MENTOR SPOTLIGHT: TSVETTA KALEYNSKA @ RILA GLOBAL CONSULTING
When did you know you wanted to take an entrepreneurial path?
I knew I was an entrepreneur at age 7 and have been an entrepreneur ever since!
Tell us about your venture/work!
I am the founder of RILA GLOBAL CONSULTING, a leading social listening agency in NYC that provides consumer research to several Fortune 500 companies.I am also the co-founder of Merse Advisory, a London-based boutique advisory firm that provides independent and objective advice to help clients navigate the complexities of the Metaverse . I have earned the distinction of being recognized as one of the top female executives in New York City, having won numerous international awards for my achievements. I am a globally recognized thought leader and have been featured in top media outlets such as Forbes, Fortune, AP, WaPo, TedX, Cosmopolitan, Sky News, and Elle magazines (among many others).
How did you decide to tackle this particular issue?
Become the best in the industry at Boolean coding and leverage my fluency in 5 languages while building a powerful network.
What do you enjoy most about being an impact entrepreneur? What’s hardest about it?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an impact entrepreneur is the ability to create positive change in the lives of people. Whether it’s through empowering employees by providing them with income and flexible remote work opportunities or making a broader impact in the world, the opportunity to make a difference is fulfilling. Additionally, the work that my team and I provide literally saves lives – from vaccine safety, fraud and financial crimes, to combatting terrorism (literally), my work gives me a tremendous appreciation for the opportunity to make an impact in the world. Being an impact entrepreneur also comes with its challenges, such as navigating the complexities of the business landscape while staying true to my mission and values. Adding to that financial responsibility and sustainability while keeping the desire to make a positive impact… All of the aforementioned sometimes feel like a delicate juggling act. While entrepreneurship comes with challenges, the ability to make a positive impact on people’s lives and society as a whole has been incredibly rewarding to me, for which I am very appreciative.
How do you navigate the space of being a founder and also being a POC/woman/non-binary person/immigrant?
As an entrepreneur, I navigate the challenges of being a founder and belonging to diverse communities by focusing on being the best at what I do and providing excellent services. I don’t let my identity as a woman or an immigrant directly influence my decisions or struggles. Instead, I stay focused and roll with the punches, allowing my wins to be my way of overcoming any difficulties that come my way.
What advice do you have for early-stage impact entrepreneurs about using their time, relationships, and opportunities at The New School to prepare for this kind of career?
The best advice I can share is to not give up and focus on utilizing your time, network, and opportunities to prepare for entrepreneurship.
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