top of page
ABOUT BLENDINA
Blendina Cara, as a Country Program Officer at the Swiss Entrepreneurship Program Albania and Founder of Women Founders Network Albania, leverages her expertise to support startups and facilitate investments. She is known for her role in advancing women's entrepreneurship through the first accelerator for women founders in the Western Balkans. Her work encompasses investment readiness programs, mentoring, and connecting founders with global investors, emphasizing sustainable, impactful business practices.
SUCCESS IS THE ART OF TURNING SETBACKS INTO STEPPING STONES.
Blendina Cara
BLENDINA IN A NUTSHELL
Country Program Officer, Founder
Swiss Entrepreneurship Program, Women Founders Network Albania
area of expertise
Acceleration / Incubation / Innovation Community Building / Management Coaching Consulting Albania ๐ฆ๐ฑ
companies Blendina has worked for
BLENDINA AS A LEADER
My definition of success revolves around making a tangible, positive impact on others and the world. Success is about leveraging resources to support larger causes, fostering social change, and enabling others to achieve their dreams. I measure my success by the legacy of positive change I leave and the empowerment of those I've had the privilege to influence, particularly in creating equitable opportunities for women in business.
Leadership is not autocracy.
Great Leaders inspire, empower, and serve their teams.
The future of leadership is collaborative, inclusive, and driven by empathy and innovation.
When I think of a leader, I think of Rosa Parks.
TRUE LEADERSHIP IGNITES THE POTENTIAL IN OTHERS, NOT JUST OURSELVES.
Blendina Cara
BLENDINA ON OVERCOMING SELF-DOUBT
A path to cross in Blendina's journey towards leadership was overcoming self-doubt. At times, she questioned her abilities to navigate and make the right choices. To tackle this, Blendina practiced self-compassion and sought feedback from trusted colleagues and mentors. By confronting these challenges with resilience and determination, Blendina emerged stronger and more self-assured in her leadership journey. When launching a business, remember that leadership isn't just about visionโit's about execution. Be the first to roll up your sleeves and dive in. Your team will follow your example, not just your words.
Stay adaptable. The business landscape can shift rapidly, and your ability to pivot and guide your team through changes will be crucial.
Build a culture of open communication from day one. Encourage feedback, even when it's challenging to hear. The insights from your team can be invaluable in those early, formative stages.
Lastly, don't neglect self-care. Launching a business is intense, but burning out won't serve you or your team. Model sustainable work habits to create a healthier, more productive environment for everyone.
BLENDINA ON CULTIVATING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN LEADERSHIP
In an era of rapid technological advancement, one of the most crucial skills for next-generation leaders is deeply human: empathy. Emotional intelligence, with empathy at its core, can be your secret weapon in navigating complex business landscapes and building high-performing teams.
Remember, empathy isn't about always agreeing with others. It's about understanding different viewpoints and using that understanding to lead more effectively. This skill will set you apart as a leader who can navigate diverse teams, complex negotiations, and challenging business environments with finesse.
Incorporate this practice into your leadership routine, and watch as it transforms your decision-making process and team dynamics. In a world that's increasingly automated, your ability to connect on a human level will be your greatest asset.
CULTIVATE CURIOSITY. THE BEST LEADERS NEVER STOP LEARNING FROM EVERYONE AROUND THEM.
Blendina on becoming a better leader
INTERVIEW
bottom of page