Meet Khadija Ashurova Bellio

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Khadija Ashurova Bellio. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Khadija below.

Hi Khadija, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

My ability to take risks developed gradually through the challenges I faced as an immigrant from Baku, Azerbaijan. Moving to the USA without family or close friends, limited resources, and a language barrier was daunting, but it taught me resilience and the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. One of the biggest risks I took was joining the Year Up United job-training program. It was a leap into the unknown, but it turned out to be a pivotal step in my journey. Through this program, I learned to identify my “why” and discovered that pursuing my goals – becoming a better version of myself and working for a large corporation was worth every risk.

As I reflected on my journey, I realized that taking risks became easier as I saw each step forward, no matter how uncertain, bringing me closer to my goals. These experiences helped me understand that growth often requires embracing discomfort, and with each new challenge, I became more confident in my ability to handle the unknown. This mindset continues to guide me today as I move forward in my career and personal growth.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I work as a Lead Software Tester for a fintech company, ensuring our clients receive high-quality products. In my free time outside of work, I run my mentoring program, KhadijaTalks, which aims to help young adults, students, and school-age individuals realize their potential and pursue their dream careers.

What excites me most about KhadijaTalks is seeing my mentees transform, gain confidence, and pursue their dreams. I also help them develop essential skills like communication, self-confidence, and goal-setting, which are vital for personal and professional growth.

My mentoring program complements my current role in quality assurance and my previous experience in human resources and career development. It’s all about building confidence and helping others unlock their potential.

In both my career and mentoring work, I am committed to fostering growth, precision, and collaboration, with a focus on supporting others and promoting their success.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

My advice for those starting their journey is to focus on building public speaking, networking, and self-confidence. Public speaking can be improved by practicing in small settings like team meetings or local groups and gradually taking on larger challenges. Communication and networking thrive when you focus on active listening, asking thoughtful questions, and reaching out to people who inspire you. To build confidence, start with small goals, celebrate your progress, and challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone. These steps will help you grow and set the foundation for long-term success.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My mentors from university, work, and bootcamps have played a crucial role in helping me build the skills and knowledge needed for success. My professors guided me through challenges, while colleagues and managers at work helped refine my technical abilities. Bootcamps connected me with industry professionals who offered valuable insights.

Mentoring has been crucial in my journey-it provides advice, feedback, and encouragement, helping to accelerate learning and build confidence. Now, I value mentoring others and helping them grow in their careers, just as I was supported.

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kadijashur