At six years old, she experienced the devastating loss of her mother. Her father, a single parent, raised six children with the hope that they would all achieve success—a dream he lived to see realized. At 12, she faced the trauma of the Serbian invasion of Kosovo. Her family was repeatedly displaced, often returning home to find it devoid of food. As the youngest, she took on the responsibility of buying food daily, constantly thinking about how she could help create a better world.
By 17, she had started working on television and have not stopped since. Twenty years ago, it was uncommon for women, especially young women, to be in the workforce. However, driven by hard work and passion, she went the extra mile. At 24, she became an advisor to the Minister of Trade and Industry, where she learned about policy. Education has always been essential to her, and she earned a Chevening Scholarship to study in the UK. After returning, she transitioned to the private sector, continuing her journey to make a positive impact.
Today, she is the co-founder and Chief Growth Officer at the Narwhal Network, a platform connecting portfolio careerists (fractional workers – “Narwhals”) with companies globally. Their ventures, events, educational programs, and technology solutions support those who have chosen non-traditional careers, which are becoming increasingly common. As an expert in female entrepreneurship, she is particularly passionate about empowering women through flexible work arrangements, helping them balance personal and professional responsibilities while achieving their career goals.
Her journey has taught her many valuable lessons, the most significant being to never give up and to always care for others, no matter how challenging the circumstances. This philosophy has guided her through her career and personal life, continually driving her to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on those around me.
Tell us about yourself and your story, how did you ended up where you are?
Picture me as a little girl with big dreams to make the world a better place; help others and give love. Such drive, I believe, was rooted in three life-changing events.
At six, I lost my mother. My father single-handedly raised six children, dreaming we would all become successful, a dream he lived to see happen.
At 12, I experienced the trauma of the Serbian invasion of Kosovo. Families were displaced repeatedly, leaving us without food each time we returned. As the youngest, I took on the task of buying food daily, always thinking about how I could help make this a better world.
By 17, I had started working on TV and hadn’t stopped working since. Twenty years ago, it was uncommon for women, especially so young, to be in the workforce, but I strived to go the extra mile, driven by hard work and passion. At 24, I became an advisor to the Minister of Trade and Industry, where I learned about policy. Education has always been important to me, and I earned a Chevening Scholarship to study in the UK. After returning, I transitioned to the private sector, continuing my journey to make a positive impact.
I am the co-founder and Chief Growth Officer at the Narwhal Network, a platform connecting portfolio careerists (fractional workers – “Narwhals”) with companies globally. Our ventures, events, educational programs, and technology solutions support those who have chosen non-traditional careers, which are becoming increasingly common. Like the rare and sharp narwhal, we see people with talent who haven’t had the chance to thrive. As an expert in female entrepreneurship, I am particularly passionate about empowering women through flexible work arrangements, helping them balance personal and professional responsibilities while achieving their career goals.
What ‘s your biggest lesson learned in your journey?
Never give up, and never stop caring for others, no matter how tough it may be. The tougher the journey, the greater the reward.
What separates you from competition or other companies?
The workforce is changing drastically, particularly after COVID-19, with a focus on care, flexibility, and dignity. We recognize portfolio careers as a distinct form of employment with unique needs and aspirations that must be addressed. At Narwhal Network, we prioritize portfolio careerists, or “Narwhals,” and work diligently to help them manage their careers, find their following assignments, and participate in the economic upside of the value they create. Simultaneously, we help companies access exceptional global talent, often years ahead of what their budget would traditionally allow.
Any tip/advice for young professionals or entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. It’s a challenging journey that tests one’s stamina. This journey is not about how long you can sustain success but how long you can endure the struggles at the bottom on your way to success. The earlier one starts, the easier it is to understand what doesn’t work. Young entrepreneurs should believe in themselves and their ideas. All they can do is keep trying until they make it happen.
How do you see yourself in 10 years?
With Narwhal Network as the global leader in meeting the needs of portfolio careerists and the companies that hire them, I also plan to continue lecturing on entrepreneurship and serving on boards of directors, where I can make a significant contribution.
What keeps you motivated every day?
My two sons, Dorian and Art, inspire me. I want to see the world through their eyes and be their role model. No matter how tiring or frustrating some days may be, their love keeps me going.
What is your favorite quote of all times?
The quote by Maja Angelou, “You can never be great at anything unless you love it”. So, go and find it.
What are the main factors that led you to where you are right now?
I am a curious person who always wants to learn. I am also very social and care deeply about people. These qualities have opened many doors for me.
Who is your role model or inspiration in your life?
While I admire many successful individuals and read extensively, my father is my true role model. Whenever I face challenges, I think of him and return to my core values: perseverance and integrity, regardless of the situation.
What are the top 3 core values in life?
Integrity, persistence, compassion.
What are key moments / turning point of your life?
Meeting the right people can be a stroke of luck. This happened when I met Ethan Mayers through Swiss Entrepreneurship Program where he mentored startups in Kosovo. Ethan is the visionary behind Narwhal Network. Our lengthy discussions about work and life led to an offer to join Narwhal Network. This opportunity marked a pivotal moment in my professional life, transitioning from living in a small country like Kosovo to working for a global company.
What personality traits makes a good leader?
I believe empathy allows people to understand and connect with their team; integrity ensures they act honestly and uphold strong moral principles; decisiveness enables them to make firm and timely decisions, no matter how difficult they may be; and resilience helps them navigate challenges and setbacks.
What is the best and the worst part of your job?
The best part of my job is seeing the positive impact we have on portfolio careerists and the companies that hire them. It’s incredibly rewarding to help talented individuals find fulfilling work and to support companies with exceptional global talent. The worst part is dealing with setbacks and challenges like technological issues and market fluctuations. These obstacles can be stressful but also present opportunities for growth and innovation.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career? How did you overcome it and what did you learn from it?
My biggest challenge was to lead the Board of Directors at the University Kadri Zeka while my son was two weeks old. Another challenge was being able to follow the work with Swiss Entrepreneurship Program, where I am the Country Program Officer. Maintaining professional focus with high-impact decisions while you go through hormonal changes is something only women experience.
What do you look for when outsourcing or hiring?
Expertise and experience are crucial; the candidate or provider should have a strong track record in their field, demonstrating both technical skills and practical experience. Cultural fit is also essential, as aligning with our values and culture ensures smoother collaboration and long-term success. Adaptability and curiosity are vital qualities; I value individuals who can adapt to changing circumstances and are open to learning and growth. Reliability is essential, as trustworthiness and the ability to meet deadlines consistently are crucial. Lastly, passion is vital; a genuine passion for their work and a proactive attitude can significantly enhance performance and engagement.
What strategies do you use to stay ahead of the curve in your industry?
To stay ahead in the industry, I focus on continuous learning, networking, and staying active in entrepreneurial communities to keep informed about the latest trends and opportunities.
Given my expertise in female entrepreneurship, I understand the unique challenges women face in the business world. I prioritize creating flexible work environments that allow them to balance multiple roles while pursuing their business ambitions. Fractional work is particularly beneficial, as it provides the flexibility to manage personal and professional responsibilities effectively.
In what ways do you foster innovation and creativity within your organization?
It starts with inclusion and curiosity. People need to feel safe and confident in sharing ideas of any type. We welcome healthy disagreements to ensure multiple perspectives are taken into account. Celebrating small wins is crucial for fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. When ideas are rejected, or things don’t work out, we take the time to explain our thinking so we can learn from every action. This approach helps us continuously improve and encourages our team to push boundaries.
How do you balance the pursuit of wealth and success with personal fulfillment and happiness?
Balancing wealth and success with personal fulfillment and happiness involves prioritizing what truly matters. I focus on meaningful relationships, personal growth, and contributing to society, ensuring my professional achievements align with my values and passions. This holistic approach helps maintain a sense of balance and well-being.
Name three books that changed your life and what did you learn from them!
Books can be transformative when read at the right time. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle were pivotal for me after I lost my father just days into my master’s program in the UK. The first taught me to focus and manage my time, while the second helped me embrace the present. During my PhD, The Cost of Sexism by Linda Scott highlighted the widespread social issues faced by women, regardless of a country’s development level.
BY Egli HAXHIRAJ, Anamaria MESHKURTI and Jonida GJUZI
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