my Background
Samarkand, UZ
From Then to Now
“Living away from your country means carrying your roots like a badge of honor.”
My roots trace back to the heart of Central Asia, a place where the past and present dance in harmony under the hot, burning sun. This ancient land, cradled by the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, boasts a rich heritage that whispers tales of the Silk Road and echoes the footsteps of conqueror Tamerlane and scholar Avicenna.
Uzbekistan, my motherland, is a hidden gem of Eurasia - still relatively unknown to modern societies.
Raised in a large family of medical practitioners and entrepreneurs, I learned early on the value of bringing good into the world. I was one of those kids fortunate enough to live a real childhood - spending time outdoors, kicking a football on the streets, and flying kites as high as I possibly could. I would come home from school, finish my homework, and watch Nickelodeon or play my favorite video game: Spyro. I think that little purple dragon ignited my early love for flights and aviation. If I could have just one superpower, you can probably guess what it would be.
At school, I was the youngest kid in class, which made my early years a little bumpy. But despite that - and the high academic standards - I found joy in solving algebraic and geometric problems. Those subjects quickly became my favorites and unknowingly laid the foundation for what I would dive into 15 years later: solving complex business problems through data analytics.
My high school years were spent at an academic lyceum, where I met some of my closest lifelong friends. I was deeply involved in student life, serving as a class leader for three consecutive years, competing in football (soccer) tournaments, and learning early lessons in leadership and independence.
Then one day, life took a bold turn and opened the door for me to explore the wonders of the United States. I landed on American soil at just 17, with no family and no familiar faces around. Since then, I’ve lived in four states, seven cities, and worked in over 16 different jobs - from serving tables to managing teams.
When I'm not working, you'll likely find me with my family, out on a run, or at the gym. I have a thing for organization - I love building spreadsheets to track just about every part of my life (proud spreadsheet guy here!). I'm also a fan of good coffee and quality food, especially acai bowls paired with oat milk cappuccinos. Aviation holds a special place in my heart - I love skywatching planes and guessing their models, and I've built a collection of over 80 vintage models. Football has always kept my competitive spirit alive - it's not just a game for me; it's therapy.
The past 11 years abroad have shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. They’ve pushed me to reflect deeply, break down and rebuild parts of myself, and work toward becoming a more honest, grounded, and resilient version of who I aspire to be.
see my Career Roadmap, Social Impact, and Awards & Recognition for more information