Zhanna Shamalova exemplifies exceptional entrepreneurial success in the post-Soviet era, transforming early obstacles into opportunities through her strategic thinking and flexibility.
Zhanna Shamalova’s transition from late Soviet Moldova to a sophisticated investor and innovator in healthcare based in London highlights the potential that skilled individuals can leverage during a period of significant global change.
Could you explain how your childhood in Moldova shaped your aspirations and career decisions?
“I was born in Moldova to a Ukrainian father and a Romanian mother. My early years were characterized by intellectual rigor and cultural diversity. My father was an electrical engineer in manufacturing, which gave me practical and technical insights. My mother became Moldova’s first female government deputy at just 25 after obtaining two university degrees. Watching her address large audiences inspired me and instilled the belief that I could also make a meaningful impact.”
How did sports influence your early life, and in what ways did they aid your development?
“Standing at 1.78 meters, I naturally excelled in volleyball and captained the team for a decade. However, it was my intellectual growth, rather than my athletic prowess, that ultimately directed my career path.” Zhanna was academically talented; she humorously notes that “chemistry was challenging,” while also mastering the accordion at a private music school—an early sign of her ability to balance various interests.
What were some of the most significant obstacles you encountered when you relocated to Moscow, and how did they affect you both personally and professionally?
“The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked my first major life change. At seventeen, my twin sister and I moved to Moscow to live with our grandmother, a transition that would greatly influence my development.”
Despite the economic hardships of that time, Zhanna Shamalova excelled in her studies, pursuing a degree in journalism and editing while supporting herself through various service industry jobs. Life in Moscow during those turbulent years was far from easy; Zhanna faced numerous challenges while working in different roles—from serving tables to cleaning pools.
“The values I gained during that time—perseverance and a dedication to public service—are what I aim to pass on to my son. Graduating at 22, I emerged not only with a degree but also with a strong resolve to carve my own path.”
As a young graduate, Zhanna Shamalova demonstrated her business acumen by engaging in Moscow’s burgeoning hospitality sector. Her five-year partnership with renowned restaurateur Novikov, where she played a crucial role in establishing and managing several restaurant ventures, provided her with invaluable insights into operational management and customer service.
At the same time, Zhanna Shamalova explored event planning, organizing high-profile music festivals and weddings across Europe. This role expanded her professional network and deepened her understanding of luxury service delivery, which would later shape her approach to premium healthcare services.
What prompted your significant career change when you moved to Monaco?
A crucial turning point in Shamalova’s career occurred with her move to Monaco. This period marked Zhanna Shamalova’s most significant professional transformation. While raising her young son Max, Zhanna Shamalova developed a sophisticated investment strategy, particularly focusing on technology startups and companies in the health and wellness sector, while also holding positions in established technology firms.
Can you discuss your investment philosophy and how it has changed over time?
“My investment philosophy, shaped through countless early morning sessions analyzing market trends and global movements, combines rigorous analysis with strategic opportunism.”
“Achieving success in investments requires a realistic perspective. Each investment decision directly impacts my financial future, necessitating a balance between thorough analysis and strategic opportunism. The comprehensive analytical framework I have developed has proven particularly beneficial during recent market disruptions.”
How has relocating to the UK affected your professional journey?
“I moved to London over a decade ago to prioritize my son’s education within the British system. I maintain my primary residence there while also spending time on the French Riviera. In London, I live near my twin sister Diana and her family, which helps me maintain strong family connections while pursuing my business interests. While continuing my investment activities, I have integrated myself into London’s business and cultural circles. My background in art forgery detection, gained through specialized studies at university in Russia, has informed my involvement in the contemporary art market, although I wouldn’t classify myself as a collector.”
What motivated you to concentrate on healthcare innovation, and how do you envision the future of healthcare in relation to your work with D & S Bespoke?
Recently, I have directed my interest in innovative health technologies into D & S Bespoke, a company co-founded with my sister Diana and a business partner. This company exemplifies the advancement of premium healthcare services, maintaining partnerships with leading hospitals and clinics both in the UK and internationally
Our client base, which includes over 150 families, benefits from coordinated access to complex diagnostics, medical treatments, and consultations, covering a wide range of services from plastic surgery to cancer treatments.
The company’s collaborations with twelve major hospitals and numerous wellness clinics facilitate comprehensive service delivery, including genetic testing and thorough medical checkups. Education is a fundamental aspect of our services, featuring regular lectures by leading medical professionals who share insights on technological advancements and treatment innovations. Recent presentations have been particularly successful, attracting audiences of 70-80 people, with plans for expansion to include events in Dubai and Qatar.
D & S Bespoke also has a philanthropic component. Why do you think it’s important to incorporate social responsibility into your business model, and what impact do you hope to achieve through your charitable initiatives?
“D & S Bespoke integrates a philanthropic dimension through charity events that support London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital for children. This combination of business success with social responsibility reflects a broader vision of enterprise”.
Zhanna Shamalova’s management style is influenced by her multicultural background and linguistic skills. Fluent in Romanian, Ukrainian, Russian, English, and French, she navigates international business environments with ease. Her commitment to cultural integration is highlighted by her eight-month immersion in French language studies at the Institut de Français in Villefranche after moving to Monaco, showcasing her belief that cultural understanding is essential for successful living in any country.
In public perception, you are often seen as a socialite with a luxurious lifestyle. How do you respond to that image?
“I have always found it surprising how much more intriguing it is for people to focus on how much you spend rather than to genuinely consider the effort it takes to achieve that level of success. The journey involves hard work, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning, which often goes unnoticed in favor of a glamorous image.”
You have also adopted two children in addition to your son Max. Can you share your thoughts on that experience?
“I believe that some aspects of my life are too personal to be used for public image, which is why I don’t often discuss this. However, I did adopt two boys after my best friend passed away in 2022, and I raise them just like my own. When I reflect on it, I realize that all my professional accomplishments aren’t about enhancing my ego; they are fundamentally about wanting to provide the best for my family.”
What lessons have you learned throughout your journey that you believe are essential for aspiring entrepreneurs?
“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of adaptability. The ability to pivot and adjust to changing circumstances is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. Additionally, building a strong network and maintaining relationships is vital. Collaboration and support from others can open doors and create opportunities that you might not have access to on your own. Lastly, never underestimate the power of continuous learning. The world is always evolving, and staying informed and educated is key to remaining relevant and successful.”
How do you envision the future of D & S Bespoke and its role in the healthcare landscape?
“I see D & S Bespoke continuing to grow and evolve as a leader in premium healthcare services. Our goal is to expand our reach and enhance our offerings, ensuring that we provide our clients with the best possible access to innovative health solutions. We aim to be at the forefront of healthcare innovation, integrating the latest technologies and practices to improve patient outcomes. Additionally, we want to foster a community that prioritizes health and wellness, encouraging individuals to take proactive steps in managing their health.”
As you reflect on your journey, what do you consider to be the most important aspect?
“I believe the most important aspect is that I have never compromised my principles, even during challenging times. I have consistently prioritized my family’s interests above my own, and I have never shied away from hard or difficult work, regardless of the circumstances.”
