Favorite ELA speaker
Iva Tasheva is hands down one of the most inspiring people I met at the European Leadership Academy. What sets her apart is her genuine passion for supporting young women just starting out in their careers. Working with her after ELA was like getting a behind-the-scenes look at how she operates: she’s not only brilliant at business, but she’s also incredibly warm and always willing to share her knowledge. The way she combines practical advice with real empathy is something I think every young woman should have a chance to experience.
One of the most empowering things about Iva is her openness to new ideas and people. I remember at ELA, she encouraged us to step up, share our thoughts, and get involved, even if we were a bit nervous or unsure. It wasn’t just a one-time thing; she kept it up when I worked with her afterward, too. If you have an idea, she’s genuinely interested in hearing it, no matter your level of experience. This openness created a space where I felt like my contributions really mattered, and that confidence boost can make such a difference, especially for young women just entering the workforce.
This is one of the parts of Iva’s mentorship I wish more young women could experience: that feeling of being genuinely valued and trusted to share their ideas. Having a mentor who shows real interest in what you think—even if you’re new—builds confidence in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere. In a world where young professionals are often expected to “prove” themselves before being trusted with responsibilities, Iva’s approach reminds us that our perspectives matter from day one.
What’s also incredible about her is how practical her advice is. She’s not just giving motivational talks; she shares strategies you can actually use. She helped me break down what felt like a huge task into manageable steps, reminding me that most people don’t know everything from the start—they learn on the job. This was a game-changer for me, especially since there’s often pressure to seem like you know it all from day one.
Iva’s down-to-earth approach is another thing I wish more young women could experience: knowing that even seasoned professionals don’t have all the answers and that it’s okay to learn as you go. It’s a message we don’t hear often enough, and it removes so much pressure to “prove” ourselves instantly. Iva taught me that being successful doesn’t mean knowing everything at the start—it means being willing to learn and adapt.
Another standout quality of this mentorship is how she introduces young women to her network, actively creating opportunities for them. She knows how isolating it can feel to enter a new field, so she’s always connecting people and opening doors. The real power of networking isn’t networking for networking’s sake; it’s a way of building a community of empowered women who genuinely want each other to succeed.
Evangelia-Maria Kostopoulou on 09/11/2024
