Meet Angela Ventsel, the visionary entrepreneur leading Estx.
With a focus on Estonian e-residents, Angela is transforming the business landscape by enabling the swift establishment of digital and paperless companies within a day.
Committed to simplifying bureaucracy, Estx ensures a seamless global business experience, making entrepreneurship accessible to all e-residents.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your family?
Estonia is the home of my roots and identity, where everyone has a story to tell and share.
Living in a country with only 1.3 million people creates a special sense of togetherness.
My upbringing has been a part of shaping my values and aspirations in life.
Value judgments too started right there, from the heart of the home.
Respect for others, caring and honesty were principles I was taught early on.
They shaped my attitude towards the world and people and have continued to guide me as an adult and in the entrepreneurial world.
I have learned that true success is based not only on skills and knowledge but also on humanity, honesty and the ability to see beyond.
Have you had any formal training or family business?
My journey into entrepreneurship has been shaped by a combination of formal training, educational background and practical experience.
Being a lawyer by training, this was the catalyst for my curiosity and ambitions in the entrepreneurial landscape. Studying law broadened my perspective and developed my analytical thinking, which is invaluable in business. As a lawyer, I have learned how to solve complex situations and understand legal nuances. My educational background has given me a solid platform from which to face the challenges of the business world.
This has inspired me to pursue diverse business projects where I can combine my legal knowledge with entrepreneurial innovation.
While my formal education provided a solid foundation in the legal field, entrepreneurship grew largely through hands-on experience and continuous learning.
One of the pivotal aspects of my preparation for entrepreneurship was gaining hands-on experience in the field.
These experiences exposed me to the idiosyncrasies of the market, honed my problem-solving abilities, and deepened my understanding of customer needs. So my entrepreneurial path is a mix of formal education, hands-on experience and a commitment to continuous learning.
These elements have collectively shaped my approach to entrepreneurship and equipped me with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship.
How have you grown as a leader since starting your company, and what have been some of the key lessons you've learned along the way?
Growing as a leader has been a continuous journey shaped by various experiences and challenges.
Navigating the complexities of business has taught me the value of adaptability and the ability to make informed decisions in the face of uncertainty.
However, effective communication has become a critical aspect in the growth of management.
Clear and transparent communication with the team and clients has proven to be essential in promoting trust and alignment.
Networking and seeking mentorship have also played an important role in my growth as a leader.
Communication with experienced mentors and communication with fellow entrepreneurs has provided valuable knowledge and alternative perspectives and networking has been helpful in overcoming challenges and expanding my understanding of the business landscape.
Thus, every experience, whether positive or challenging, has contributed to my growth and shaped my approach to leadership in a dynamic business landscape.
Can you tell us about a time when you faced a major setback or failure in your business, and how you overcame it?
Every setback is frustrating at first, but once we realize that we always have the opportunity to turn this failure into an opportunity to learn and improve, we begin to realize its true value.
Setbacks are not only part of the journey but also a platform from which we can jump higher and further.
These are lessons that equip us with resilience and perseverance, reminding us that the journey to success is often accompanied by many trials.
By being able to see setbacks as an opportunity to learn and improve, we give ourselves the opportunity to shape failure into a successful future.
So, let every setback be a step forward for us, not a step back, opening doors to new opportunities and growth.
How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals, especially during challenging times?
During difficult times in my business journey, staying motivated and focused becomes paramount.
One of the main strategies I use is a clear vision and well-defined goals.
Breaking down larger tasks into smaller manageable steps. This approach prevents feeling overwhelmed and allows you to focus on achievable milestones.
Also, a positive mindset is a key element in my approach to challenges. I consciously choose to view difficulties as opportunities for growth and learning.
Celebrating small wins is a powerful motivator for me. Acknowledging and appreciating even smaller victories reinforces the sense of accomplishment. It is a reminder of progress, which contributes to a positive and forward-looking mindset.
Seeking support is an important component of my motivational strategy. Connecting with mentors, peers, or a supportive network can provide valuable perspectives and encouragement. Sharing ideas and experiences with others who have faced similar challenges strengthens my determination to overcome obstacles. Learning from challenges is the mindset that keeps me going. Instead of seeing setbacks as insurmountable obstacles, I take valuable lessons from each experience.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of running a business?
Balancing personal life with the demands of running a business is a dynamic challenge that requires thoughtful strategies.
One of the main approaches I use is active communication, prioritization and effective time management.
By categorizing tasks based on urgency and importance, I can allocate time efficiently, ensuring critical business needs are met without compromising personal commitments.
Setting clear boundaries is another important aspect of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I set specific working hours and consciously try to stick to them, creating a clear separation between work responsibilities and personal time. Communicating these boundaries to colleagues and clients helps manage expectations and fosters a sustainable balance. In addition, delegation is an important part of managing the demands of business while maintaining personal and team well-being.
In addition to the above, it is important for me to run or ski every morning and to read a book every day. These are the aspects that fill my glass and give me the energy to drive on.
What are your plans for the future of your business, and how do you see yourself evolving as a founder and leader?
The future of the estx business is full of excitement and ambition. Our vision is to continue to be part of the innovation of our industry, being part of new solutions and developments. Our commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences remains at the heart of what we do.
We want to be not only a service provider, but a reliable partner for customers who get more than just a product or service from us - they get trust, commitment and quality from us. Strengthening our position as a reliable partner, we firmly step forward on the path where customer satisfaction and innovation are the cornerstones of our success. Estx is more than a company - we are committed to a future where we create value, inspire change and lead the way to the next level.
If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
If I could advise my younger self, Angela Ventsel, on her entrepreneurial journey, I would emphasize the importance of embracing failure and seeing it as an important part of the learning process. I would say:
"Don't be afraid of failure, but see it as a powerful teacher. Every setback, mistake or unexpected turn is an opportunity to learn, grow and improve your approach. The road to success is rarely straight and the challenges you face make you a more resilient and insightful entrepreneur. Embrace uncertainty, take from each lessons from the experience and use them to increase your determination. Remember, it's not about avoiding failure, it's about how you react to it and take advantage of it. step towards your goals."
Understanding that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to improvement and innovation can be a transformative mindset. It encourages risk-taking, builds resilience and ultimately contributes to long-term success. Adopting this perspective early on in my entrepreneurial journey would have alleviated unnecessary fears and allowed me to approach challenges with a more constructive and growth-oriented mindset.
What's the most unconventional thing you've done to grow your business, and what was the result?
Although we cannot boast of the most unusual campaign or the like that we have ever done, it is still a significant milestone for us to enter the Asian market this year.
The decision affects not only the development of Estx, but also our vision and ambitions for the future. By entering the Asian market, we open ourselves to new challenges, cultures and opportunities that promise not only business growth but also an enriching experience. We are ready to take a step into the unknown, learn from new markets and build lasting connections with Asian communities. This is not only a business expansion for us, but also a new chapter in the development of our company and an adventurous journey into the unknown.
By entering the Asian market, we have allowed many entrepreneurs to take a step into the digital world and create a paperless company in 1 day, which may be impossible in an Asian country, but possible in Estonia.
What's the most important lesson you've learned from a failure, and how have you applied it to your business?
One of the most important lessons I've learned from failure is the importance of adaptability and resilience, and the icing on the cake is to be consistent - the consistency to keep going even when everything seems impossible and you can't see the possibilities.
In the face of challenging situations or failures, the importance of maintaining open communication within the team is important. Be honest and open and tell how the situation really is. We have built a trust where team members are encouraged to voice their concerns and suggest adjustments, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
Ultimately, challenges teach us that failures are not the end, but growth opportunities. By embracing adaptability, we've turned setbacks into stepping stones for continuous improvement and innovation. This lesson has become a cornerstone of our business philosophy, shaping our resilience and determination to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
What's the most meaningful compliment or feedback you've ever received from a customer, and why did it resonate with you?
The most meaningful compliment we ever received from Estx customer was when he expressed his gratitude for the exceptional customer service we provide. They specifically mentioned how our commitment and willingness to take additional steps significantly changed them and their view of Estonia as a whole.
This compliment resonated deeply because it highlighted the impact of sincere effort and a customer-centric approach. Knowing that our actions met and exceeded their expectations left us with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It reinforced the idea that our work goes beyond transactions; it's about creating positive experiences and making meaningful connections.
Customer service is often about solving problems and ensuring satisfaction, and being recognized for doing so effectively is truly rewarding.
It reaffirmed our belief in empathy, proactive communication and a genuine commitment to helping others.
This feedback was a reminder that the efforts we make can leave a lasting impression on those we serve, making it a powerful motivator to consistently strive for excellence in customer service.
If you had to choose one thing that makes your company truly unique and sets it apart from the competition, what would it be, and why?
If I were to look at Estx's unique identity from a personality perspective, it would be defined by our genuine and approachable demeanor.
In an industry where companies can sometimes seem distant or too formal, we pride ourselves on embodying a warm and personable persona.
Estx's company culture places a strong emphasis on building authentic relationships with our clients, team and partners.
We believe in the power of human connections and create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued.
This personal touch is not just a superficial aspect but is deeply embedded in our communication and business practices.
This approach sets us apart from others, making our brand more relatable and approachable. Customers do not see us only as an e-residency service provider who wants to sell their service quickly and as soon as possible; they see us as a friendly and reliable partner who understands the needs of their business.
By adding a personal touch to our brand, we not only differentiate ourselves from our competitors, but also create lasting connections that go beyond business transactions.
Our unique personality becomes a memorable feature for customers, increasing loyalty and trust in our brand.
Find Angela Ventsel on Social Media:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaventsel/
Linkedin - Company- https://www.linkedin.com/company/estx/?viewAsMember=true
Company/ Companies websites - https://estx.io/
Instagram – Business - https://www.instagram.com/estx.io/
Hope you enjoyed reading Angela Ventsel’s story!
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