Merey Mustafina, a producer and founder of Umay Global, has emerged as a trailblazer in the realm of women's entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan. Armed with an MA degree in Development Management from Westminster University and an alumnus of the Executive Leadership Programme THNK School of Creative Leadership, Merey is an entrepreneur and networking expert whose journey is deeply intertwined with the power of connections.
As a co-founder of Umay Global, a networking and mentoring support company, Merey's path to leadership in women's entrepreneurship was unexpected for her yet she embraced it wholeheartedly. Her extensive experience in networking and organizing events paved the way for her remarkable journey, long before networking became a buzzword in Kazakhstan.
Merey's involvement in the women’s community ‘Astana Ladies Club’, and her role as an ambassador for Women Entrepreneurship Day in Kazakhstan brought her face-to-face with specific misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding women’s communities. Contrary to popular belief, Merey emphasizes that pure women's communities are not about feminism or opposition to men. Instead, they provide a unique space where women find support, sincere emotions, and a sense of belonging.
Merey explained that in many cases, men also need support, but societal expectations often prevent them from showing vulnerability. Masculinity is often associated with setting examples at work, at home, and among friends. Consequently, men's communities tend to prioritize business networking and activities. In contrast, women's communities focus on nurturing "soul-to-soul" connections that allow women to open up and be vulnerable.
Merey explains that while every woman has her own micro-community comprising sisters, friends, mothers, and aunts, joining a women's business community provides a deeper level of understanding and support for women entrepreneurs. As more women venture into entrepreneurship, it becomes crucial to provide them with resources and connections to thrive. Merey's journey exemplifies the significance of building communities that empower women through the strength of "sisterhood."
Merey firmly believes that women are the greatest creative force. She recognizes their potential to achieve remarkable things when united. Consequently, Merey has always emphasized the need to create platforms that effectively unify and enable women entrepreneurs to interact.
Women face unique challenges in entrepreneurship, such as the "work-family" dilemma and the need to balance personal and professional responsibilities. Business communities predominantly consisting of men often fail to fully comprehend these issues, leaving women unheard and misunderstood. Merey's experiences have fostered a deep understanding of the importance of women-only spaces. These spaces allow women to share the joys and struggles of entrepreneurship, while finding the support, empathy, and understanding they need from fellow women entrepreneurs.
Initially skeptical about the necessity of such spaces, Merey's involvement in the "Umay" project helped her realize the immense value of women-only networking and the pivotal role such communities play in the lives of women entrepreneurs. These communities provide safe spaces where women can freely express their emotions without fear of judgment or rejection. The support and understanding found within these communities are invaluable, creating a nurturing environment to overcome the challenges of business. The value of "sisterhood" cannot be underestimated, and Merey encourages women everywhere to seek out and participate in these supportive communities.
“We have different women in our community: singles, married, mothers, and we have different interests, however, helping others is the one thing that all of us have in common.”
The role of women in business has often been overshadowed by the male-dominated industry. However, Merey firmly believes that success in business is not exclusive to men, suggesting that women possess the ability to achieve success in their unique feminine way. While men may prioritize goals without finding inspiration or joy in their businesses, Merey says that women are more emotionally connected to their work. Merey stresses the importance of increasing women's feminine energy, striking a balance between feminine and masculine energies in a ratio of approximately 80/20.
In Merey’s opinion women's emotional intelligence is often more developed than that of men. However, societal expectations sometimes lead women to neglect their emotional side, living predominantly in a "male" manifestation. This excess of masculine energy can lead to emotional exhaustion. Thus, Merey advocates for women to increase their feminine energy, infusing their businesses with softer approaches and strategies. A woman's business should be a source of inspiration and nourishment, allowing her to truly enjoy the journey.
Merey holds a firm belief in the transformative power of women. She asserts that women possess inherent creativity, and a positive change in the life of even one woman can have profound and far-reaching effects. When a woman finds happiness and success, she naturally shares her knowledge and experiences, inspiring and motivating other women, whether they be sisters, colleagues, or relatives. This ripple effect continues, spreading to families, friends, colleagues, and beyond, resulting in exponential improvement within society.
Empowering women constitutes a significant part of Merey's life mission. She is dedicated to investing in women's development, providing them with the resources and tools they need to unlock their full potential. Merey firmly believes that by supporting and empowering women, we can create a better world for everyone. Her ideas hold particular relevance in a world where women are assuming more leadership roles in business and society. By fostering support and empowerment, we unlock the full potential of women and create a world that benefits us all.
Merey's perspective on Kazakh identity and compassionate networking stems from her conviction that our cultural heritage and values play a pivotal role in shaping our interactions. Kazakhstan's unique history, religious diversity, and cultural amalgamation have created a distinct Kazakh identity, blending Eastern wisdom, Western values, and Nomadic influences. This identity is deeply embedded in the mentality of Kazakh women, who embody strength, wisdom, pride, and intriguing personalities.
While Merey recognizes the importance of networking, she emphasizes the need to establish connections based on shared values and mutual respect. For Merey, networking is not merely a means to achieve personal goals; it is an opportunity to help individuals connect with others who share similar values. Acting as a "catalyst" in people's lives, Merey brings the right people together, allowing them to recognize each other's unique strengths.
Central to Merey's approach is the belief that every person possesses intrinsic values that warrant respect. When individuals understand and respect their own values, they are more likely to recognize and appreciate the values of others, forming connections built on mutual support and understanding. Through this lens, networking takes on a more human-to-human, heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul format, transcending superficial transactions.
Merey's vision for compassionate networking is deeply rooted in Kazakh sacred wisdom, which emphasizes humanistic principles and mutual support. She believes that the cultural heritage of Kazakhstan can serve as a beacon of example in how we interact with one another. Ultimately, Merey's message revolves around understanding and respecting one another, regardless of gender, age, or nationality. By embracing these values, we can create a more connected and supportive world.
Merey's networking journey emphasizes the power of networking and the significance of creating inclusive spaces for women entrepreneurs. Her story illuminates the transformative potential of compassionate networking and the profound impact it can have on personal growth, professional success, and the betterment of society as a whole.