Kyzzhibek Ryszhanova's journey into entrepreneurship in the construction industry began during her teenage years when she witnessed the process of building concrete structures while cooking for a construction crew. Inspired by her father's successful construction company, which has been operating in Kazakhstan for three decades, Kyzzhibek developed a personal interest in understanding the entire production chain of a product or service. Her entrepreneurial role model was her father, who instilled in her qualities such as enterprise, perseverance, and resistance to stress.
After completing her bachelor's degree in international economics, Kyzzhibek embarked on a career in the public service. Her passion for learning and exploring new horizons led her to become a scholarship holder of the prestigious international program "Bolashak." During her time in London, she pursued language courses and alongside a master's degree in program and project management at the University of Warwick. The international exposure and knowledge she gained during this period shaped her entrepreneurial aspirations.
Following her studies, Kyzzhibek decided to apply her acquired knowledge and experiences to her family business, which focused on the construction and operation of Small Hydro Power Plants (HPP) in the southern region of Kazakhstan. Taking on the role of Project Manager, she successfully implemented two projects, contributing to the growth of renewable energy sources in the country.
However, being a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry came with its challenges. Kyzzhibek encountered stereotypes and faced difficulties during negotiations and communications. Despite these obstacles, Kyzzhibek remained resilient and gained valuable experience and negotiation skills through trial and error.
She also shared a real-life example of her management style, highlighting her attention to creating comfortable conditions for workers on a construction site. While hiring temporary employees, Kyzzhibek recognized the importance of providing basic human needs such as a kitchen and comfortable accommodations, which resulted in increased efficiency and productivity.
In 2020, Kyzzhibek founded her own company, Smart LLP ReEnergy, which offers engineering and consulting services in the field of renewable energy, with a specific focus on small hydro projects. With a second higher education degree in civil engineering, she fortified her technical knowledge, enabling her to tackle the complex challenges of the male-dominated construction industry.
Through her experiences, Kyzzhibek acknowledged that approaches to running and managing a business can differ between men and women. In her opinion, while men tend to be more action-oriented, women often analyze scenarios before making decisions. She highlighted that women excel as risk managers and emphasized the need for personal development and being in a circle of like-minded people who can positively influence success.
In her own words, Kyzzhibek offers advice to fellow businesswomen: "See every problem or challenge as an opportunity for growth. Pay more attention to personal development and surround yourself with like-minded people who can positively influence your success."
Kyz zhibek Ryzhanova
