A Journey of Starting Over. Twice.

Today, I had the privilege of returning to Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) to share my journey with the Class of 2025. Standing before them, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own experiences, some of which felt like a series of resets, but all of which have shaped who I am today.

My first journey to China began in 2018, when I left my job at Uzbekinvest to start fresh in this incredible country. Back then, I didn’t know Chinese. I didn’t understand much about the culture either. But I saw this as an opportunity to grow, to challenge myself, and to learn. Fast forward to 2022, and I found myself in a similar position, leaving my role at KDB Uzbekistan. Once again, I started from scratch, but this time, I came back to China with the advantage of having already learned Chinese. The language was no longer an obstacle, and I felt more confident navigating life here.

This experience of starting over was both humbling and empowering. It reminded me that the journey is not always linear, and sometimes, we have to go through multiple resets in order to find the path that works best for us. It wasn’t always easy, but it was incredibly rewarding.

I also realized that China’s own journey mirrors some of the challenges I’ve faced. Since its opening up in 1978, China has gone through its own transformation. Once a country that attracted foreign investment, it is now facing challenges as it tries to expand globally. Tariffs, trade barriers, and sanctions have become significant obstacles as China, like many countries, navigates the complexities of international trade in a changing world. The global economy is no longer what it once was, and terms like near-shoring, in-shoring, friend-shoring, de-coupling, de-risking or "small yard, high fence" are now part of the everyday conversation. The interconnectedness we once took for granted is being replaced by a more fragmented world where businesses and nations are trying to protect their interests.

Reflecting on these global shifts, I think about the challenges we all face as individuals, too. When I first came to China, I felt like a stranger, navigating a completely new environment. But over time, I built the skills and knowledge I needed to thrive. This experience has taught me that no matter where we come from, we all have the ability to adapt, learn, and grow. It’s about embracing the unknown, taking on challenges, and using them to become stronger.

Despite all the challenges, I am grateful for everything I’ve experienced here in China. I’ve gained not only valuable knowledge but also a deep appreciation for the resilience it takes to succeed in an ever-changing world. I’ve learned that it’s not about the setbacks or the systems that might hold you back—it’s about your mindset and your ability to keep moving forward.

I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to study in both my home country and here in China. From courses in Chinese culture, psychology, and business law to more technical subjects like big data, machine learning, and engineering, I’ve been exposed to a wide range of perspectives and knowledge. These experiences have broadened my worldview and prepared me for the complexities of the global landscape, where collaboration, mutual respect, and a broad perspective are essential.

So, to the Class of 2025, I urged them to remember that no journey is without its challenges. Whether learning a new language, adjusting to a different culture, or facing the obstacles of international trade and politics, it’s important to keep learning and growing. The world is complex, but it is also full of opportunities for those who are willing to adapt and persevere.

And remember, nobody knows how far you’ve come except for you. Embrace the journey, trust the process, and know that even when it feels like starting over, you’re never really starting from zero. You are always building upon what you’ve learned and becoming stronger with each step.