I was proud to be one of 850 women from 31 countries at the International Women’s Forum annual conference and gala in Boston on October 29 to 31.

I’m active in the Chicago chapter, but this was the first time I’d attended IWF’s biggest annual event. I was impressed by the diversity of the women in attendance – high-level executives and leaders in a variety of fields including business, education, medicine and politics.

Every three years, Harvard Business School holds a reunion for all of its graduates. Periodically, my Owner/President Management entering (OPM40) and graduating (OPM39) classes hold class reunions. This year, all three reunions came together in a fabulous multi-city extravaganza of meeting friends, visiting spectacular locations, and gaining new inspiration from HBS professors and fellow alums.

Back home in Chicago, I couldn’t help reflecting on how my Harvard experience has impacted my perspective. In honor of my fifth anniversary of graduation, here are five lessons I learned in my studies at Harvard and in the five wonderful years since.

I come from Russia, the largest country in the world. Little did I know, when I chose one of the world’s smallest countries for a refreshing escape from my busy Chicago lifestyle, that I would return having learned so much that could be of immediate benefit to my business.

After celebrating several multiple milestones of growth and success in the 17th year of my company, Russian Pointe, I was ready for an adventure. In previous travels, I’d cycled across Death Valley and Tuscany, kayaked my way around Alaskan glaciers, and hiked up Costa Rican waterfalls, so the bar was set high and I was looking for something at least equally challenging and memorable. My imagination was captured by Exotic Yoga Retreat’s 12-day yoga retreat to Bhutan, a country so little visited that many people have never even heard of it. I quickly booked the trip and less than two weeks later I was enjoying a first-class Delta flight to Bangkok, the first leg of what would be an even more memorable adventure than I had anticipated.

As I’d expected, I came home refreshed and relaxed. But as I boarded my flight home to Chicago, I realized that I’d also learned many unexpected lessons from my time in Bhutan.

1. There is only one opportunity to make a first impression...

I love galas so much that it’s hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to choose, it might very well be the Youth America Grand Prix annual gala at Lincoln Center in New York City!

Lincoln Center is one of the greatest performance halls in the United States, with an amazing ambience and energy. 

Originally published in March, 2015 by Russia Beyond the Headlines in the column Leadership. Inspiration. Achievement. by Aleksandra Efimova

Growing up in the Soviet Union, March 8 was a significant holiday. International Women’s Day – celebrated on that date since 1913 – was a day to honor femininity, motherhood and beauty. Less thought seemed to be given to women’s accomplishments and contributions outside the home.

In honor of International Women’s Day, I spoke with three Russian-speaking women who exemplify dedication and accomplishment. Their pursuits are diverse, but each has achieved success by acting upon a clear vision and facing challenges undaunted, with her eyes on the bigger picture. Each inspires us to live fulfilling and rewarding lives.