DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION
Women in the Profession. Unleashing infinite potential
Professional fulfillment is a vital aspect of life – one that’s hard to overstate. For many, true happiness lies in dedicating oneself to meaningful work and earning the recognition one deserves. Ideally, as psychologists note, it’s important to maintain balance and inner resources – to stay energized, joyful, and enthusiastic about sharing one’s knowledge, skills, and talents. At the same time, it’s essential not to lose sight of personal life, hobbies, and family. We spoke with our colleagues about whether career choices shape our destiny, how to find harmony between personal and professional life, and whether it’s possible for a woman in a leadership role to successfully combine her career with the roles of wife and mother.
Irina Davydova,
Quality Engineer
Putting Theory into Practice
I began my career as a quality engineer in 2010, shortly after graduating from Moscow State University of Informatics and Instrument Engineering with a degree in design and development of measuring instruments
I joined Beko in 2020 as a Technician on the refrigerator assembly line. During the interview, Stanislav Miroshnikov asked if I was willing to work outside my area of specialization, and I agreed without hesitation. After all, gaining new knowledge is an invaluable experience for any engineer, providing an opportunity to fully understand the production process – from manufacturing parts to assembling the finished product. Previously, I worked in the production of metal enclosures for electrical and server equipment at EKF. We also launched the production of aluminum bus ducts from the ground up, utilizing new lathes, milling machines, and laser equipment.
Interesting projects
I was responsible for one of the key quality indicators, FLC – First Line Capability. This metric directly depends on the accuracy of the basic assembly process. We analyze errors, track statistics, and develop initiatives aimed at improving the performance indicators. This approach is still in use, and I am proud to have contributed to it. Together with colleagues from the Quality, Production, Assembly Lines, Technical Development, R&D, and IT departments, we continue to work on enhancing production processes. A special thank you to everyone for their support and the friendly atmosphere within the team. Since 2022, I have been working in the Quality Department as an Engineer. Our team not only focuses on improving internal processes but also on optimizing production at our local suppliers. This has been a step forward, not only for me but also for our company.
Quality Engineer
Putting Theory into Practice
I began my career as a quality engineer in 2010, shortly after graduating from Moscow State University of Informatics and Instrument Engineering with a degree in design and development of measuring instruments
I joined Beko in 2020 as a Technician on the refrigerator assembly line. During the interview, Stanislav Miroshnikov asked if I was willing to work outside my area of specialization, and I agreed without hesitation. After all, gaining new knowledge is an invaluable experience for any engineer, providing an opportunity to fully understand the production process – from manufacturing parts to assembling the finished product. Previously, I worked in the production of metal enclosures for electrical and server equipment at EKF. We also launched the production of aluminum bus ducts from the ground up, utilizing new lathes, milling machines, and laser equipment.
Interesting projects
I was responsible for one of the key quality indicators, FLC – First Line Capability. This metric directly depends on the accuracy of the basic assembly process. We analyze errors, track statistics, and develop initiatives aimed at improving the performance indicators. This approach is still in use, and I am proud to have contributed to it. Together with colleagues from the Quality, Production, Assembly Lines, Technical Development, R&D, and IT departments, we continue to work on enhancing production processes. A special thank you to everyone for their support and the friendly atmosphere within the team. Since 2022, I have been working in the Quality Department as an Engineer. Our team not only focuses on improving internal processes but also on optimizing production at our local suppliers. This has been a step forward, not only for me but also for our company.
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The journey of a woman in her profession may be challenging, but it is always incredibly rewarding. The key is to find your place and feel the support of your loved ones – that’s when everything will fall into place.
English and Driving
Work helps me grow. I started learning English because Beko is an international company, and it's essential to communicate fluently with colleagues from abroad. Our HR department arranges a personalized schedule for each employee’s language lessons, which is very convenient and allows me to balance my studies with both work and personal time. In addition, I will soon receive my driver’s license. I’m excited about the prospect of driving my family on vacation this summer, instead of just being a passenger.
Balancing Life and Work
My family supports me in everything, and I always feel the care of my loved ones. At home, I crave comfort and warmth – it truly helps me relax and clear my mind.
The journey of a woman in her profession may be challenging, but it is always incredibly rewarding. The key is to find your place and feel the support of your loved ones – that’s when everything will fall into place.
Work helps me grow. I started learning English because Beko is an international company, and it's essential to communicate fluently with colleagues from abroad. Our HR department arranges a personalized schedule for each employee’s language lessons, which is very convenient and allows me to balance my studies with both work and personal time. In addition, I will soon receive my driver’s license. I’m excited about the prospect of driving my family on vacation this summer, instead of just being a passenger.
Balancing Life and Work
My family supports me in everything, and I always feel the care of my loved ones. At home, I crave comfort and warmth – it truly helps me relax and clear my mind.
The journey of a woman in her profession may be challenging, but it is always incredibly rewarding. The key is to find your place and feel the support of your loved ones – that’s when everything will fall into place.
Svetlana Shalakhova,
Head of the IT Department for Business Process Support and Project Implementation
Profession of the Future
I have two higher education degrees: my second in "Management", which I earned through a presidential professional development program, and my first, primary degree in "Information Technologies" from Lipetsk Polytechnic University. When I enrolled, computers were large machines, and we were focused on production automation. We witnessed the rapid development of IT technologies, and in just 2–3 years, personal computers became a part of everyday life. One of my first student jobs was assisting with research at the department. During a challenging period in the labor market, we experienced the advantages and increasing demand for our profession.
Relentless drive
In my student years, I thought I would only work with computers. If someone had told me that my future profession would require communication skills, I wouldn't have believed it. Nowadays, office layouts are open spaces: colleagues from various departments are always around, and there are plenty of discussions about ideas and proposals. I enjoy my profession. It allows me to constantly develop, move forward, tackle increasingly complex tasks, and assist colleagues from other departments.
International Experience
Since the 2000s, I’ve had the opportunity to work for large international companies specializing in household appliances. This experience gave me valuable insights into foreign strategies, practices, and regulations. My knowledge of English proved to be extremely useful. As the business owners changed, we had to adapt to new requirements and approaches. I've been part of Beko's structure since our company joined in 2022. We've completed several projects aimed at reorganizing enterprise processes within information systems and are currently working on developing company functions required in today’s home appliance market.
Head of the IT Department for Business Process Support and Project Implementation
Profession of the Future
I have two higher education degrees: my second in "Management", which I earned through a presidential professional development program, and my first, primary degree in "Information Technologies" from Lipetsk Polytechnic University. When I enrolled, computers were large machines, and we were focused on production automation. We witnessed the rapid development of IT technologies, and in just 2–3 years, personal computers became a part of everyday life. One of my first student jobs was assisting with research at the department. During a challenging period in the labor market, we experienced the advantages and increasing demand for our profession.
Relentless drive
In my student years, I thought I would only work with computers. If someone had told me that my future profession would require communication skills, I wouldn't have believed it. Nowadays, office layouts are open spaces: colleagues from various departments are always around, and there are plenty of discussions about ideas and proposals. I enjoy my profession. It allows me to constantly develop, move forward, tackle increasingly complex tasks, and assist colleagues from other departments.
International Experience
Since the 2000s, I’ve had the opportunity to work for large international companies specializing in household appliances. This experience gave me valuable insights into foreign strategies, practices, and regulations. My knowledge of English proved to be extremely useful. As the business owners changed, we had to adapt to new requirements and approaches. I've been part of Beko's structure since our company joined in 2022. We've completed several projects aimed at reorganizing enterprise processes within information systems and are currently working on developing company functions required in today’s home appliance market.
“
I have been working as a manager for more than 20 years and I have come to realize that in order for a team to be effective, it is necessary to take into account personal qualities and competencies of employees, conditions, scope and external factors of each project.
Keys to Effectiveness
We have a strong IT team capable of tackling complex tasks with minimal reliance on external resources. I’m grateful to my department for their professionalism, initiative, trust, and loyalty. Our team is always ready for ambitious projects! I’ve been in a leadership role for over 20 years and have learned that for a team to be effective, it’s essential to consider the personal qualities and competencies of team members, as well as the conditions, scope, and external factors of each project. I always strive to plan workgroups and tasks in a way that ensures every team member is engaged, gains new knowledge, and sees their contribution to the overall result.
On Opportunities
My husband, son, and I are all in IT. We work at different companies, but the IT field unites us, and it’s really interesting. Balancing a career with the roles of mother and wife requires dedication. As long as I can remember, I’ve always tried to learn something new in my profession—even when I was on maternity leave, I’d read IT magazines. Today, technology offers so many opportunities—online learning, countless mobile apps at our fingertips: you can book a doctor’s appointment for your child, sign them up for extracurricular activities, or handle paperwork—all online. It saves so much time. Plus, household appliances are now incredibly multifunctional. It’s much easier for us to manage household chores than it was for our mothers. So, family happiness and having children don’t hinder a professional career; in fact, they support and motivate it.
Work-Life Balance
I enjoy reading books and love creativity in various forms, whether it’s creating something with my hands or engaging in crafts. If I had some free time, I’d take up painting, something I was quite good at as a child. We live in a beautiful country with countless landmarks and picturesque nature. My husband and I love traveling in our car. We’ve visited the Kola Peninsula, the Ural Mountains, and traveled along the Crimean coastline. Perhaps one day, we’ll make our way to Lake Baikal and even the Far East.
We have a strong IT team capable of tackling complex tasks with minimal reliance on external resources. I’m grateful to my department for their professionalism, initiative, trust, and loyalty. Our team is always ready for ambitious projects! I’ve been in a leadership role for over 20 years and have learned that for a team to be effective, it’s essential to consider the personal qualities and competencies of team members, as well as the conditions, scope, and external factors of each project. I always strive to plan workgroups and tasks in a way that ensures every team member is engaged, gains new knowledge, and sees their contribution to the overall result.
On Opportunities
My husband, son, and I are all in IT. We work at different companies, but the IT field unites us, and it’s really interesting. Balancing a career with the roles of mother and wife requires dedication. As long as I can remember, I’ve always tried to learn something new in my profession—even when I was on maternity leave, I’d read IT magazines. Today, technology offers so many opportunities—online learning, countless mobile apps at our fingertips: you can book a doctor’s appointment for your child, sign them up for extracurricular activities, or handle paperwork—all online. It saves so much time. Plus, household appliances are now incredibly multifunctional. It’s much easier for us to manage household chores than it was for our mothers. So, family happiness and having children don’t hinder a professional career; in fact, they support and motivate it.
Work-Life Balance
I enjoy reading books and love creativity in various forms, whether it’s creating something with my hands or engaging in crafts. If I had some free time, I’d take up painting, something I was quite good at as a child. We live in a beautiful country with countless landmarks and picturesque nature. My husband and I love traveling in our car. We’ve visited the Kola Peninsula, the Ural Mountains, and traveled along the Crimean coastline. Perhaps one day, we’ll make our way to Lake Baikal and even the Far East.
Elena Zhukova,
Head of Marketing Procurement Group in Russia, Belarus and Central Asia
My Choice
When I was at school, I liked chemistry, so I enrolled at the D. I. Mendeleev Russian University of Chemistry and Technology. But at that time it was unclear what prospects lay ahead for the chemical industry in Russia, so I chose the Faculty of Economics and have no regrets.
I have worked in various fields, including the automotive industry, medical devices, and now household appliances. It was 12 years ago that I had the chance to try my hand at procurement. I immediately realized that I wanted to continue developing in this area.
Career Path
I joined Beko in 2019 as a Marketing Procurement Specialist. Back then, the company had one brand, Beko, and then Grundig was added. Then the geography of the partnership expanded, with Central Asian countries joining. After the merger with Whirlpool, I was offered the position of Head of the Marketing Procurement Team.
Dynamics
I love my job because of how diverse the tasks are. There is never anything boring about it. I have had the opportunity to work in several indirect purchasing categories, but I realized long ago that marketing is the most interesting area for me. My profession requires diving into the details. It would seem that you are procuring similar services, but there may be different approaches to project implementation in Russia and Kazakhstan. All this has to be taken into account at the tender stage.
Head of Marketing Procurement Group in Russia, Belarus and Central Asia
My Choice
When I was at school, I liked chemistry, so I enrolled at the D. I. Mendeleev Russian University of Chemistry and Technology. But at that time it was unclear what prospects lay ahead for the chemical industry in Russia, so I chose the Faculty of Economics and have no regrets.
I have worked in various fields, including the automotive industry, medical devices, and now household appliances. It was 12 years ago that I had the chance to try my hand at procurement. I immediately realized that I wanted to continue developing in this area.
Career Path
I joined Beko in 2019 as a Marketing Procurement Specialist. Back then, the company had one brand, Beko, and then Grundig was added. Then the geography of the partnership expanded, with Central Asian countries joining. After the merger with Whirlpool, I was offered the position of Head of the Marketing Procurement Team.
Dynamics
I love my job because of how diverse the tasks are. There is never anything boring about it. I have had the opportunity to work in several indirect purchasing categories, but I realized long ago that marketing is the most interesting area for me. My profession requires diving into the details. It would seem that you are procuring similar services, but there may be different approaches to project implementation in Russia and Kazakhstan. All this has to be taken into account at the tender stage.
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Work is a major part of one's life, so it is important to create a comfortable atmosphere. I believe that relations with colleagues should be built on mutual respect.
Got Lucky
I am very lucky to have my team, we are on the same page. We are always ready to help each other and share experience. Work is a big part of one's life, so it is important to create a comfortable working environment. I believe that relations with colleagues should be built on mutual respect.
Believe in Yourself
Everything changes so fast in today's world, new professions and opportunities keep popping up. You should not be afraid to try yourself in different directions, and then your potential will unfold faster. Believe in yourself and you will succeed.
Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is very important to me. If you don't keep it up, you can quickly burn out. I try to find time for my family and friends. I love traveling, exploring new historical and natural sites, I have several places on my list that I would like to visit.
I am very lucky to have my team, we are on the same page. We are always ready to help each other and share experience. Work is a big part of one's life, so it is important to create a comfortable working environment. I believe that relations with colleagues should be built on mutual respect.
Believe in Yourself
Everything changes so fast in today's world, new professions and opportunities keep popping up. You should not be afraid to try yourself in different directions, and then your potential will unfold faster. Believe in yourself and you will succeed.
Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is very important to me. If you don't keep it up, you can quickly burn out. I try to find time for my family and friends. I love traveling, exploring new historical and natural sites, I have several places on my list that I would like to visit.
Svetlana Gashina,
Head of Outbound Logistics Group
Negotiating skills
I was born in Kirzhach District, Vladimir Region. I studied at an economics college and at the Russian New University in Moscow, specializing in finance and economics. My first professional experience was as a sales assistant in a construction supplies store. I was 19 years old, had to deal with drills and screwdrivers and get along with customers. The ability to negotiate and find compromises were the skills I gained then.
Career
In 2010, I got a job at Beko as a storekeeper. A friend suggested that there was a vacancy, so I decided to give it a try. By the way, she also introduced me to my future husband. At that time it seemed to me that working in an office was much better than working in a store. I was in charge of drawing up documents for logistics, so I was soon transferred to logistics. I have been working as Team Leader for a year now.
Surprises Every Day
There is no Groundhog Day in the Logistics Department. You come in in the morning and you never know what unplanned tasks the day may present. I have to communicate a lot, with customers, suppliers, carriers, colleagues, and I have to find the best solutions. I enjoy all these things. Our team consists mostly of women, and most of our colleagues have been working together for a number of years, so we could finish each other's sentences. I am happy that we have established trust-based relationships.
Head of Outbound Logistics Group
Negotiating skills
I was born in Kirzhach District, Vladimir Region. I studied at an economics college and at the Russian New University in Moscow, specializing in finance and economics. My first professional experience was as a sales assistant in a construction supplies store. I was 19 years old, had to deal with drills and screwdrivers and get along with customers. The ability to negotiate and find compromises were the skills I gained then.
Career
In 2010, I got a job at Beko as a storekeeper. A friend suggested that there was a vacancy, so I decided to give it a try. By the way, she also introduced me to my future husband. At that time it seemed to me that working in an office was much better than working in a store. I was in charge of drawing up documents for logistics, so I was soon transferred to logistics. I have been working as Team Leader for a year now.
Surprises Every Day
There is no Groundhog Day in the Logistics Department. You come in in the morning and you never know what unplanned tasks the day may present. I have to communicate a lot, with customers, suppliers, carriers, colleagues, and I have to find the best solutions. I enjoy all these things. Our team consists mostly of women, and most of our colleagues have been working together for a number of years, so we could finish each other's sentences. I am happy that we have established trust-based relationships.
“
I have grown up with Beko. Both as a person and as a professional. I came to the plant as a very young 23-year-old girl. I have been working for 15 years since then.
Work-Life Balance
I have grown up with Beko. Both as a person and as a professional. I came to the plant as a very young 23-year-old girl. I have been working for 15 years. During this time, I got married, I gave birth to my two sons, and I continue to build my career. My family supports me. I devote my free time to my family. I try not to think about work at home, and at work – about home. I don't always succeed, but it is the only way to remain a professional at work and a wife and mother at home.
Hobbies & Dreams
My eldest son is 12 years old, my youngest is 5. We love spending time together as a family: we go on vacation in the countryside and take our dog with us. Another of our family hobbies is traveling around Russia in our own car. It's fun, because we often travel together with friends. We have already visited Nizhny Novgorod, Yaroslavl, Suzdal, Sergiev Posad, and this year we are planning a trip to St. Petersburg. We have a dream, to build our own house, and we are working methodically to make it happen: we have already bought a plot of land and got electricity installed.
I have grown up with Beko. Both as a person and as a professional. I came to the plant as a very young 23-year-old girl. I have been working for 15 years. During this time, I got married, I gave birth to my two sons, and I continue to build my career. My family supports me. I devote my free time to my family. I try not to think about work at home, and at work – about home. I don't always succeed, but it is the only way to remain a professional at work and a wife and mother at home.
Hobbies & Dreams
My eldest son is 12 years old, my youngest is 5. We love spending time together as a family: we go on vacation in the countryside and take our dog with us. Another of our family hobbies is traveling around Russia in our own car. It's fun, because we often travel together with friends. We have already visited Nizhny Novgorod, Yaroslavl, Suzdal, Sergiev Posad, and this year we are planning a trip to St. Petersburg. We have a dream, to build our own house, and we are working methodically to make it happen: we have already bought a plot of land and got electricity installed.
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