In a world where innovation meets advocacy, Tatyana Mikayil stands as a beacon of change, seamlessly blending her technical prowess with a passion for communication and entrepreneurship. With a career spanning over two decades, Tatyana has evolved into a serial entrepreneur and C-Suite leader, championing purpose-driven actions, impactful communication, and global stakeholder connections for enhanced outcomes. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is a tireless advocate for diversity, inclusion, sustainability, girls’ and women’s empowerment, innovative education, STEAM, and lifelong learning.
As the founder of “Azerbaijan Business Women,” Tatyana has brought together female business owners and top-level executives under one umbrella, fostering a supportive community of leaders. Her journey began with a master’s degree in engineering from The Azerbaijan University of Construction and Architecture, followed by studies at the London Institute of Public Relations. In 2009, she founded an advisory firm that swiftly transformed from a public relations consultancy into a comprehensive brand reputation management agency, currently leading the consulting services market locally and internationally.
Tatyana’s expertise extends to executive leadership, strategic communications, reputation management, sustainability, innovation, and crisis management across corporate, private, and public sectors. As a sought-after mentor in various leadership programs, she actively supports personal and professional growth at all levels. Her accolades include the State Award “Tereggi” (Progress) from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the International Women Entrepreneurship Challenge Award from IWEC, and numerous international recognitions. We recently met her and delved into amazing insights about her business approaches.
- How did your technical background shape your approach to business and leadership?
One could say that communications and tech are opposite but it allows me to approach problems systematically, using a logical and structured methodology, i.e. to break down complex problems into manageable parts and seek out data-driven solutions, which can be highly beneficial in strategic business decision-making.
I also understand the potential of technological advancements and can effectively integrate new systems to streamline operations, improve product offerings, or enhance customer service.
- As the founder of “Azerbaijan Business Women,” you’ve created a platform for female leaders. What inspired you to initiate this organization, and what impact do you hope it will have on the business landscape?
I founded “Azerbaijan Business Women” with the vision of creating a vibrant community where women’s leadership is celebrated and nurtured. Witnessing the untapped potential and unique challenges faced by women in the business world, I was driven to establish a platform that not only promotes female leadership but also provides the necessary resources, support, and network to help women and girls grow professionally and personally. Our organization is dedicated to empowering women to break barriers, foster innovation, and shape the future of business in Azerbaijan and beyond. Through “Azerbaijan Business Women,” we are building a legacy of strong, influential women leaders who will drive positive change and inspire generations to come not only in Azerbaijan but all over the world.
- Could you share key strategies that have contributed to this success, especially in navigating both local and international markets?
The success of my business has largely been driven by a few key strategies. First, understanding and adapting to the unique characteristics of the local Azerbaijani market has been paramount. This meant tailoring our services and products to meet local needs while maintaining high standards. Internationally, building strong relationships with partners and clients abroad has been crucial. We’ve focused on cultural competence and leveraging technology for effective communication and market analysis. Diversifying our offerings and staying abreast of global trends has allowed us to be competitive and relevant. Additionally, investing in our team’s continuous development ensures we have the expertise and innovative mindset needed to excel in both local and international markets. These strategies have collectively contributed to a resilient, adaptive, and forward-looking business model.
- Advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and sustainability is a prominent aspect of your work. How do you integrate these values into your business practices?
In our business, the commitment to diversity and inclusion has been pivotal in developing programs and projects that raise awareness among a broad audience. Embracing these values has enabled us to craft initiatives that resonate with diverse groups, ensuring our message of awareness reaches a wide and varied demographic. This approach has not only enriched our projects with multiple perspectives but also ensured they are accessible and relevant to a broader community. By leveraging the strengths of diversity and the principles of inclusion, we’ve been able to create impactful programs and projects, that effectively spread awareness and foster understanding across different sectors of society.
- How do you approach mentoring in leadership programs, and what advice do you often find yourself giving to aspiring leaders?
In approaching mentoring within leadership programs, I often reflect on my own journey, where I was fortunate to have an amazing mentor I have met at early years of my career and a supportive network of individuals on my professional journey who were and are always ready to share valuable information when I needed it most. Drawing from this experience, I emphasize the importance of seeking out mentors and building a network of people who inspire and challenge you. My advice to aspiring leaders is always to remain curious and open-minded. Surround yourself with diverse thinkers and do not shy away from asking for advice or help. Embrace every opportunity to learn, be it from success or failure, and remember that leadership is as much about listening and learning as it is about guiding and decision-making. I encourage them to cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a continuous learning mindset, as these traits are invaluable in navigating the complexities of leadership.
- Being a frequent speaker at international events, what topics do you find most crucial to address in the current business landscape, and how do you keep your messages impactful and relevant?
I prioritize addressing topics that resonate deeply with the current business landscape and personal development pathways. My focus areas include business and personal growth and scaling, leadership, impactful communications and of course DEI. I consider it crucial to explore how businesses can scale sustainably and ethically while also fostering personal growth among their leaders and teams. Leadership is another key topic, particularly how it’s evolving in today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven environment and how one can lead with authenticity and resilience. Additionally, I delve into impactful communications, emphasizing the importance of clarity, empathy, and effectiveness in both internal and external business interactions.
To ensure my messages remain impactful and relevant, I love incorporating real-life examples, success stories, and lessons learned from failures to illustrate key points vividly and memorably. Understanding the audience’s needs allows me to tailor my messages, making them not just informative but also immediately applicable and inspiring. Through a blend of current research, personal insights, and practical advice, I aim to leave my audience with valuable takeaways that drive change and foster growth in their professional and personal lives.
- Looking ahead, what goals and projects are on the horizon for Tatyana Mikayil? How do you envision contributing to the evolving landscape of business and leadership?
I have ongoing plans and projects in the pipeline aimed at advancing business and leadership practices. However, I also maintain a flexible approach, recognizing that the business landscape is ever-evolving. My goals include expanding my speaking engagements to share insights on business growth, leadership, and effective communications with a broader audience. I’m actively working on growing my portfolio of workshops and seminars focusing on my core disciplines.
Furthermore, I’m open to collaborating with thought leaders and organizations on research and initiatives that explore the changing dynamics of leadership in an increasingly tech-driven world. My dedication to mentorship remains strong, and I intend to continue fostering mentorship programs to support aspiring leaders.
In contributing to the evolving business and leadership landscape, my aim is to apply my experience and insights to assist businesses in adapting to modern market complexities. I’m committed to promoting sustainability, diversity, and innovation while encouraging organizations to stay responsive to changing dynamics. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire individuals and businesses to succeed and make a positive impact in a dynamic and ever-changing environment.
