Growing up, reading and learning were part of everyday life. My parents guided me through curiosity, responsibility and independent thinking, an environment that went on to shape me both personally and professionally.
At my early stage many believed I would become a doctor, but life had its own plans so I found myself studying finance, where I met my better half. This certainly influenced my career choices and aligned naturally with my passion for working with numbers.
I spent 17 years at Deloitte, a time that was key to my career. With great mentors, I built technical depth and professional maturity. Here, I qualified with ACCA , which was a turning point as I was among the very first members in Albania, a distinction that has shaped my career. Later, I moved into a private practice, where I could focus more on broader leadership, advisory and training roles.
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I left Deloitte. This was not easy, but I needed to test myself both in the public sector and then in private practice as a partner. I wanted to show that I could help build something, so seeing Kreston Albania move from 14th audit firm in the country to third today has been deeply fulfilling.
AI should never replace critical thinking with convenience
Growth does not always mean climbing the same hill. Sometimes it means pausing, reassessing and choosing a different direction. I do not believe anyone can build a career without choosing challenge over comfort.
The use of AI in our profession is inevitable. We can clearly see its potential to improve efficiency, strengthen analysis and free up valuable professional time, but the real issue is how thoughtfully and responsibly it will be applied. Firms need to be careful, as there are risks of over-reliance, inaccurate outputs and data-protection issues. AI should never replace critical thinking, integrity and professional judgment with convenience.
To me, the people side of the profession is just as meaningful. Supporting younger professionals, helping them grow in confidence and passing on what was once passed on to me is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. For me, that is how legacy is built.
What I love about my job is the intensity and that it constantly asks you to learn and grow. I also enjoy working with clients and supporting our younger professionals, as I find passing on my experience to be highly rewarding.
The work of today shapes the outcomes we will remember tomorrow
This is my favourite mantra: ‘Work with the end in mind’. Professional life is not only about delivering the task in front of you, but also understanding where your work is leading, what value it adds and what it leaves behind. The work of today shapes the outcomes we will remember tomorrow.
Being a partner is different because the responsibility goes far beyond technical delivery. You must also build trust, develop people and contribute to growth. I see it as a role of care as much as leadership, but while always ensuring the business model is constantly relevant and forward-looking.
If I had law-making powers, I would make life easier for businesses that create real value, improve the lives of the people who use them and grow without disadvantaging others. I would simplify procedures, reduce bureaucracy and consider how rules work in practice to encourage a culture of fairness, responsibility and transparency.
If I wasn’t in finance, I would have loved to work in a beautiful bookshop serving fresh cake and good coffee. Perhaps I would have become a professor, as I would leave something behind and help others grow. Teaching is another form of legacy – an idea that feels deeply meaningful to me.
When I am not at work, above all I value spending quality time with my family. We love travelling together and sharing time with our friends. I also enjoy reading, drawing and cooking. In the kitchen I can take risks, so cooking brings both freedom and joy.
