Anna Monakhova’s interview, a Business Partner at VB Partners, about her professional growth path, the pursuit of the work-life balance formula, and self-support during the wartime. An open discussion about legal business, stress resistance, corporative culture and female leadership in career for Yurydychna Gazeta.
— Anna, tell us please about your career path. How did it all start?
After graduation I dreamed of a career in B2B industry. However, a number of initial interviews led me into consulting, to an international law firm, where I plunged into sales and became quite successful in it. Thanks to this intriguing experience, I honed my communication skills and adaptability to client`s preferences.
I held dozens of meetings and negotiations daily with company executives from various industries. It was crucial to find approach to each person, to gain their trust and present our service qualitatively. During that time, I realized the importance of client care and the high quality of the product offered.
Sales and marketing in consulting are closely interconnected. After four years of active sales on both the Ukrainian and Western markets, I decided to shift my focus more on the origins of promotion. Previously, the marketing department provided me with ready-made legal products that I offered to clients. However, I wanted to develop them, to be involved in creativity and analytics.
For 16 years now, I have been successful in the field of professional services and consulting. It has been 10 years since I joined VB Partners’ team, staring my career as a PR&marketing manager. Within 2.5 years, I became the Head of BD Department. I was involved in turning the company into a legal boutique that focuses on two key practices: White-Collar Crime and Dispute Resolution. At that time, this boutique approach was our response to the growing competition.
—Which direction are you heading now?
In my new status as a Business Partner, I intend to continue developing the VB’s brand, nurture the professional and personal growth of team members, and improve internal business processes.
—Have you ever had to balance professional and personal goals?
I guess, like each of us, I’m in search of a perfect work-life balance formula.
The firm’s fast-paced work, new goals and challenges, launching new practices and expanding the team have always been reflected in the personal workload. My daughter’s birth has left me with a severe shortage of extra hours in the day.
However, constant work on personal effectiveness helps me save time and be more productive. It wasn’t easy, the support and mentoring of the firm’s founding partners helped me overcome the difficulties Educational initiatives led by top business trainers that focused on developing time management skills, delegation, and personal effectiveness were also highly beneficial. Through this training, you can gain a better understanding of yourself and your goals, as well as develop the ability to handle professional and personal challenges or crises.
—What do you advise?
I realized that it is impossible to be perfect at everything. You need to learn to delegate. It is important to find time for yourself, rest and recharge your battery. In my opinion, finding balance between your career and personal life can be achieved through self-development, proper planning, and the support of loved ones.
— What is the source of motivation? How do you maintain your balance and regain your strength? What inspires you right now?
The war has forever changed our lives, our values, our priorities and our attitudes towards many things. To remain resilient and continue working, you need to take care of yourself.
The legal industry is a pressure cooker. Stress levels are incredibly high. Thriving in this high-pressure environment demands unwavering dedication to continuous self-improvement, organization, and mastery of essential soft skills. These qualities are not only about the art of presentation or negotiation. It also includes the ability to recharge and cultivate a resourceful mindset.
Developing emotional resilience is crucial as it enables to effectively manage life’s challenges and navigate periods of uncertainty and turmoil. My loved ones help me with this. Their love and support empower me. Sport helps me to release tension and recharge energy.
My colleagues are another source of inspiration. Talented and highly motivated, their active professional approach and life values propel them forward.
The very process of work serves as my driving force. I am certain that even with the obstacles we encounter, we will remain resilient, keep working, and eventually win. I’m deeply grateful to VB Partners for helping me realize my potential. I’m glad that we have a team of like-minded people, where a supportive and collaborative spirit prevails.
— Do you divide professions into ‘female’ and ‘male’, considering that criminal law is perceived by most of the market as a masculine profession?
The days when women were not admitted to law schools are long gone. But is it easy for a woman in the modern world to fully master the legal profession and compete with men? My answer would be closer to “no”.
Statistics indicate that the ratio of women to men in Ukrainian law firms is roughly equal, but there are significantly fewer women among partners/managing partners. Upholding diversity remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Ukrainian society today.
In our White-Collar Crime team, we strive to achieve a balance where everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of gender.
The world is changing, and stereotypes are fading away. At VB, we never make our selection of specialists based on gender. Because intelligence, logic, communication skills, hard work, and comprehensiveness are qualities that are inherent in both men and women.
We look for candidates who have a deep understanding of legal theory, can quickly navigate legislation and judicial practice, are driven to succeed, and have a constant desire for self-improvement. And financial rewards for employees are provided regardless of gender, as professionalism is valued above all.
It has been proven that both men and women can be equally successful leaders and productive employees. There is no such thing as competition between a male and a female leader. There is competition between an effective leader and an ineffective one.
As a woman, I can say that law is a challenging but interesting field. As I am not a lawyer, I faced some challenges, but my perseverance, knowledge, and team support led me to success. I believe that women have every chance to become successful lawyers. The main thing is not to give up, constantly improve yourself and follow your dreams!
— How do you resolve conflicts while considering gender aspects?
Conflict resolution is one of my strengths.
I am confident that gender aspects do not affect constructive dialogue, especially in VB. Our team is committed to preventing their occurrence, as prevention is the most effective way to solve them. If a conflict arises, we strive for its constructive resolution. We acknowledge our mistakes, regardless of the position, correct them and do not repeat in the future.
Our team builds relationships based on mutual support and ethical actions. Our actions and decisions are always transparent and we always tell the truth to our clients and each other. VB’s corporate culture encourages criticism as a means of growth. Our criticism is directed towards the problem, not the person.
We have implemented non-toxic communication rules to avoid conflicts, employee burnout, and unpleasant situations, and to maintain a respectful and productive atmosphere in the office.
— What would you wish our talented girls on their career path? Please give some advice to women at the beginning of their careers.
Girls should believe in themselves more, respect themselves, and trust themselves. It’s worth giving yourself the freedom to be yourself. Don’t let doubts hold you back. Take on new challenges and opportunities boldly. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
You are talented, capable and deserve success!
