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ABOUT PINAR
With an econometrics background from Istanbul and global leadership roles in AIESEC and Henkel, Pinar founded TAKK and Punk Business School to challenge conventional beauty standards and educate empathetic business leaders. Her journey from corporate beauty to ethical entrepreneurship showcases her commitment to societal impact, innovation, and nurturing future leaders.
ACTIVELY TRY TO DISCOVER WHO YOU ARE, WHAT YOU FIND VALUABLE IN THE WORLD, WHAT YOUR VALUES ARE. THEN GROW WITH THOSE VALUES.
Pinar Akiskalioglu
PINAR IN A NUTSHELL
Founder
TAKK
area of expertise
Retail United Kingdom 🇬🇧
companies Pinar has worked for
PINAR AS A LEADER
Pinar defines success not by traditional metrics such as promotions or company valuations but by the impact she can make, especially on younger generations. She finds success in appealing to the purpose-driven values of Gen Z workers and customers, who are keen on changing things for the better. For Pinar, true success is breaking away from conventional success metrics and finding freedom in defining her own success based on meaningful impact and innovation.
Leadership is not about being superior.
Great Leaders see people as people.
The future of leadership is about building bridges. The world needs leaders who want to connect with others.
When I think of a leader, I think of Marcus Aurelius.
REMEMBER, THERE ARE MANY GOOD LEADERS AROUND WHO ARE WORKING TOWARDS THE SAME GOAL AS YOU."
Pinar Akiskalioglu
PINAR ON NAVIGATING WORK-LIFE BALANCE WITH DISCIPLINE AND LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE
Pinar acknowledges that achieving a perfect work-life balance at all times is unrealistic. Instead, she adopts a longer-term perspective, recognizing that there are phases in life when work demands more attention and phases when it's easier to take it easy. She manages negative feelings by openly discussing her fears and insecurities, which helps her cope with the fast-paced changes in business. By accepting that balance is not always achievable in the short term, Pinar maintains her mental health and continues to lead with discipline and resilience.
PINAR ON INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION THROUGH PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY EDUCATION
Pinar founded Punk Business School to offer practical philosophy education to business professionals, aiming to make it accessible to all, not just top CEOs. Through self-education boxes, corporate coaching, and one-to-one sessions, Punk Business School helps young leaders connect with their human side, find their values, and reflect on their motivations. Pinar believes that when leaders lead as human beings, they create a more flexible and open environment where diverse perspectives are appreciated. This initiative is part of her commitment to developing empathetic and thoughtful leaders who can drive meaningful change.
THE DESIRE TO BE RELEVANT, TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE MAKES ME A BETTER LEADER. BEING AROUND LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE MAKES ME FEEL STRONGER. CELEBRATING EACH OTHER AND WHAT WE DO.
Pinar on becoming a better leader
INTERVIEW
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