Why impact?
I have 8+ years in international market research in a variety of countries and industries: fashion, luxury cruises, tobacco, sports, IT in Europe, India, Africa. So, I could have chosen any industry. However, during the last 3 years I decided to focus on the Impact projects. This is the area where I have more expertise. And I’m personally more interested in sustainable projects as I always had a desire to improve something.
My first research in sustainability and preparation for an international market expansion was 7 years ago.
I did market analysis for a fair trade project in African countries. The idea was to pay fair prices to all the suppliers, not just make 1000% of profits in Europe and the US by robbing the suppliers. Together with the team of specialists in communications across cultures and managers which decided to move to African countries to organize all the processes we could build a bridge between Europe and many African countries. While the media in Europe was creating an image of a dangerous continent with endless diseases, I found out the level of development and technology penetration vary a lot from country to country. And it is possible to work efficiently even with those countries with lack of technology if you treat people like equal people who deserve respect and fair payment for their work.
I read news about this project for another 4-5 years after I finished working with it and I were so happy that they’ve made it, and they keep going! However, I took some time to move fully to impact.
Then I decided to work with a producer of plastic and glass recycling equipment and it was so exciting! They produce polymeric-sand furniture which looks like wood and fells like wood but could be recycled for a multiple times ... from a bench into a playground! And there is no need to dye it every season as it is possible to add a pigment and it will be forever green, or blue or brown)
Then, I realized that IT can be very sustainable as well and I've stared to work with IT projects.
I feel that I have a dream job. It is never boring because International market expansion is about market analysis, finance, PR, negotiations, exhibitions ... And even I know the basis and even if I have a strong background, with every single project I learn something new while running a similar business activities. And every single time when I discover something new I feel that there are definitely more efficient solutions than we used to think. And it definitely inspires me!

When I do market analysis I start from choosing the right country for the project. Sometimes there is no need to simplify the project or decrease the price, or change the whole concept… sometimes it is enough to find a country which will be happy with our idea! However, basic adoptation and preparation is essential. There are always numerous cultural, economic and legal differences which must be considered before the expansion.
I have a strong team of PR-specialists and lawyers in different parts of the World, so if I’m not a professional in a service you need, just ask me, probably I know someone I can recommend.