Women's economic advancement is one of Visa's key priorities for equality and inclusion. Visa is committed to leveraging its network, brand, and financial resources to help women achieve their dreams, including through the global women’s entrepreneurship initiative, She’s Next Empowered by Visa. Through showcasing inspiring examples of successful women, Visa also supports women's leadership.
In today’s fast-paced business world, women are increasingly taking on leadership roles and redefining success. As these women rise to the forefront, they inspire others and pave the way for future generations. Their success is a testament to the strength and potential of women in business. Through this joint project with Visa, we feature interviews and in-depth profiles of these remarkable Azerbaijani women, showcasing their journeys and their impact on the future. Fashion, as a powerful form of self-expression, further amplifies their influence, reflecting and shaping their leadership in the world. The heroines of this article are successful women: Nigar Bilandarli (Deputy CEO, Chief Commercial Officer at Xalq Bank), Aynur Suleymanli (Managing Director at ABB), and Shirin Aliyeva (Chief Legal, Ethics, and Compliance Officer at Azercell Telecom LLC).
Nigar Bilandarli
Deputy CEO - Chief Commercial Officer at “Xalq” Bank
Could you describe your career path and how you got started?
I began my banking career right after school at Vnesheconombank of the USSR while studying at Azerbaijan State University of Economics. Working in various positions at leading banks, I gradually learned all key aspects of banking. In 2005, I joined the newly established “Xalq” Bank, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. My most formative years as a manager have been here. I also value the guidance of my mentors, who shared their knowledge and helped me overcome challenges. In 2012, I graduated from the MBA programme at Warwick Business School in the UK.
What pivotal decision did you make that significantly impacted your career?
Obtaining an MBA was a key moment in my development as a manager. Despite my experience, I needed professional skills in leadership, decision- making, and time management. The MBA programme specifically trains leaders in business, promotes innovation, and fosters corporate social responsibility. It also brought together a diverse group of students worldwide. It was an unforgettable experience, and I still maintain friendly relationships with my classmates.
What is the main character trait that has contributed to your success?
Self-discipline is essential to me – pushing myself to get things done regardless of mood or desire. It helps me prioritise effectively and focus on what truly matters. A disciplined person knows what’s important and how to achieve results. Striving for better outcomes, even if
slightly dissatisfied now, leads to excellence.
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Scarf EMPORIUM @EMPORIUMBAKU
What does it take to be a true leader, and what qualities are essential?
As legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi said, "Leaders are not born, they're made." Becoming a true leader is more than holding a leadership position; it's about embodying qualities that inspire and guide others. A true leader must have a clear vision and communicate
it in a way that resonates with and motivates their team. They help others develop and achieve their goals with competence and subtlety. Along the way, conveying honesty, empathy, and determination is very important.
How do you keep your team motivated and focused on achieving its goals?
Keeping the team motivated and focused is vital to successful management. It’s vital that everyone understands the objectives and their role in achieving them. Open communication builds self-confidence. Recognising those who contribute ideas, take initiative, and work well with others is important. Seeing the results of their efforts is highly motivating and inspiring.
What principle guides you in sustaining your happiness as a woman?
I believe that maintaining a balance between a professional career and family life is of great importance for women executives. Setting clear boundaries allows for quality time with family, loved ones, friends, and personal pursuits. I make an effort to surround myself with positive individuals who support and inspire me. I cherish travelling with my family and aim to spend quality time with my sons,
engaging in discussions on various topics and openly acknowledging when they have more insight than I do.
What three pieces of advice would you offer to young women?
Define your goals and pursue them with confidence. Continually seek knowledge to stay active, engaged, and informed, embracing new technologies along the way. Prioritise self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Most importantly, don’t fear making mistakes – although it may sound cliché, each mistake offers valuable lessons and experiences.
Aynur Suleymanli
Managing Director at ABB
Can you describe your career path and how you got started?
My career started in HR with a genuine interest in people. I began in entry-level HR roles and gradually moved up by seeking opportunities that allowed me to make a real impact on employee experience. These experiences prepared me for the various leadership roles I later assumed. My journey to becoming a C-level executive was shaped by a commitment to aligning people strategies with business goals.
What pivotal decision did you make that significantly impacted your career?
Leaving my previous company for ABB was a pivotal career move, enabling me to manage human resources at Azerbaijan's largest bank. Shortly after joining, ABB began transforming to become the industry's top employer. Since 2019, we’ve implemented projects to this end, and I’m proud that ABB is now celebrated for its exceptional employer brand, equal opportunities, and as the best place to work.
What is the key character trait that has driven your success?
Hard work has been at the core of everything I’ve achieved. I believe that hard work can open doors, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. Yet, it’s not just about working hard – it’s about being passionate about what you do. I’ve always pushed myself to go the extra mile, not just to get the job done, but to do it with excellence and dedication.
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Total look EMPORIUM @EMPORIUMBAKU
What does it take to be a true leader, and which qualities are essential for this?
A true leader needs vision, the ability to inspire, and the integrity to build trust and make confident decisions, even in uncertainty. Leading by example and caring for your team are essential. From my experience with ABB's journey of change, being well-prepared, often the catalyst for change, and turning challenges into opportunities are crucial qualities of a true leader.
What principle guides you in maintaining happiness as a woman?
Balance and prioritisation are the principles that guide me. I’ve always believed that it’s important to prioritise both work and personal life. This means setting boundaries and making time for family, hobbies, and self-care, which in turn allows me to be more effective and fulfilled in my professional life. Doing what you love, feeling valued both within the team and in your personal life, and seeing the positive results of your hard work are the main sources of happiness.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your career, and how did you navigate through it?
Achieving cultural change during the transformation period was a major challenge. It required empathy, strategic thinking, and strong communication to make the team feel valued. I focused on transparency and investing in new skills for our workforce. Incremental changes have led to a lasting impact, and I’m proud that we’ve built our corporate culture on strong values.
How do you keep your team motivated and focused on achieving financial goals?
I keep my team motivated by setting clear, measurable goals and being transparent about our progress towards those goals. Communication is key – people need to understand how their work contributes to the larger objectives of the company. I also ensure that we celebrate successes and learn from challenges, creating a culture of continuous improvement and recognition.
What three pieces of advice would you give to young women?
Never stop learning. Take on challenges. Build relationships. Embrace each experience as an opportunity for growth and connection.
Shirin Aliyeva
Chief Legal, Ethics and Compliance Officer at Azercell Telecom LLC
Could you describe your career path and how you got started?
I started my career 20 years ago in oil and gas, then transitioned to gold mining. I spent nearly 10 years in banking and financial services, serving as an Executive Board member at one of the largest banks in the country. Today, I am the Chief Legal, Ethics, and Compliance Officer at Azercell Telecom, the largest telecommunications company in the country.
What pivotal decision did you make that significantly impacted your career?
Upon graduating from university, I decided to pursue career opportunities in legal support for corporate businesses from within, becoming an integral part of the business. Throughout my career, this decision has proven to be correct – I am most effective and energetic when supporting business goals as a leader involved in developing business strategy, technology innovations, and transformation projects.
What is the key character trait that has driven your success?
Dedication to results; empathy; active listening skills; considering and caring about the big picture in terms of the business environment, not just my area of responsibility; understanding the business I work for and adherence to its values.
What does it take to be a true leader, and which qualities are essential for this?
People follow you if they trust you. Hence, for me, key leadership qualities include integrity, leading by example, believing in what you do, and selfconfidence. Additionally, protecting personal and corporate values, having the courage to challenge the status quo, empowering those you lead, and maintaining self-awareness are crucial.
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What principle guides you in maintaining happiness as a woman?
Protecting my energy levels to maintain my enthusiasm in both personal and professional life involves having “me” time for self-reflection and spending quality time with my husband and sons.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your career, and how did you navigate through it?
The most challenging aspect of my career has been balancing the demands of leading complex initiatives while transitioning into motherhood. The support and care from my family and colleagues were instrumental in overcoming these challenges. As a result, I strive in my professional life to provide support to women, empower them, and help them achieve their highest goals in both professional development and personal life.
How do you keep your team motivated and focused on achieving financial goals?
As I lead business-enabling functions, I focus on ensuring my teams are always seen as integral to business decisions, with a clear understanding of the business strategy and key goals. Empowerment and delegation are crucial for team success. In today’s dynamic world, It is challenging to maintain focus and stay updated with professional trends and technological advancements. Therefore, talent development and retention are top priorities for us, and we invest resources into the learning and development of our employees.
What three pieces of advice would you give to young women?
Always be mindful of the power of the present moment and the actions, decisions, and opportunities you can embrace today. Appreciate yourself, your family, and those who support you. Dream big, because dreams do come true.
