Alyona Lebedeva: “I’m learning to keep a balance between being a businesswoman and a mother
Businesswoman, founder of the investment-industrial holding company Aurum Group, mother of three children Aliona Lebedeva is the epitome of the phrase “How does she do it!
Especially for Woman Magazine, the entrepreneur tells how she meets the challenges of time, fights burnout, and maintains a balance between work and family.
What was the last year like for you personally?
For me, as for many, 2020 was a year of reexamination of life priorities. While work used to come first, as COVID-19 spread, the emphasis shifted significantly. When you don’t understand the enemy you’re facing, you’re forced to significantly reduce your social contacts – it’s unaccustomed and morally difficult. But despite the fear and uncertainty, this past year was a milestone for us because it brought a third baby into our family.
Aurum Group is a diversified holding company. КWhich areas have felt the greatest impact of the lockdown and quarantine restrictions?
Of course, retail was hit the hardest, but other industries were not spared by the lockdown. Despite the diversification of the holding company and the merger of several areas, financially last year was very difficult for all of our projects.
It is doubly difficult to work when the state does not support entrepreneurs, and law enforcement agencies put pressure on the business that you have painstakingly built up over many years. We constantly emphasize how important it is to develop the domestic market – it will bring new jobs, increase tax payments and give an impetus to the economy.
My specialists and I write a lot about it, we act together with the European Business Association, the Federation of Employers of Ukraine, we try to promote a number of initiatives aimed at the prosperity of business and the country as a whole.
“But despite the difficulties, I am constantly looking for new points of growth: I try to develop products and directions in existing businesses, as well as globally enter new projects.
What was the biggest challenge during quarantine?
The most difficult for me was and is the personnel issue. During the quarantine period, we went into survival mode, which entailed a global restructuring of the business. It is during a crisis that you clearly realize your weaknesses and work on your mistakes. I have replaced many ineffective managers, and the current composition of the corporation is more inspiring and empowering than ever.
Describe your typical day during the quarantine period: how did you cope, what did you change, how did you evolve with the new realities?
My workday is just as intense as before – the pace hasn’t changed. But if before the quarantine I and remote work were not compatible at all, now I understand that I can work from anywhere in the world. Now the mode of operation is virtually unlimited and goes literally non-stop 24/7.
Does such a busy schedule leave you time for yourself, what do you use to restore your strength?
I really like sports, especially aerial gymnastics.
“I can barely crawl to class, but when I fly into a cliff from 7 meters high, I finish the stunt completely overloaded.”
And naturally, the main place of power is my family, my children. It is a support and encouragement at any time: funny, sad, heavy and carefree. That’s my everything!
You said that you recently became a mother for the third time. Were you able to slow down a little bit during pregnancy?
I spent my entire pregnancy working and slowed down probably only once – when the pandemic first started. It started at the same time as my first month of pregnancy, so it was a double challenge for me because I didn’t know what was coming. But as time went on, I completely rearranged myself – and work, as always, completely consumed me. I remember even answering my letters on the first day after giving birth.
Your personal tips on how to keep a balance between home, family, career, and raising three kids?
As the saying goes, “I’m not a magician, I’m just learning. That’s exactly what I’m talking about.
“I’m not a superhero and I’m still learning how to keep a balance between Alyona Lebedeva as a businesswoman and Alyona Lebedeva as a mother and wife.”
How do you and your husband divide family responsibilities?
I’ll be honest: I was very lucky to have a husband! We have never had the question of dividing up any responsibilities. We just help each other. It’s all very intuitive: he understands when I’m having a hard time, when I need support and a reboot. For example, to our children we always got up at night together. While I’m changing the diaper, he’s getting the bottle ready.
AlёLebedeva with her family and at work – two different people?
It’s hard to say, because I can’t see myself from the outside. I’m a perfectionist and I know I’m demanding. It must be hard on the loved ones and the staff. Even so, I always try to give people three tries to get better. Already after that I take decisive measures(smiles).
Do you find time for professional and personal development?
Trying. I am demanding not only of those around me, but first and foremost of myself. I always set the bar high for myself and try to achieve it.
How do you prevent emotional exhaustion?
I am a living person and sometimes I need pauses to recover and reboot. At such moments I can completely disconnect from the outside world.
Another very effective way to reboot is to travel. The most memorable were the tours of the national parks of Tanzania and the two-week expedition to New Zealand. We already have probably the most incredible trip planned for 2021. I’ll be sure to share beautiful photos and unbelievable emotions at the end.
Biggest revelation about yourself in the last year?
It’s been hard to think of myself in the last year. Definitely withI have become even more appreciative of my family, my loved ones, and the time I spend with them. I felt it especially acutely in moments when the family was faced with COVID-19 and there were health risks and you were far away and there was nothing you could do to help.
What does AlёLebedeva?
Make more time for your loved ones, for your children. I want to pause their childhood to enjoy the immediate love and openness.
Text: Nika Egorova
Photo: personal archive
