Anna Believantseva
Co-founder & COO at Esper Bionics
New York, USA
My Role
I turn bold tech visions into actionable work streams, handling operations, team management, and finance and legal processes. Driven by a "get things done" mindset, my focus at Esper Bionics is on boosting team efficiency and maintaining a clear direction. I make sure tasks are completed effectively and innovative solutions are delivered.
I was recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in North America and spent over two years leading WTech's New York Chapter, advocating for women in tech, especially in hardware tech.
What I love most about my role
What I love most about my role is being responsible for making things actually happen. There’s a real sense of accomplishment in knowing that my efforts directly impact whether we can bring our product to market after completing crucial steps like certification. I enjoy the operational aspect of my role, especially the planning, deadlines, and coordination with the team to make everything come together successfully.
How I define success
Success is relative - what feels like success today might not seem as significant tomorrow when compared to new challenges or different benchmarks.
I define success as achieving a balanced life across all important areas. It’s not just about reaching career milestones but also ensuring that my personal life, family, and personal growth are well-integrated and thriving. When I can look at my life and see that everything is in harmony, with no part of it being neglected, that’s when I feel truly successful.
The best piece of business advice I ever received was
Once I was told that there is a distinction between moving forward and moving upward. Moving upward is often harder, with the expectation that once you reach the top, you'll finally be happy and fulfilled. However, I was advised to remember that the journey itself is valuable, and it's important to appreciate the progress and successes at each stage, rather than waiting for the perfect moment at the peak. This perspective has taught me to find joy in the present and recognize the achievements along the way.
What would I tell my younger self
I would emphasize the importance of learning to accept criticism. And understanding that not everything you want to say needs to be said :))) I would also stress the value of cultivating empathy, as it's crucial for effective communication and building relationships. I’d encourage a deeper focus on technical expertise early on, as having a more in-depth understanding of areas like ML or data processing would greatly enhance my overall skill set. Lastly, I would remind myself to surround myself with great people from the start, never try to do everything alone, and always test ideas, even if others say they won't work. Because that's how innovation happens :)
What 2B Bolder mean to me
To me, 2B Bolder is about empowering women to take charge of their careers and lives with confidence and courage. It's a community where women with different life and work experience support each other and are ready to talk in a sincere way. I would be happy to contribute to the community and share the lessons I’ve learned along my journey.
Years of Experience
8
I recommend you focus on developing these 3 skills to succeed in a role like mine
time management
operations management
enhancing team efficiency