My career started at PwC immediately after I graduated from business school. I never thought I would stay with the practice for so long, but the professional and personal development opportunities offered by the firm were so attractive and my journey has always been exciting.
At the beginning of my career, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to work for a corporation or become a practitioner. I submitted my CV to PwC as I felt it would be a great place to start my career. Despite numerous opportunities since then, I have chosen to remain with my firm.
I think it is hard to say whether it is better for a career to stay with one firm for a long time or to switch jobs more frequently. It was all tied to one firm in my case, but others may have a different recipe for a successful career.
It has been said that in order to develop yourself you must step outside your comfort zone. I challenge this assumption. I believe that first you need to find out what your comfort zone is so that you can shine and clearly demonstrate your skills. Facing difficulties does not throw me out of my comfort zone; on the contrary, finding solutions to new challenges always energises me.
Finding solutions to new challenges always energises me
Georgia is a developing country, and despite the ease of doing business, it faces some challenges. This is especially the case with external factors having an impact on the country’s macroeconomic stability. However, I believe the country has a bright future with Europe and significant growth potential.
Working women face numerous hurdles when trying to develop a successful career. If I had law-making powers I would drive ‘working mum’-friendly legislation, including essential things that empower and support women, such as providing adequate time for postnatal recovery, and allowing enough time for breastfeeding. I believe that both society and employer support is vital to ensure that our next generation has the high-quality motherhood they deserve, while allowing working parents to maintain a successful career.
What I enjoy the most in my job is the many opportunities for self-development, the interesting projects, and my international exposure. The common values I share with my firm is something I cherish greatly, such as being supportive to women and girls. PwC globally has made its HeForShe commitment and is partnered with the UN in support of gender equality and enhancing women in leadership, with the firm becoming a signatory of the UN’s Women’s Empowerment Principles.
PwC is also striving to have a minimal impact on environment, through its net-zero commitment. I value my opportunities and the responsible way the firm conducts business.
In my career there have been lots of ups and downs, including achievements and lessons learned. However, I believe that where I am now is just the beginning, and the best is yet to come.
Currently I am really enjoying prenatal yoga. I used to be much more active before pregnancy and loved practising pilates every morning, but now yoga really matches my mood.
I also enjoy reading. I regularly go to a small local bookshop to choose something nice to read. Currently I’m interested in the German novelist Hermann Hesse, who has become one of my favourite authors. Reading the philosophy in his books makes me reflect on a different area of life for a time, which I find quite joyful.
