Newsfeed
In an era of endless scrolling and shrinking attention spans, The Akademy Circle is creating something increasingly rare: a space dedicated to meaningful conversations, intellectual curiosity, and genuine human connection.
Founded by Kamilia Shaimieva (KS) and Anastasia Belyak (AB), The Akademy Circle was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to bring curious minds together and create a community where learning never ends. From thought-provoking discussions to cultural exchange, the members’ club has become a meeting place for people who believe growth happens through ideas, dialogue and shared experiences.
For both founders, building The Akademy Circle has also been deeply personal. As working mothers and entrepreneurs, they have balanced family life with the challenges and rewards of creating a purpose-driven community in some of the world’s most dynamic cities.
As part of GRAZIA’s Career Edit, the founders, Kamilia and Anastasia, share with us their career journey, aspirations and the lessons they learned along the way:
My current role is…
KS: A working mother, managing social and commercial projects. I’ve always believed that staying busy is one of life’s greatest blessings. It is through both physical and intellectual work that we can contribute, create value, and make a positive difference in the world. The Akademy Circle is a project close to my heart, where Anastasia and I have had the freedom to bring our boldest ideas to life.
AB: Being a working mother and the co-founder of The Akademy Circle. It is a role that constantly challenges and inspires me. Balancing family life with building an international intellectual community has taught me resilience, perspective, and the importance of being fully present in every moment.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
KS: An astronaut or FBI agent, I have always been drawn to things that are rare and carry profound knowledge.
AB: A news presenter. I was always fascinated by storytelling and by the ability to inform, educate, and connect people through meaningful conversations. Looking back, I realise that this passion has stayed with me, it simply found a different expression through The Akademy Circle.
My favourite subject at school was…
KS: Chemistry, physical education, and languages. I’ve always had a passion for languages, and over the years I’ve learned several, I can now speak five.
AB: Literature. I loved how books could transport you into different worlds, introduce you to remarkable minds, and encourage you to see life from new perspectives. That curiosity has remained with me ever since.
My first job was…
KS: A Business Analyst at a financial corporation, where I learned a great deal from company valuation to mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
AB: Working as an assistant in a law firm. It taught me discipline, attention to detail, and the importance of professionalism, lessons that continue to shape the way I work today.
My career path so far has been…
KS: Very interesting, starting from finance to a social circle, tech projects and charity.
AB: A journey driven by curiosity, purpose, and a passion for lifelong learning. Every stage of my career has led me closer to creating something meaningful. Looking back, I see that every experience, every city I have lived in, and every inspiring person I have met has played a role in shaping The Akademy Circle into what it is today.
The role the UAE has played in my career is…
KS: Unique. Generous region with unbeatable energy and multifaceted people to work with. I first visited the region at the age of five and was completely captivated by the city’s energy and opportunities. I could never have imagined that, years later, I would have so many local friends and business connections here. Through The Akademy Circle Dubai we have a rare opportunity to highlight local talents and share achievements of the region.
AB: The UAE has been an incredibly inspiring place to grow The Akademy Circle. It is a country where tradition and innovation exist side by side, and where people from all over the world come together. That unique balance has encouraged us to think globally while always respecting local culture and values. It has also introduced us to an extraordinary community of curious, ambitious, and internationally minded people who have become an important part of our journey.
The story of The Akademy Circle is…
KS: Personal and inspiring. I was inspired to enter the Akademy space because you can feel yourself as a part of something very big and important, creating a footprint in the hearts of many. The events and experiences we create are truly one of a kind and cannot be replicated in the way we deliver them.
AB: The Akademy Circle began with a simple idea: to create a community where curious minds could meet, learn from one another, and have conversations that truly matter. Today, it has grown into an international intellectual membership circle where culture, education, and meaningful human connection come together through exceptional experiences. Our mission has always been simple, to create experiences that money cannot buy and conversations that stay with you long after the evening ends.
My daily routine consists of…
KS: A packed schedule, usually starting at 6 a.m. School runs, gym sessions, business meetings, events, and Zoom calls. I also make it a priority to put my kids to bed every evening whenever I can. If I’m not with them, you’ll most likely find me at the theatre.
AB: Balancing two worlds that are equally important to me,my family and The Akademy Circle. Every day is different, but that is exactly what I love. My time is divided between my family, meeting inspiring people, curating new experiences, and bringing fresh ideas to life. It is a busy schedule, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My role as Co-Founder and CEO entails…
KS: Being cooperative and creative. I am always trying to share unconventional or unexpected ideas and push people to see things from a different perspective.
AB: My role is to shape the vision of The Akademy Circle and ensure that everything we create reflects our values. From curating speakers and developing new ideas to building partnerships and welcoming our members, I am involved in every aspect of creating experiences that inspire curiosity, meaningful dialogue, and lasting connections.
The biggest hurdle I’ve experienced in my career was…
KS: My inner hesitation and fear. Sometimes I experience feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, but it is important not to let them hold me back. What matters is continuing to do what you believe is meaningful, necessary, and valuable, even when it feels scary.
AB: One of the biggest challenges has been staying true to our vision in a world that often values speed over depth. Building a community based on trust, quality, and meaningful relationships cannot be rushed. It requires patience, consistency, and a long-term perspective, but I believe that is exactly what makes it so valuable.
The biggest milestone I’ve achieved is…
KS: As a woman, being blessed with the most wonderful children. As an entrepreneur, I believe my biggest milestone is yet to come.
AB: Watching an idea grow into an international community that brings together remarkable people from different backgrounds, industries, and cultures has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing meaningful friendships, collaborations, and even lifechanging opportunities emerge through The Akademy Circle is something I am deeply proud of.
A quote I live by is…
KS: “If you can conquer yourself, you will conquer the rest.” For me, this quote is about discipline, emotional resilience, and discovering hidden possibilities within ourselves. I truly believe that the energy we bring into the world is created from within, and everything starts with mastering ourselves.
AB: “Never stop learning.” It is more than our motto, it is the philosophy behind everything we do at The Akademy Circle. I truly believe that curiosity keeps us open-minded, humble, and constantly evolving, no matter where we are in life.
What I hope for 2026 is…
KS: More safe and peaceful places in the world.
AB: Above all, I hope for peace. Peace in the world, greater understanding between people, and more kindness in the way we treat one another. On a personal level, I hope The Akademy Circle continues to inspire meaningful conversations and bring people together through knowledge, culture, and shared experiences.
