Irene was born in Kazakhstan, grew up in Germany, and has been working internationally for 20 years. She counts 10 years of experience as an Executive Assistant and she will complete her studies in Business Administration in March 2022. Irene has honed her efforts supporting our Chairman throughout the years, achieving success with tenacity and dedication. For this reason, the 1291 Group concluded that it was time to give her a new opportunity. Irene said yes and starting from April 2022, she will be taking the new position as a Project Manager, this means she will coordinate and manage the various projects and initiatives launched by the Board. As Irene has been true to herself and keeps aiming high, in this newly created position, she will be quite busy for the first few months, setting up the department with all the necessary programs. In addition, she will have to train the two successors that 1291 is currently hiring in Zurich and Dubai.
1291 Group is deeply committed to empowering the women and men that work here. If you desire to do something impactful with the backing of kind, smart individuals from every region in the world, we encourage you to apply on our LinkedIn page.
We invited Irene to share some perspective on her career and get us to know more about her interests and aspirations – by answering a few questions.
Can you share two or three pivotal moments that have led to where you are now?
I was raised to be independent at a young age, which was not always easy and understandable as a little girl, but today I am very grateful to my parents and I try to raise my children in exactly the same way. I went abroad for the first time at the age of 20 to work in Cyprus. This was a very important time in my life. It shaped me and made me even more independent. After Cyprus, I found my home in Zurich and was welcomed by the Country and people with open arms. After 17 years, I am still happy to be here.
Why 1291 is a good place to work for?
Balancing work and family is not always easy, but definitely possible at 1291. Here, I get the necessary support and trust, plus I can just be myself. Everyone makes mistakes, but at the 1291 Group, you are not judged for them. Solutions are sought so that we do not repeat the same mistakes.
“Everyone makes mistakes, but at the 1291 Group, you are not judged for them. Solutions are sought so that we do not repeat the same mistakes.”
How do you describe Irene outside of the office?
I enjoy being on the road! I am passionate about traveling and experiencing new things. Family and friends are crucial to me. I am always looking to have the overview and coordinate/organize things, not only in business but in my daily life, too. I am very honest and do my best to educate my children according to that core value. I am a true believer in karma. You get what you give, whether it is bad or good.
Besides working, what keeps you busy?
Everything I do, I do for my boys, so that later I can proudly say, I did my best to prepare them for life! My two boys (10 and 5 years old). I love them to the moon and back. Happy kids, happy mom!