Interview With Anastasia Denisova, CEO at Realiste MENA: Breaking the Glass Ceiling

The HackerNoon editorial team has launched this interview series with women in tech to celebrate their achievements and share their struggles. We need more women in technology, and by sharing stories, we can encourage many girls to follow their dreams. Share your story today!

Tell us about yourself!

First and foremost, I am a proud woman and CEO at Realiste MENA, a dynamic prop-tech company headquartered in Dubai. Secondly, I am a perfectionist, although I try to actively maintain a healthy balance between my work and personal life.

I am 24 years old, and I feel younger every day as I squeeze in exercise whenever I can. I am currently at the helm of the company, shaping the strategic vision and direction for Realiste across the MENA region. Most importantly, I am grateful to have found a job that challenges me yet inspires me every day.

Why did you choose this field in the first place?

When I discovered Realiste AI and its mission to revolutionize real estate investment by providing comprehensive data and insights, I was instantly drawn to the potential it holds.

I usually try to keep myself well-read and up to date on new innovations across multiple industries, and I simply had a feeling this company is the future.

The real estate market has long been shrouded in uncertainty, and AI undoubtedly has the incredible capacity to bring transparency and efficiency to it. This is why I decided to pursue a career in this field – to be at the forefront of a technological revolution that not only benefits investors but also makes a positive impact on the real estate industry as a whole.

What tech are you most excited/passionate about right now and why?

I'm deeply fascinated by the transformative power of artificial intelligence. AI seamlessly integrates into our lives, simplifying complex tasks. In real estate, for example, the projected market volume for residential real estate in 2023 is a staggering US $498.60tn.

This vast and complex industry is where AI's potential truly shines.

With AI, we can process extensive data, analyze market trends, and provide precise forecasts at a fraction of the time it takes humans. This boosts efficiency and minimizes risk in real estate investments. My passion for AI aligns perfectly with the promising future of the real estate market, and I'm truly eager to be part of this transformative journey.

What tech are you most worried about right now and why?

I'm currently most concerned about the ethical implications of deepfake technology. Deepfakes have advanced to the point where they can convincingly manipulate audio and video to create fabricated content that is nearly indistinguishable from reality.

While this technology has the potential for creative and positive applications, there's also the possibility of its misuse for misleading or deceptive purposes.

Striking a balance between harnessing the benefits of deepfake technology and safeguarding against its potential negative consequences is a challenge that deserves a great deal of attention.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of tech?

Outside of the tech world, I have a range of hobbies and interests that keep me balanced and fulfilled. I'm an avid sports enthusiast, particularly enjoying playing tennis and hitting the gym to stay active.

In my downtime, I love to delve into historical books, as I am a firm believer that knowing and understanding the past grants a greater control over the present. And, of course, spending quality time with my lovely dog is a cherished pastime that brings me so much peace and joy.

Let's talk about breaking the glass ceiling. What were the biggest challenges you faced as a woman in tech, and how did you deal with them?

One significant challenge has been the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within tech companies. It can be disheartening to look around and see a lack of female mentors and role models. To deal with this, I actively sought out networking opportunities and connected with successful women in the industry who could offer guidance and support.

It was difficult, yet now, the entire world is becoming more "women-friendly", so hopefully, younger girls won't feel as lonely when they integrate into the workforce.

Any questionable misogynistic story/situation you faced/handled, and you want to share with the HackerNoon Fam?

In the company where I work, in fact, almost 50% of the employees are women, and they are highly valued and listened to equally. That's why I love my team. However, we work in the Middle East, where discrimination against women's rights is still present, even on a legislative level.

But the world is not standing still, and governments are making efforts to eradicate gender inequality. For example, in the past, women in Saudi Arabia were not allowed to drive, but this rule changed just a few years ago.

What was the biggest setback/failure that you faced, and how did you manage it?

During my previous role in the realm of communications and public relations, I faced a few hurdles. Some plans and projects did not pan out as well as I'd planned and it took some time to accept these mistakes.

Nevertheless, I've made it a personal commitment to look at such situations from unconventional angles and seek out innovative solutions that weren't readily apparent at first glance.

This approach has consistently proven to be a powerful tool, helping me not only overcome obstacles but also propel myself forward.

What's your biggest achievement that you're really proud of?

Thanks to my strong communication skills, I have assisted over 50 corporations and technological startups with their execution and communication needs.

Additionally, I’ve successfully established connections with some royal families in the MENA region and orchestrated the creation of an advisory board at Realiste.

This board comprises high-ranking officials and top executives from major real estate developers in the UAE and beyond. This experience has not only been a remarkable accomplishment but has also deepened my conviction in the region's future potential.

In your opinion, why do we see this huge gender gap in the tech industry, and how can we reduce it?

As we know, the tech industry has historically been male-dominated, which has perpetuated a lack of diversity. In addition, unconscious bias can affect hiring and promotion decisions, making it harder for women to advance in tech careers.

So, to address the gender gap in the tech industry, we should promote STEM education for girls from an early age, advocate for gender equality in leadership positions, and highlight successful female role models in tech.

Who is your tech idol? Why?

I really respect Grace Hopper. Hopper was a trailblazing computer scientist known for her work on the first compiler and for her contributions to the development of programming languages. I remember perusing the internet in my downtime as a kid, and I just stumbled upon her Wikipedia page.

To be completely honest, I was shocked I didn't know who she was sooner, seeing that she is greatly revered as both a woman and a mathematician. I read up more, and I watched a lecture or two. I didn't completely understand but I was so enamored by her aura. I think she's an inspiration to many for her achievements in a male-dominated field.

Do you have any advice for aspiring girls who want to join the field?

I’d recommend finding what excites girls within tech – whether it's machine learning, design, data analysis, or another area. Pursue passions, and work will feel less like a job. And don't be afraid to challenge stereotypes because unique perspectives and experiences can be assets to any industry.