Anna Abesadze is an Adviser to the Rector and a Guest Lecturer at Grigol Robakidze University in Georgia, and the Global Governance Coordinator at the international humanitarian organization World Vision International. With study and work experience across five different countries, Anna’s journey is truly inspiring.
In May, Anna was honored with an invitation to the Global Summit of Women Leaders in England, where she was nominated for the prestigious Woman Changing the World Awards. Among candidates from across the globe, Anna was recognized as one of nine finalists for the leadership award. During the summit, she was presented with an exciting opportunity to become a co-author of the book Women Living Fearlessly, set to be published in New York. Anna shared more about this remarkable development with us.
“I’m thrilled to share that my co-authored book, Women Living Fearlessly, was published in New York at the beginning of October,” she says. “It’s available in physical, audio, and Kindle versions on various platforms, including Amazon. Book presentations, in addition to New York, will also be held in Australia and Saudi Arabia.
“Women Living Fearlessly brings together the stories of several remarkable women from around the world. It explores their journeys and reveals how they overcame obstacles and internal challenges to achieve their success. I hope it serves as a source of inspiration and empowerment for readers.
What is the main focus of your book chapter, and what was your goal while working on it?
The central theme of my contribution is my personal experience with imposter syndrome and the strategies for overcoming it. Imposter syndrome involves doubting one’s own abilities and feeling like a fraud despite evident success. This phenomenon can cause significant anxiety, even among highly accomplished individuals like Albert Einstein, Michelle Obama, Maya Angelou, Emma Watson, and Natalie Portman. They experienced this self-doubt despite their widespread recognition and achievements.
In my chapter, my goal is to bring greater awareness to imposter syndrome, particularly for young people and women. I aim to help them recognize this issue early, appreciate their own value and abilities, and enhance their mental well-being. By fostering a supportive environment and offering practical strategies, I hope to empower girls who face these challenges alone, inspiring them to persevere and believe in their true worth.
Where did the idea of writing the book come from, and how did you gather leading women from different countries around you?
I’ve always had the desire to write a book, but I wasn’t sure where or when the opportunity would arise. For several years, I’ve been jotting down insights—both personal and professional—that often come to me just before bed, only to vanish by morning.
The turning point came in May at the Global Summit of Women Leaders in Windsor, England. This event, which also included an award ceremony, brought together 300 remarkable women from around the world. I was honored to be among the finalists for Woman Changing the World Awards, a recognition that placed me alongside some extraordinary women. It was through this connection that several of us, including myself, were invited to co-author the book.
I didn’t anticipate this opportunity would come so early in my life, but it seems that when you truly desire something, you somehow attract the right opportunities.
Can you share your international experience with us? What motivated you to return to your homeland after studying and working in five different countries?
My journey into international education began in 2009 when I received a scholarship from the U.S. State Department as part of the Future Leaders Exchange Program. This opportunity allowed me to spend a year studying in the United States. Later, I was awarded a full-ride Erasmus Mundus scholarship, which enabled me to complete my master’s degree at Tallinn University in Estonia.
After gaining a work experience in Turkey, Bulgaria, and Estonia, I worked in the United States for three years on an H1B work visa. When my contract ended, I felt it was time to settle down with my family. Although I had offers in Estonia and Finland, my husband and I ultimately decided to return to Georgia.
Returning home was always part of my plan; I just wasn’t sure about the timing. The decision to move back was hastened by the pandemic, which increased the availability of virtual job opportunities and boosted my confidence in making the transition. I had considered returning to Georgia earlier, but I didn’t feel the opportunities aligned with my aspirations. Fortunately, I now have the chance to work remotely for the international organization while being based in Georgia, making it financially feasible to stay here.
Last year, you were named one of the 13 finalists for the GESS Education Award in Dubai for “Outstanding Contributions in Education” and also became a finalist for the Woman Changing the World Awards. More recently, the GISR Foundation honored you as the “Women Changemaker of the Year.” What do these awards mean to you?
These awards are incredibly meaningful to me, as they validate the impact of my work and reinforce my commitment to making a difference. Being recognized on such prestigious platforms affirms that the efforts I’ve put to help my country are not only valued but also aligned with a broader global mission. These honors motivate me to continue striving for excellence and to keep pushing boundaries in my work.
What do you think brings success?
Success is a deeply personal experience, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. However, I believe it’s shaped by a combination of factors: hard work, having clear goals and vision, unwavering determination, self-discipline, effective time management, and a positive attitude. These elements help individuals navigate challenges, stay motivated, and seize opportunities when they arise.
By Sophio Malania
