result justifies all the time and energy. Students' successes serve as confirmation of the program's effectiveness and inspire further development.

Our course includes two main modules focused on developing communication and management skills. Effective communication is key to successful business functioning. It significantly impacts the quality of decisions made and the efficiency of their implementation. Learn to create and maintain productive communication channels to improve the efficiency of your business and achieve your goals.

The first module will include practical cases, templates, and frameworks, with a minimal emphasis on theory. I will share effective methods that will help build rapport within the team and quickly achieve goals without the need for endless meetings. This approach will optimize the workflow and increase team productivity.

In the second module, we will cover the main aspects of management, covering the entire process of working with employees - from hiring to a proper departure. We will discuss various meeting formats, effective methods of delegating tasks, and the importance of emotional intelligence for a marketing director. These topics will help you improve your team management skills and increase overall productivity.

Abstract

This book is a reference book for many marketing directors and is a must-read for anyone who strives for success in their professional career. It presents valuable ideas and strategies that can significantly improve the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and help you achieve your career goals.

"Leadership and Self-Deception" is not just a business novel, but a profound analysis of how we often deceive ourselves and shirk responsibility. This book will be useful to anyone in leadership positions and striving to develop their leadership skills. It helps you understand the mechanisms of self-deception and offers effective strategies for overcoming them, which contributes to more effective management and personal growth.

If I had the chance to give advice to my 16-year-old self, when I began my studies at the Faculty of Energy, I would advise focusing on understanding the fundamentals. Energy is a complex and multifaceted field, and it is important not only to memorize the material but also to understand it. I would recommend actively participating in practical classes and labs, as this will help you better absorb the theory. Additionally, it is worth seeking out internships and project work outside of class to gain real-world experience. It's also important to build connections with your professors and classmates, as they can be a valuable resource in the future. Don't be afraid to ask questions and take initiative; this will help you delve deeper into the world of energy and build a solid foundation for your career.

Follow your convictions and listen to your inner voice. Don't be afraid to take responsibility for your actions, as this is the key to personal and professional growth. Strive for a high level of professionalism, which opens up new opportunities and strengthens your reputation.

I recommend paying attention to a series that can inspire and provoke thought. Such content is not only entertaining, but also helps you see the world from a new perspective. For example, the series "Black Mirror" explores the impact of technology on society and personal relationships. It makes you think about the future and the consequences of our choices. If you are interested in a lighter genre, you should watch "Friends", which demonstrates the power of friendship and support in difficult times. Both series can be a great source of inspiration and motivation.

I recommend checking out the series "Money Heist." Its captivating plot and multi-layered characters create a unique atmosphere, making this project a true work of art.