Tatiana’s professional career has been shaped by bold decisions, resilience, and a trust in her own instincts. In this interview, she shares pivotal moments and lessons that have defined her journey, and her advice to any young professional finding their way in this world.
Q: What was an early career risk or pivotal decision you took, and how did it shape your professional path?
Tatiana: After six years at a large plc, where I’d been promoted, was well-liked by the leadership team, and was comfortable, something gnawed at me. My learning had plateaued. So I did what felt right and left for a role at Guardian News & Media, working for Guardian Labs. My CFO tried to talk me out of it. I didn’t budge. It was a completely different world from what I knew, but it set me on the path I’m on today. I’ve never once wondered ‘what if.’ Trust the process.
Q: How do you navigate moments of doubt or setbacks in your career?
Tatiana: Doubt and setbacks are normal, they’re how we build resilience. When something goes wrong, I take a step back, ask what I could have done differently, learn from it, and move on. It sounds simple, but keeping your eyes on the bigger picture takes real practice. Having someone in your life who gives you honest feedback and reminds you when are losing sight of what is important, is an enormous advantage.
Q: What skills or habits do you believe are essential for young professionals today?
Tatiana: The essentials haven’t changed much since I was a graduate, listening, learning, networking, being adaptable and resilient. The world moves fast, but those fundamentals will carry you through almost any storm.
Q: Can you share a failure that turned out to be a valuable learning moment?
Tatiana: I once took over a news site with a solid strategy but no technical expertise. I relied on external developers who ultimately destroyed what I was building, and I walked away. I don’t regret the time and money spent on it. I learned that diverse skills around the table sometimes beat going it alone, and that you don’t need a perfect product to go to market. Failing is learning.
Q: How do you stay focused and motivated when things get tough or uncertain?
Tatiana: Focus on the bigger picture, when you sweat the big stuff, the small stuff loses its grip. Maintain a healthy balance between your professional and your personal life too. Whatever your hobbies are, don’t let them go. They keep you grounded in ways that work simply can’t.
Q: What advice would you give someone who isn’t sure what professional path to take?
Tatiana: Try things. Intern, freelance, go to career days. Think about what you’re genuinely good at – your talents – and how that might translate into work. Be open, you don’t have to follow the same path as your friends. The most obvious route isn’t always the right one for you.
Q: How important is mentorship, and did you have any key mentors along the way?
Tatiana: If you have the chance to be mentored, take it. I didn’t have formal mentors, but my first boss became both a guide and a confidant, I feel lucky to have had her so early on in my career. My father and uncle were a great source of advice and support – two of the wisest and most practical men I have ever met. Sometimes mentorship doesn’t have a formal label.
Q: What role did family or community play in your professional path, especially coming from a close-knit Cypriot background?
Tatiana: My father was supportive, even when he didn’t fully understand my choices. I chose my own path and didn’t let others steer me off it. Don’t compare yourself to others, it wastes the energy you should be spending on yourself. Life isn’t a race. It’s a journey.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
