On this episode, I’m very honoured to be talking to Olga Balakleets, the CEO of international events company Ensemble Productions which organises cultural and philanthropic projects worldwide.  She is also a Founder of a global platform Theatrum Vitae which is designed to transcend barriers and unite people around the world through a unique synthesis of performing and visual arts and create a lasting cultural legacy for many years to come. She is also a Founder and CEO of an international platform Creative Women since 2016 promoting female entrepreneurs.

Olga’s passion for performing and visual arts started from her childhood, being born and growing up in Russia, she was learning to play piano from a very young age. She is a renowned award-winning concert pianist who appeared at many international music festivals and as a soloist with orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Big Band.

 Olga has been acting as an adviser on cultural matters to various governments and particular closely works with the Ministries of Culture of the Russian Federation, Cyprus and Hong Kong, with the Mayor of London, British Parliament, the Russian State Duma and the Presidential Palace of Cyprus.
For her services, she has been awarded numerous prestigious awards including the Honorary Silver Order “Social Recognition” by the Westminster Russia Forum and “Social Recognition” National Fund in Russia for her contributions to the strengthening of friendship, humanitarian and cultural cooperation between Russia and the United Kingdom. Recently Olga has received a nomination for the highest Award for a Russian living outside Russia, the Pushkin Medal authorised by President Vladimir Putin which has been presented to her at the Russian Embassy in London in June 2019. 

Olga is opening up about her humble upbringing in Russia and financial struggles in younger years. She talks about her homes in different stages of her life and her path to success. We discuss Olga’s relationships with her close ones, lifestyle, interior preferences, extremely busy schedule and much more. It’s a very inspirational conversation filled with love for music, visual and performing arts and, of course, Russian culture.  

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Every day of my life is different which brings me inspiration and keeps me energised.
• I hope that this rhythm and style of living inspires those who are around me who are part of my projects and life.
• My life growing up was very different to my life now and it makes you appreciate what you have now.
• When I owned my first flat in London I began to look at designing the interiors.
• When I met my husband our passions and interests were aligned and we have great understanding and respect for each other.
• Art is something that makes your soul sing.
• The global platform Theatrum Vitae has brought everyone together to develop new projects and events that celebrate the Arts.
• My home in Cyprus is near the sea and as someone who was born close to the sea, it’s very important to me.
• There is a large and important Russian community in Cyprus and we have been able to hold several concerts there.
• When I have any time for myself listening or playing music is what helps me to relax.
• We are planning a small but beautiful Christmas with lots of music.
• The Russian spirit is very important and celebrating Christmas in the New Year is always very special.
• If you celebrate the New Year positively it will mean that the year will continue in this way.

 

BEST MOMENTS

‘I have a vision and passion for what I do and I have a passion for Russia’

‘The act of tidying can make me feel balanced and calm’

‘As someone creative, I love decorating desserts using different forms’

 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Beehive Household podcast

 

ABOUT THE HOST

Nataliya Lloyd is a finance expert and after 15 years of studying and working in the industry, she changed tack and went with her dream of becoming an entrepreneur and followed her creative call.  She is now the owner of Nataliya Lloyd Interiors, with an Interior Design certification from the Chelsea College of Arts. Nataliya is also the Finance Director and a supporter of the charity Professors Without Borders, which specialises in providing university-level short education courses in developing countries. She is a member of a pre-eminent members’ club for women in business - The Sorority. But most importantly, she is a wife, daughter and a mother. You can connect with Nataliya on:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliya-lloyd-32a24547/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nataliyalloydinteriors/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NataliyaLloydInteriors/

And her website: www.nataliyalloydinteriors.com