Zhanna Shamalova stands out as a remarkable example of entrepreneurial achievement in the post-Soviet landscape, having turned early challenges into opportunities through her strategic insight and adaptability. Her journey from late Soviet Moldova to becoming a sophisticated investor and innovator in healthcare based in London showcases the potential that talented individuals can harness during a time of significant global transformation. I had the honor of interviewing Zhanna Shamalova about her path from Soviet Moldova to her current status as a global investor.
Can you share how your upbringing in Moldova influenced your ambitions and career choices?
“I was born in Moldova to a Ukrainian father and a Romanian mother. My formative years were marked by intellectual rigor and cultural diversity. My father worked as an electrical engineer in manufacturing, which provided me with technical and practical insights. My mother became Moldova’s first female government deputy at the age of 25 after earning two university degrees. I was inspired watching her speak to large audiences, and it instilled in me the belief that I could also make a significant impact.”
What role did sports play in your early life, and how did they contribute to your development?
“Standing at 1.78 meters, I naturally excelled at volleyball and captained the team for ten years. However, it was my intellectual growth, rather than my athletic abilities, that ultimately shaped my career path.”
Zhanna was academically gifted; she humorously admits that “chemistry was tough,” while also mastering the accordion at a private music school—an early indication of her ability to juggle multiple interests.
What were some of the most significant challenges you faced when you moved to Moscow, and how did they shape you personally and professionally?
“The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked my first major life transition. At the age of fourteen, my twin sister and I moved to Moscow to live with our grandmother, a change that would significantly shape my development.”
Despite the economic difficulties of the time, Shamalova excelled academically, pursuing a degree in journalism and editing while supporting herself through various jobs in the service industry. Life in Moscow during those tumultuous years was far from idyllic; Zhanna encountered numerous challenges while working in various roles—from serving tables to cleaning pools. However, these experiences fostered her independence and determination.
“The values I acquired during that period—perseverance and a commitment to public service—are what I aspire to pass on to my son. Graduating at 22, I emerged not only with a degree but also with a strong resolve to forge my own path.”
This early phase of self-sufficiency was crucial in cultivating the work ethic that would later define her business approach. As a young graduate, Shamalova showcased her business savvy by engaging in Moscow’s emerging hospitality industry. Her five-year collaboration with renowned restaurateur Novikov, where she played a key role in establishing and managing several restaurant ventures, provided her with invaluable insights into operational management and customer service.
Simultaneously, she ventured into event planning, organizing high-profile music festivals and weddings across Europe. This role broadened her professional network and deepened her understanding of luxury service delivery, which would later influence her approach to premium healthcare services.
What led to your significant career shift when you moved to Monaco?
A pivotal moment in Shamalova’s career occurred with her relocation to Monaco. This period marked the onset of her most substantial professional transformation. While raising her young son Max, Shamalova cultivated a sophisticated investment strategy, particularly focusing on technology startups and companies within the health and wellness sector, while also maintaining roles in established technology firms.
Can you elaborate on your investment philosophy and how it has evolved over time?
“My investment philosophy, shaped through countless early morning sessions analyzing market trends and global movements, merges rigorous analysis with strategic opportunism.”
“Achieving success in investments necessitates a realistic viewpoint. Each investment decision has a direct impact on my financial future, requiring a balance between thorough analysis and strategic opportunism. The comprehensive analytical framework I have developed has been particularly beneficial during the market disruptions of recent years.”
How has your move to the UK influenced 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 close to my twin sister Diana and her family, which helps me maintain strong family ties 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 inspired you to focus 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 has a philanthropic aspect. Why do you believe 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 blend of business success with social responsibility reflects a broader vision of enterprise.
Shamalova’s management style is influenced by her multicultural background and linguistic skills. Fluent in Russian, Romanian, Ukrainian, 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.
How do you balance your demanding career with family life, and what values do you hope to instill in your son as he prepares for his future?
Currently splitting her time between London and the French Riviera, Shamalova maintains close family connections while pursuing her business interests. Her son Max, who is soon preparing for university studies in business management, symbolizes the potential for generational continuity in her ventures. As a devoted mother, she strives to instill the values of perseverance and public service in him, along with resilience and a commitment to education, just as her parents did for her. Zhanna’s journey from Moldova to Monaco is marked by personal and professional growth, exemplifying how determination and adaptability can lead to success.
“Looking ahead, my focus remains on expanding access to quality healthcare while fostering a community centered around health and wellness innovation.”
Her transition from Moldova to becoming a global investor and healthcare entrepreneur underscores the importance of continuous learning and strategic vision in building a successful international career.
Shamalova’s career path provides insights into the opportunities and challenges encountered by business leaders during times of global transformation. Her ability to weave together diverse experiences—from Soviet-era education to Western European business practices—into a cohesive and successful business strategy highlights the significance of adaptability in contemporary global commerce.
As you look to the future, what are your main objectives for D & S Bespoke and your investment portfolio? Are there specific areas of healthcare or technology that particularly excite you?
As markets continue to evolve and new technologies emerge, Shamalova remains committed to ongoing learning and strategic adaptation. Her success in merging investment expertise with healthcare innovation suggests potential for further growth in these sectors, especially as global healthcare demands rise and new technologies present opportunities for innovative service delivery.
The integration of business success with social responsibility, as demonstrated through D & S Bespoke’s charitable initiatives, offers a model for modern enterprise that balances profit with purpose. This approach, along with her emphasis on education and deep cultural understanding, positions Shamalova as a significant figure in the evolution of global business leadership.
In public perception, you are often viewed 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.”
What advice would you give to young women looking to break into the fields of investment and healthcare?
“My advice would be to believe in yourself and your capabilities. The journey may be challenging, but perseverance is key. Seek out mentors and role models who can guide you and provide support. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone; growth often comes from embracing new challenges. Lastly, remember that your unique perspective and experiences are valuable assets in any field, so leverage them to carve out your own path.”
As you reflect on your journey, what are you most proud of?
“I am most proud of the impact I have been able to make in both my family’s life and the lives of others through my work. Building D & S Bespoke and creating a platform that provides access to quality healthcare is something I take great pride in. Additionally, being able to adopt and raise my two boys alongside my son Max has been incredibly fulfilling. I hope to instill in them the same values of hard work, resilience, and compassion that have guided me throughout my life.”
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave behind?
“I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment and innovation. I want to inspire future generations to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world. By demonstrating that it is possible to blend business success with social responsibility, I hope to encourage others to think beyond profit and consider the broader impact of their work”
Zhanna Shamalova’s journey from Moldova to becoming a global investor and healthcare entrepreneur is a testament to her determination, adaptability, and commitment to making a difference. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating that with hard work and a clear vision, it is possible to overcome challenges and create a meaningful impact in the world.
