-Akbota, thank you for joining us. Let’s begin with your background. Can you tell us about your early career and education?
-Thank you for having me. I graduated in 2015 from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Kazakhstan with a bachelor’s degree in Finance, part of the Faculty of Engineering and Pedagogical Sciences. My passion for finance and systems thinking began early, which led me to start my professional career in public service.
-You spent many years working in the public sector. What was your role there?
-I worked at the Non-Commercial Joint Stock Company “Government for Citizens,” which plays a central role in delivering public services in Kazakhstan. My work was focused on enhancing service delivery, improving operational strategy, and implementing digital transformation. It was incredibly meaningful work, and I’m proud of the impact we made on how citizens interacted with government services.
-What motivated you to shift to the private financial sector in 2020?
-After several years in public service, I realized I needed to grow further and challenge myself in new ways. I wanted to deepen my expertise in finance and explore new opportunities. That’s when I received an offer to become Head of Sales at Alfa-Bank Kazakhstan.
-That sounds like a significant transition. How did that experience shape your career?
-It was a transformative experience. After going through a rigorous selection process—including several interviews, competitions, and compliance checks—I officially took on the role of Head of Sales on October 20, 2021. I assembled a high-performing team made up of some of the best talents from leading banks across Kazakhstan. Together, we led 350 employees nationwide and introduced innovative sales strategies that achieved record-breaking results in the bank’s last five years.
-Beyond corporate leadership, you also founded your own company. Can you tell us about that?
-Yes, in 2021, I founded FINANCE GROUP ALMATY. The goal of this consulting firm is to provide high-quality financial services to both businesses and individuals. We focus on professional support in managing financial assets, improving internal business processes, and aligning strategy with transformation goals. My mission is to bring clarity, structure, and results to organizations seeking financial growth and innovation.
-What’s next for you in your professional journey?
-I remain passionate about finance, digital transformation, and business strategy of my company. I I hope to continue contributing to that progress—whether through consulting, leadership, or mentoring the next generation of financial professionals.
Helga Kim
26/06/2024
