Welcome to the Leadership Echoes, a place where The Future, asks the simplest, yet, the most interesting questions to the executives of well-known companies, startups and innovators.
This time, under the light of the interrogation, is Yulia Tarasova. She is the co-founder of KidIT Cyprus, an initiative focused on transforming children from passive consumers of technology into active creators. With over 15 years of experience in the gaming industry, EduTech, Famtech, and international event business, Tarasova has been instrumental in establishing KidIT Cyprus, which aims to provide technology education to families with children aged 5-13. This initiative encourages children to create their products and participate in immersive learning experiences within IT companies, showcasing their work at major IT conferences worldwide
Before co-founding KidIT, Tarasova played a significant role in growing a game studio in the Eastern European market, achieving its first exit and connecting Eastern European game developers with the global market, holding the biggest professional industrial gamedev conferences worldwide. Her extensive background also includes various roles in business development and social entrepreneurship, where she has consistently focused on impact-oriented projects.
Tarasova is also actively involved in events that support youth and technology education, such as the Youth Tech Fest Cyprus, where she collaborates with other industry leaders to promote STEAM education and innovation among young minds.
Let’s see what Tarasova has to say…
1. Do you remember your first day on the job at KidIT?
It’s challenging to determine the exact beginning when you’re building something from scratch. For me, it feels like my first day at KidIT began during late-night kitchen discussions, where ideas were brainstormed and plans were put on paper and sticky notes until the early morning. The excitement, and passion, fueled by endless cups of tea marked the inception. Starting with just 2 people, KidIT rapidly grew to a team of 120 within just two years.
2. What is more difficult: being interviewed to join a team or doing the interviews yourself?
That’s a tough one! I’d say doing the interviews myself is more challenging. It’s not just about assessing skills anymore; it’s about bridging the gap between generations. My employees are a young generation, mainly 18-22 yo with a completely different mindset. work culture, perspective on responsibility, and motivation compared to our generation. Finding that common ground aligned to the core values of the company itself where both sides see eye-to-eye on how to achieve our goals effectively as a team and speaking the language of your employees is quite challenging sometimes.
3. What do you most value in your employees?
Passion and a growth mindset. I value employees who are passionate about what they do and are always eager to learn and improve to bring real changes to the world. And to make the impossible possible.
4. Which is a motto/quote you use in your work?
“Think big, start small, act now.” This motto encapsulates my approach to projects and innovation: to dream big and take manageable steps immediately rather than staying in the dreamland of possibilities and waiting for the perfect moment without doing anything.
5. If you were back to the start, what would you advise yourself for a great career?
I would tell myself to embrace failure as a part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. Every setback is an opportunity to grow and refine your approach. And always, always prioritize building and maintaining connections with the people, creating a strong network of mentors and like-valued peers.
6. How do you pump up your creativity?
I love to get out into nature. A hike or a paddleboarding session helps clear my mind. Driving takes me to an alfa state when it’s exactly the moment for new ideas to spark.
7. What is a talent you would like to have?
I would crave the superpower to stretch time, enabling me to balance all the important aspects of my life seamlessly.
8. How do you balance work and personal life?
Balance is still on my wish list. Now it’s like juggling a set of bright balls, changing the roles hats in the air! I’m still refining my technique, but daily check-ins on priorities, setting clear boundaries and meditations help me to navigate. And having people around me, both at work and in my personal life, who can catch the falling ball when needed is my biggest luck and treasure in life.
9. Your top five foods you like in Cyprus?
- Olives, stuffed with almonds.
- Dolmas -minced meat in grapes leaves.
- Watermelons from May.
- Kleftiko – melt-in-your-mouth slow-cook lamb.
- Traditional Easter soup (Avgolemono) – classic Cypriot soup made with chicken broth, rice, eggs, and lemon juice – pure delight!
10. Can you name your top five favourite places in Cyprus?
Absolutely! My top five are:
- Kourion – a magical atmospheric amphitheatre where you can experience classical music concerts or Shakespearean plays.
- Zappalo Bay – a secluded turtle beach that’s a bit of a hidden gem, perfect for a peaceful picnic surrounded by natural beauty.
- Sea You Beach Bar – the best sunsets on the island.
- Troodos in all its mighty – a hiking paradise with breathtaking trails and stunning views.
- Paramali Beach – still a serene coastal spot.
11. Which personality, throughout history, do you admire most?
Except for Steve Jobs and Albert Einstein, it’ll be Victor Frankl, holocaust survival, known for his work “Man’s Search for Meaning”, diving into the topics of human resilience and search for purpose. Titan of Spirit for sure.
12. Who is your favourite author/book that helped your career?
“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle – my first guide with practical teachings on mindfulness, encouraging to live in the present moment for greater peace and fulfilment.
13. Where would you advise our readers to go this summer?
This summer, make it a point to go wherever your soul craves with no more delays and no more waiting. I wish everyone to take decisive action and embark on a journey that fulfills their deepest desires, whether it’s discovering new destinations, relaxing on sandy shores, or immersing themselves in the tranquillity of mountains. May you find the place where your heart feels truly at peace and refill yourself.
