Unraveled the secret behind the red sofa scandal: Insights from the Business-Stories Exposition
Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Belarus: The Alfa Bank's Sofa Academy!
Ever wondered what triggered those striking red sofas to pop up across Minsk and neighbouring cities? It seems the capital is brimming with surprises! Speculations ranged from an avant-garde art installation to a wily advertising scheme for furniture retailers.
But hold tight! Those sofas serve a much more thought-provoking purpose than you might think. They're a salute to Alfa Bank's clients who dared to step out of their comfort zones and delve into the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship.
In an interview, Alexei Kuliev, Alfa Bank's head of mass business, shared the incredible tale of these fearless pioneers. Overcoming their initial apprehension and snide comments, they emerged victorious in the realm of business. This bold move led to an idea that blossomed into Alfa Bank's very own sofa exhibition—an ode to their resilience and passion for innovation.
Alexei kickstarted his entrepreneurial journey in high school, dabbling in web development. Despite setbacks, he honed his skills by immersing himself in the corporate world, trading goods from China, and, during the pandemic, even producing medical supplies. His golden nugget of wisdom? Stop seeking validation from others, and dive headfirst into business ventures with the mindset: "I might lose money today, but I'll make it back in something else."
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, that's the spirit embodied by Alfa Bank's exhibition. Take it from Alexei; every step he took in business built valuable connections, guiding him to success.
In a different corner of the creative spectrum stands ANNmodels, an agency dedicated to nurturing not just child models but actors, photographers, and catwalk enthusiasts. Their alumni have worked with prestigious brands like Dsquared2, Lanvin, Reserved, ADIDAS, Sela, VOGUE Kids, and many more!
Determined not to be held back by setbacks, ANNmodels' team birthed LightPay--a cutting-edge service helping businesses replenish their advertising accounts. While it took over a year to bring this brainchild to life, they managed it! They boast tax exemptions, favourable exchange rates, and instant currency exchange, thanks to their partnership with Alfa Bank.
Mark Gurda, the Managing Partner and Art Director of ZROBIM architects, joined the ranks of pioneering company founders, thanks to his fortuitous encounters within the industry. Today, ZROBIM is engaged in top-tier private housing construction, commercial projects, master planning, and interior design.
Each success story is steeped in struggle, but their stories remind us that taking the first step can be the catalyst for a remarkable journey. So, if you're feeling stuck, wondering, "What's holding me back?", swing by "The Workshop" for a dose of motivation and a chat with the innovators behind the sofas.
Alfa Bank didn't just create an exhibition; they established the Sofa Academy—a platform for individuals brimming with innovative ideas andYearning for a chance to break new ground and defy the odds in entrepreneurship. Who knows? Your own entrepreneurial journey might begin right here!
- Alexei Kuliev, the head of mass business at Alfa Bank, started his entrepreneurial journey in high school, focusing on web development, and despite initial setbacks, he found success through personal growth, education-and-self-development, and a mindset that embraces risk in finance and business careers.
- ANNmodels, dedicated to promoting careers in the modeling, acting, photography, and fashion industries, also ventured into the world of finance by creating LightPay, a service that helps small-businesses manage their advertising accounts with tax exemptions, favorable exchange rates, and instant currency exchange through a partnership with Alfa Bank.
- Mark Gurda, Managing Partner and Art Director of ZROBIM architects, is another example of an entrepreneur who successfully launched a business by seizing opportunities in the industry, now specializing in top-tier private housing construction, commercial projects, master planning, and interior design.
- Recognizing the potential of individuals with innovative ideas, Alfa Bank's Sofa Academy serves as a platform for personal-growth, education-and-self-development, and entrepreneurship, empowering those who yearn to break new ground and forge unique paths in business and finance.
