If no one is betting on you, bet on yourself!

SCALE UP is a bi-weekly video series of insightful conversations with senior HR leaders, founders and venture capitalists at Alibaba, TikTok, Amazon, Netflix, Google, Open AI, Sequoia Capital, A16Z… across the globe on topics around?talent strategies, future of work, and how they get to where they are.?I hope these conversations can?democratize the access to information?and inspire those going through similar challenges when scaling their growth companies.

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My special guest this week is another brave female startup founder, Anastasia Kuskova , Co-founder and CEO of Sirius , a groundbreaking startup dedicated to revolutionizing sustainability in the mining and metals industry using the power of #ai.

From Moscow to Shanghai, and Geneva to her current home in Amsterdam, it hasn't been an easy ride both professionally and personally. Due to her Russian identity, despite graduating from a top-tier institution, Anastasia faced numerous rejections throughout job interviews. However, her unwavering perseverance led her to repeatedly challenge her own destiny, redefining her life. From strategic consulting to #worldeconomicforum , Anastasia rose through the ranks in world-class organizations, becoming one of the thought leaders in the #ESG space.

In our conversation, Anastasia shares gripping anecdotes from her life stories, illustrating the journey of breaking barriers, defying odds, and relentlessly pursuing her aspirations. She also imparts invaluable leadership insights, particularly aimed at empowering female leaders in today's world.

If no one is betting on you, bet on yourself!

Jerry: Hi Anastasia, it’s wonderful to have you join us today. Your journey across continents and countries is both fascinating and inspiring. Could you share with us the story and your secret ingredients to success?

Anastasia: Thank you, Jerry, for inviting me. I was born in Novosibirsk, the third largest city in Russia but left home at the age of 17, to pursue my studies in Moscow. It was the year 2008, coinciding with China hosting the Olympics. Witnessing the nation's vibrant culture and magnificent skyscrapers on TV ignited a profound fascination within me. So I studied Chinese language in University as a second major and immediately went to Shanghai after graduation, without knowing anyone or a job. I just wanted to see what’s the world like out there.?

You could say that adventure runs in my veins, but embarking on my own endeavors took time due to certain challenges associated with my Russian identity. The reality of employment discrimination against Russian nationals became apparent to me early on. I recall facing immediate rejection in job applications solely based on my passport. Thus, after completing my master's degree in Switzerland, I opted for a corporate career to secure financial stability and change my immigration status.

However, the recent outbreak of war served as a profound wake-up call. It stirred within me a mixture of shame, anger towards the government, and a sense of urgency to live life on my own terms. Despite the challenging funding landscape and uncertain startup environment, I resolved to seize the moment and pursue my entrepreneurial aspirations. Life, I realized, is too short to be spent in hesitation and fear.

So, What are the secret ingredients to my success?

Well, being both a female leader and a member of an underprivileged nation, it's ingrained in me to confront adversity and prejudice head-on in our society. From the moment I entered this world, it hasn't always been kind to me. But amidst the challenges, I've also come to understand the profound importance of pursuing what you love.

In my view, people are often driven by either fear or love. While both can lead to success, I've found that the most fulfilling achievements stem from a place of genuine passion. Love, in this context, isn't just about romantic feelings; it's about engaging in work that deeply resonates with you, that you're truly passionate about.

Additionally, I've learned that determination is absolutely crucial, especially when venturing into uncharted territory. Launching something new isn't always a walk in the park. In fact, as a CEO, you often find yourself dealing with the toughest challenges firsthand. It's akin to navigating through a funnel of decisions, where the most daunting problems inevitably land on your plate. As a leader, it's essential to possess the resilience and fortitude to tackle these issues head-on, as they're the responsibilities that cannot be delegated.

Moreover, the CEO role can be isolating at times. Making difficult decisions and facing uncertainties alone can take its toll. That's why having a reliable support system is paramount. Whether it's your family, friends, or a trusted circle of confidants, having a safe haven to retreat to after a challenging day provides invaluable solace and rejuvenation.

Jerry: Thank you, Anastasia, for opening up about your heartfelt journey. It's evident that you've faced your fair share of challenges, but are able to thrive from them with your unwavering determination. Your insights into navigating the landscape as a female leader are invaluable. Could you elaborate on some of the lessons you've learned, particularly for other women entrepreneurs and leaders?

Anastasia: Absolutely. One of the most crucial lessons is to stop doubting yourself. I believe It's so critical to refrain from comparing ourselves to an idealized male leadership figure. We each bring unique strengths to the table, and it's vital to recognize and own them. For me, shedding self-doubt and embracing my leadership style was a gradual process. It wasn't until I made the leap to Shanghai that I truly began to trust my instincts and forge my path.

In addition, authenticity is paramount—both in vulnerability and strength. Despite strides in advocating for female leadership, societal norms often pigeonhole us into a narrow stereotype, emphasizing traits like nurturing and vulnerability. But let me tell you, a person’s character has nothing to do with their genders. As a female leader, I've learned to embrace my assertiveness and decisiveness, rather than blindly coercing into some mainstream norms like “lean in” and “being vulnerable”.

Jerry: Anastasia,? It takes courage to reflect on our past mistakes and learn from them. I know you have gone through the transition from being a “bad manager” to “no manager” to “better manager”, Could you delve a bit deeper into how these pivots come about?

Anastasia: Absolutely, Jerry. I'll be frank—I wasn't always the best leader. In fact, I started managing people at a young age and, to be honest, I was pretty terrible at it. I fell into all the classic traps: micromanaging, having a short fuse, and holding others to my own standards. Needless to say, it didn't take long for my team to start looking for the nearest exit.

Growing up, confidence wasn't exactly my strong suit. I faced bullying and constant belittlement in an environment that didn't exactly champion gender equality. To compensate, I became loud and vocal, always feeling the need to prove myself. Unfortunately, when I stepped into a management role, I expected everyone else to do the same—essentially becoming the bully I once despised.

Looking back, I'm ashamed of the person I was back then. I was so focused on proving my own worth that I failed to see the value in others. I thought leadership meant being the best, knowing everything, and wielding authority like a weapon. But I couldn't have been more wrong.

For a while, I even considered stepping away from management altogether. I thought maybe it just wasn't my thing. But over time, I came to realize that leadership is a skill—one that can be honed and perfected with practice. It's about learning to be patient, understanding that one size doesn't fit all, and, most importantly, listening.

Through trial and error, I learned that true leadership isn't about exerting control or demanding obedience. It's about empowering others, leveraging their strengths, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. It's a journey—one that I'm still on—but one that has undoubtedly made me a better leader in the end.

So inside Sirius , we have also developed innovative people practices such as "Vetting Friday", where all the leaders are mandatory to participate. Essentially the team sits in a circle just to share about the crappiest moments of their week together. A scared place for people to take down their masks and start bring authenticity into their work lives.

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