In May 2026, Anna Abesadze was named among MSN Magazine’s Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders of 2026. MSN is a global digital media platform with tens of millions of daily readers. Anna Abesadze is an award-winning international professional whose work extends across five countries.
In this interview, she reflects on her journey, leadership, books, PhD research and building an international career.
What did it mean to you to be named among MSN Magazine’s Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders of 2026?
Being named among MSN Magazine’s Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders of 2026 was a truly meaningful moment for me. I felt grateful and deeply honored to see my work recognized on such a global platform. At the same time, I see this recognition as something much bigger than an individual achievement. It reflects years of learning, collaboration, persistence and the support of many people who have been part of my journey — mentors, colleagues, students, friends and family.
To have my efforts acknowledged internationally reminded me that meaningful work, even when it begins locally, can resonate globally.
As a Georgian woman, this recognition also carried a special meaning for me. I hope it serves as an inspiration for other women and young girls watching my journey — especially those who may doubt themselves or feel their dreams are too big. I want them to know that their voice matters, their ideas matter and that it is possible to build a meaningful path through hard work, education and persistence. If my story encourages even one young woman to believe in herself more confidently, then this recognition becomes even more valuable to me.
How have your experiences in five different countries shaped your leadership journey?
My leadership journey has been shaped by experiences across Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Estonia and the United States, each contributing in a different way to how I understand communication, leadership and international collaboration.
Coming from a small town in Georgia, I had to work hard from the very beginning just to establish myself professionally. It wasn’t an easy path, and there were many challenges along the way, but through persistence and hard work I slowly started to move from surviving to thriving. That experience shaped my resilience and determination more than anything else.
I also studied in Estonia and the United States and these European and American study experiences played an important role in my development. The United States, in particular, was the most competitive environment I experienced and I learned the most there. It challenged me constantly, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and still continues to shape how I think, work and approach opportunities today. In the US, I also learned how to be a servant leader — a way of leading that is grounded in listening, supporting others and focusing on the growth and success of the people around you. It taught me that real leadership is not about position or authority, but about responsibility, empathy, and creating space for others to thrive. This philosophy continues to guide me in both my professional and academic work today.
You have co-authored three books published in New York, London and Vancouver, one of which became an Amazon bestseller and all three were gifted to Academy Awards nominees. What are these books about, and what key messages do they convey?
First of all, I want to express my gratitude to the amazing women Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner for this wonderful opportunity and for empowering women worldwide. I would not be a published author without their support and belief in my voice.
The books I co-authored focus on important topics for women and personal and professional growth. In Women Living Fearlessly, published in New York, I talk about imposter syndrome and practical strategies for managing it, especially in high-achievement environments where many women quietly struggle with self-doubt.
In Authenticity and Action, published in London, I share insights and advice on how to build international experience and confidence in global spaces — something I wish someone had told me earlier in my own journey.
In Begin It Now, published in Vancouver, I wrote letters to my younger self, sharing reflections, lessons, and guidance for young women, offering advice in a more personal and retrospective way.
Across all three books, the main message is about confidence, authenticity, and courage — encouraging women to trust their voices, overcome internal barriers and take action even when they feel uncertain.
What challenges have you faced as a Georgian woman building an international career and public profile?
As a Georgian woman building an international career, one of the main challenges was being young and an immigrant in important professional and academic spaces. At times, I found myself at decision-making tables where I had to work harder to be heard, to be taken seriously and to prove the value of my perspective.
Coming from a small country also meant that I had to create visibility for myself step by step, often without the networks or recognition that others might already have had. That required persistence, consistency and a strong belief in my own work even in moments of doubt.
Over time, these experiences strengthened my resilience and confidence. Instead of seeing them as limitations, I learned to use them as motivation to grow, adapt and contribute more meaningfully to every space I enter.
You have also started your PhD journey. What is your research focus and what inspired you to pursue it?
Yes, I have recently started my PhD journey. My research focuses on international projects and the impact of artificial intelligence in cross-cultural environments. I am particularly interested in how AI is changing the way people communicate, collaborate and make decisions across different cultural and institutional settings.
I decided to pursue this path because of my long-standing experience in international collaboration, projects and cross-cultural communication. Working across different countries showed me both the opportunities and the gaps in how global collaboration happens in practice, especially when different cultural expectations and communication styles meet.
For me, the PhD is a natural continuation of my professional journey. It allows me to connect my practical experience with academic research and contribute to a deeper understanding of how international partnerships can become more effective in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world. I also see it as a way to create knowledge that is not only theoretical, but useful for real-world collaboration and leadership.
What message would you like your story and recognition to send to young women in Georgia and beyond?
I would like my story to show young women in Georgia and beyond that you do not need to start with special advantages or extraordinary talent to build a meaningful path. I am an example of someone who started with uncertainty, but through belief in myself, consistent hard work, and smart, intentional effort, I was able to grow step by step.
There were many moments of doubt and challenges along the way, but what mattered most was persistence and not giving up when things felt difficult.
At the same time, I believe we do not know what the future holds. I may not be able to contribute much, or I may be able to contribute more than I expect — but my philosophy is simple: focus on doing your best with what you can control and let go of what you cannot.
If my journey can send any message, it is that progress is possible for everyone. With self-belief, discipline and resilience, it is possible to create opportunities and build a life and career you are proud of — even if you begin from a very ordinary place.
