Interview with Ivana Nikolik.
"Celebrating Women Volunteers: Insights & Inspiration" series.
BeeQueen is dedicated to empowering and elevating women and promoting a more equal and inclusive environment where women can reach their full potential and be the architects of their own success.
We highlight the incredible work and impact of women through interviews with inspiring professional volunteers and mentors, sharing their unique stories. Our next amazing guest is Ivana Nikolik!
“My mentoring journey has been driven by a commitment to fostering positive social impact and creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all.”
Professional background
Ivana Nikolik is Europe 40 Under 40 Top Business Leader, Business Development Director - EMEA at IWConnect, an official Member of Forbes Business Council, and Top LinkedIn Leadership Voice.
As a long-term Ambassador and Mentor for Women in Tech and Women in AI and Business Mentor to start-ups, Ivana actively gives her utmost contribution as a real role model in empowering, mentoring, and inspiring young females who are venturing into the dynamic Tech world.
Ivana is an experienced C-level executive, corporate Board Member and cross-functional energetic leader and today, as Business Development Director at IWConnect, she is leading the Sales team and company’s growth strategy primarily in the EMEA region by leveraging internal tech knowledge and IT expertise to address clients' needs while sharing insights on digital and business transformation with a mission to drive innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.
Outside of her professional career, Ivana is an energetic person with a passion for sports, traveling, photography, and music, and so far, she has won a significant number of medals and accomplishments in these fields. Healthy work-life balance is essential for cultivating physical and mental well-being, and for her, there is an undeniable bond between athletic and business success!
Where did your volunteering journey begin?
— My mentoring journey began at UNDP when I was professionally trained as a business mentor and started helping entrepreneurs with their startup companies. Later, I continued as a mentor for Women in Tech, the global movement, as part of the mentorship programs in different countries, after which other organizations of similar type followed, such as Women in AI Netherlands, BrandedU, etc.
How long have you been volunteering?
— Since my very young age, I’ve always wanted to take part in humanitarian events, help when and where in need, and make an impact in the society. Later in my career, after a decade of professional experience, I started mentoring and being part of Women in Tech and Women in AI as an Ambassador and Mentor and moreover, as a Business mentor to start-ups. Being part of these initiatives and organizations can have a profound impact both on the individuals you're assisting and trying to help, and equally important, on your own personal growth and fulfillment. It allows us to connect with diverse communities, gain new perspectives, and build meaningful relationships. Starting to volunteer earlier in life can provide opportunities for personal enrichment and self-discovery.
How has volunteering impacted you personally?
— Volunteering and mentoring allow us to share our knowledge, skills, and experiences with others, helping them navigate their own paths and overcome challenges they may face. It's also an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to causes that are important to us.
From a personal point of view, mentoring can provide a sense of fulfilment and purpose, knowing that you're making a positive difference and meaningful impact in the lives of others. What’s more, mentoring can help us develop new skills, expand our network, and gain valuable insights and perspectives from those we mentor.
The overall feedback I am getting throughout the years for my dedication to mentoring is commendable, one that makes a meaningful impact in the communities and industries where I am involved, primarily to females in Tech, which is an imperative to continue giving my utmost contribution into empowering, mentoring, and inspiring young females who are venturing into the dynamic world of Tech.
What sparked your initial interest in volunteering for different causes or organizations?
— The initial spark arose from a deep-rooted sense of empathy, a combination of personal experiences, and a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact and help others. Witnessing various societal challenges and recognizing the potential for collective action to enact change ignited a passion within me to get involved and make a difference.
Furthermore, growing up in a community that emphasized the importance of giving back and helping those in need instilled in me a sense of responsibility to leverage my time, skills, and resources for the betterment of others. As I explored different volunteer opportunities and became more aware of the diverse needs within my community and beyond, the motivation to take action and advocate for meaningful causes only grew stronger. Ultimately, my journey in mentoring has been driven by a commitment to fostering positive social impact and creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
Through volunteering and mentoring, I’ve had a privilege of witnessing the transformative impact of mentorship and the collective power of individuals coming together to effect positive change. Each interaction, each shared experience reinforces my belief in the inherent potential within each person and reaffirms my dedication to serving as a catalyst for growth, empowerment, and social progress.
“Through volunteering and mentoring, I’ve had a privilege of witnessing the transformative impact of mentorship and the collective power of individuals coming together to effect positive change.”
What moments have been most rewarding?
— The most rewarding moments often stem from witnessing the tangible impact of your efforts on the lives of others. Whether it is seeing a mentee achieve their goals, perceiving the positive transformation of a community project come to fruition, or simply knowing that you've made a meaningful difference in someone's life, these moments of impact are deeply fulfilling for me.
With your wealth of experience and knowledge, how do you approach mentoring and guiding other women volunteers?
— Overall, my approach to mentoring and guiding other women is rooted in empathy, empowerment, and collaboration. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, providing tailored guidance and resources, and setting clear expectations and goals, while fostering skills development and confidence, I strive to empower other women to thrive and make meaningful contributions to our community.
“A mentor is not someone who walks ahead of us and tells us how they did it. A mentor is someone who walks alongside us to guide us on what we can do!” – Simon Sinek, author and inspirational speaker on business leadership.
How do you ensure that your actions and decisions as a leader and role model are in harmony with the values and goals of the community you support?
— By adhering to several key practices, such as understanding an organization’s values and goals, evaluating the impact and effectiveness while continuously learning and growing, I intend to lead by example and ensure that my actions as a leader are in alignment with the values and goals of the organization or community I support, ultimately contributing to the collective success and well-being of all stakeholders involved.
Any advice for aspiring volunteers ready to invest their time and talents for lasting impact?
— Seize the opportunity and give it a try! The most important thing is to find opportunities that resonate with you, identify your passions, contribute meaningfully to causes you care about, and allow you to make an impact in your organization, community, or chosen field while making a positive difference in the world.
