Inspirations & Networking with Colleagues

Life is full of stories that form themselves through moments over the years. During my last trip to NYC, over a lovely lunch at Baccarat Hotel, Sergey Gordeev, Director of External Affairs for YAGP (the largest ballet competition around the world) and I remembered a story of how we meet the first time over 10 years ago at a subway café to discuss YAGP and Russian Pointe collaboration. At that time I just completed another semester at Harvard Business School OPM program and I shared with Sergey my recent experience.

A couple of years later Sergey called me and with great enthusiasm said: “Remember that conversation at the café after your HBS semester? You inspired me to go back to school and next week I am starting my Master program at Columbia University! Thank you!”

Needless to say I was very honored and touched that our brief conversation motivated an already successful professional to continue to learn new skills. We never know how our words and actions – both positive and negative - influence others. Let’s hope we lead by a great example!

Aleksandra Efimova