Introducing our new interview series!
At NomadHer, we know that every woman has a story. That's why we want to launch this new series - 'In her Words' - where we will be interviewing NomadHers, spotlighting inspiring women from our community. So, whether you've navigated a new culture on your own, or you've found a friend or new career direction on your journey, we would love to hear from you.
We want to find out the WHY behind your journeys and the lessons which you have learnt a long the way. How has travel helped to shape who you are, your purpose, and empowered you in some way? For those who read our blog and newsletter, we hope that these stories inspire you, and remind you that you're never alone, wherever you find yourself in the world.
Today we want to introduce you to - Alina - from our Tech Team.
When Alina first joined the NomadHer Women's Travel Camp, she wasn't even looking for a job. However, after the Women's Day event in Seoul, Hyojeong (NomadHer's CEO) mentioned that they were in need of a developer.
"When I joined the NomadHer Women's Traveller Camp, I had no intention of looking for a job. But then I heard Hyojeong's story and I changed my mind. After the Women's Day event held in Seoul, Hyojeong said that they were looking for developers. After hearing this I immediately was like that's for me!"
It was her first solo trip, where she participated in one of the NomadHer camps, which led her to connecting and joining the team. Alina is originally from Uzbekistan, with a professional background in databases. When her fiancé got a job in Korea, she moved with him. But, as it was just the two of them in Korea, she was keen to make new friends. That's when she discovered NomadHer, and she decided to join an event held in Seoul. Her first solo travel journey was that train she booked from Busan - where she currently lives - to Seoul.
"My first solo trip was to participate in the NomadHer Camp. When I first decided to join the event, I didn't really expect to be inspired, I just needed some friends – that was it. It was fate that we became team members."
But unexpectedly for her, the event, inspired by the Women's Traveller Festival, gave her a huge boost of inspiration. She was impressed by how diverse and fascinating the women were who participated, and the energy that came from women sharing their experiences and connecting.
In particular, she was inspired by NomadHer's CEO, Hyojeong, whose leadership and energy helped her to recognise the power and influence women can have, both in work and in life. This was something she said she hadn't felt before. After the event, when Hyojeong said they were looking for a developer, Alina immediately responded, "I'll do it!". It wasn't just because the role aligned with her skills, but because she genuinely connected with NomadHer's values, direction, and vision.
"NomadHer is a company that feels human. We can work flexibly, based on mutual understanding and consideration."
Before joining, Alina had already worked in several software and IT startups, including global companies in Uzbekistan, Germany, and Russia. She'd mostly gained experience working as a member of the tech team. While working with diverse global teams, she said she constantly reminded herself:
"I'm working with people with different experiences and cultures – of course it's bound to be different."
Because of these experiences, and that mindset, she didn't find it difficult to integrate herself into the international NomadHer team.
Often the CEOs of tech teams are male. According to a report by The World Bank, women make up less than a third of the world’s workforce in technology-related fields. So, working at NomadHer – with a female CEO and mostly female colleagues – was a very distinct experience for Alina. She said that the atmosphere in the companies she worked for in the past were a bit rigid and solely focused on the "work" itself. The difference with NomadHer's work is that it is focused on people.
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"What we do may not be traditionally-structured or perfect. However, we work flexibly and efficiently based on mutual respect and understanding. I'm not just a 'worker', but a team member and a 'person'. I feel like I belong in the NomadHer team. The same goes for NomadHer users. They aren't just app users - they're part of the community."
Alina's current goal is to become a better developer, and a more capable team member, solving problems faster and more efficiently. When asked if there is anything she'd like to say to NomadHer users, she replied she doesn't just see them as 'users'. She is always grateful when they report errors or give feedback, as all of the NomadHer team are, as then we are communicating and finding ways to grow and improve.
Joining NomadHer changed Alina's perspective on herself and her work. Before, having a job meant building a career as a developer. Now, it's a chance to freely explore her potential, by challenging herself and trying new things. She believes that's all possible because of NomadHer's management style and the leadership of each team member.
Working at NomadHer has helped her grow – as a team member, a member of society, and ultimately as a woman.
