My Story
From humble beginnings as a fresh entrant into the world of retail to becoming a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience, my career has been a journey of growth, perseverance, and impact. Growing up, I was fascinated by the interplay of strategy and creativity in business. This curiosity led me to immerse myself in the ever-evolving retail industry—a space where customer needs, team dynamics, and innovation intersect. Along the way, I faced the challenges of leading in complex markets, managing diverse teams, and staying ahead of industry shifts. These experiences taught me the value of resilience, adaptability, and the power of collaboration.
Retail isn’t just about products on shelves or transactions at registers. It’s about creating meaningful experiences that resonate with people’s lives. But I learned this the hard way—through trial and error. Early in my career, I realized that focusing solely on operations wasn’t enough. I hit a wall when I saw how traditional methods failed to engage teams or meet the evolving expectations of customers. This realization sparked a desire to do more—to transform businesses not just operationally but holistically. I saw that the key lay in leadership, strategy, and embracing innovation.
The turning point came when I realized that great leadership isn’t about commanding; it’s about empowering. While managing a challenging project at OBI Russia, I discovered that trust, collaboration, and a clear vision could unlock extraordinary results. This epiphany reshaped my approach: I began leading with empathy, fostering creativity, and focusing on sustainable growth—not just for the business but for the people behind it. I understood my mission: to inspire growth, not just in bottom-line metrics but in the lives of my team, the satisfaction of our customers, and the well-being of our communities.
My career has been a mosaic of pivotal roles, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities. At IKEA Richmond, I currently oversee a $160M CAD operation, steering the market toward omnichannel excellence and sustainable growth. At IKEA Kazan, I led a team of over 500 people, achieving double-digit sales growth despite economic uncertainty by prioritizing innovation and team empowerment. Earlier, at IKEA Centres, I integrated design thinking and sustainability into customer experiences, and at OBI Russia, I navigated the complexities of multi-unit operations, balancing cost optimization with profitability. In each role, there were moments of doubt, external pressures, and unforeseen hurdles. But these experiences only strengthened my resolve to find innovative solutions and lead with vision.
Today, I focus on driving results with purpose. Whether it’s coaching a team to outperform their goals, redesigning a customer experience strategy, or leading sustainability initiatives, my approach is rooted in empowering leadership, customer-centric innovation, and sustainable transformation. These aren’t just concepts; they’re the guiding principles that have helped me transform markets, uplift teams, and achieve measurable success.
What began as a career focused on operational efficiency has transformed into a purpose-driven mission. I’ve grown into a market strategist, a leadership advocate, and an innovator passionate about creating positive, lasting change. My journey is proof that by embracing challenges, rethinking traditional methods, and staying committed to growth, you can inspire not only results but also people. I now see my role as more than a market manager—I’m a catalyst for innovation, a builder of teams, and a champion of sustainable leadership. Together with like-minded collaborators, I believe we can redefine what success looks like in retail and beyond.
If you’re passionate about retail innovation, leadership development, or sustainability, let’s collaborate. Together, we can create strategies that drive growth, foster innovation, and empower individuals and communities to thrive.