In this episode of Meet Filuet we are happy to introduce our General Manager in Baku, Azerbaijan – Asker Abdilov.

Dear Asker, please tell us a bit about yourself, your family, and what you love to do?

“My name is Asker. I was born & grew up in Baku, Azerbaijan. I hold a master’s degree in linguistics. I’m married and we have 2 children. I like to spend my free time with my family, or training Jiu Jitsu & play Chess. I also like to solve & collect puzzles that my friends bring me from different countries. My favorite drink is a pomegranate juice, and my favorite dish is a lamp kebab.”

Please tell me about your time with Filuet; When you got on board? How was your journey since then?

“I started my journey at Filuet group in 2013. At that period, we did not have business in Azerbaijan, but we had vision and enthusiasm. One of the interesting projects in my life was to open a business in my own country. We worked hard on this project and whole team successfully managed over hardships. After my 8 years with Filuet handling a lot of projects, solving many difficult tasks, many ups & downs- I can happily say that it was (and still is!) an incredible time, and our journey with Filuet just began.

Filuet is a unique company because of the people who work here.”

What person, real or imagined, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with and why?

“I would like to meet our president Heydar Aliyev. This man was able to bring our country out of a deep crisis and strengthen the nation. He is a true definition of a real patriot & a leader.”

As these strange times lead us to digitalize our internationality, we would like to ask you what is your favorite/ dream destination for vacation & ultimate destination for work?

“Bora Bora is our family’s dream destination for vacation. There are too many places to mention where I would like to work from, but for now Baku is on top of my list.”

Where are you seeing Filuet in 10 years from now?

“In 10 years from now, I want to see Filuet diversifies the business & open new directions. I truly believe that a company with such a special kind of deep traditions and values can achieve success in any new initiatives.”

That’s it, would you like to use this opportunity and forward a message to Filuet team?

״Don’t ask what the company can do for you, but what you can do for the company.״

Filuet was founded as a family business that has evolved over the years into a powerhouse for companies worldwide, assisting them with everything they need for establishing their business. We spoke with one of the first employees in Filuet’s 29 years of business to understand more about how it feels to work for a company like Filuet, to serve a direct selling giant like Herbalife Nutrition in a complex country like Israel, and at the same time, to be a woman, mother, and grandmother.

Dear Sara, please tell us a bit about yourself, your family, and what you love to do?

“My name is Sara, and I’m from Israel. I’m married, a mother to 4 children & a grandmother to 7 grandchildren.

I like exercising and my favorite way to spend time is with my family and friends, travelling in Israel & abroad.”

Please tell me about your time with Filuet; when did you first join? How has your journey been since then?

I started working for Filuet in 1997 as part of the management team of a couple of projects in many new fields. These days, the company was still building itself and hence very diverse. I was representing Filuet in front of companies from various fields in Israel that were interested in trading with the CIS countries. One of our greatest projects was the establishment of the Israel-Russia Trade Center in Moscow. We worked on this project in collaboration with the Israel-Russia Chamber of Commerce. I enjoyed every single minute of this project. After a couple of years, Filuet finally positioned itself as a leading BPO solutions provider for direct sales companies. The last 14 years, I have been working with Herbalife Nutrition Israel, which is doing great in this super complex & unique economy. Working and dealing with the members here that are coming from many different cultures is truly exciting! I just love the interactions with the members, a nice and social environment every day of the week.

Which person, dead or alive, real or fiction, would you most like to have dinner with and why?

There is one person that I wish I could have dinner with and that is Mr. Shimon Peres, the former President and former Prime Minister of Israel. For me, he is a great model of what it means to be a dreamer, and a visionary with real determination to make peace with our neighboring countries. He believed in his way until his last day, despite the many difficulties he faced, he always kept going – An inspiration for me.

As these strange times lead us to digitalize our internationality, we would like to ask what is your favorite/dream destination for vacation & ultimate destination for work?

My favorite vacation destination would be Hawaii, and the ultimate destination for work is at home, my base in Israel.

Where do you see Filuet in 10 years from now?

When I am trying to imagine how Filuet will look in 10 years from now, I can imagine the group with the family’s next generation integrated in the company roles, on its way to fulfill its vision – to grow more and keep on going as a global group operating in many international markets and fields, providing the best BPO solutions to keep opening new markets around the world and having fun during the process.

Would you like to use this opportunity and forward a message to the Filuet team?

For me, Filuet is exceptional and one of a kind as a company. The relations between the management and the employees are absolutely amazing. An international business with more than 450 employees, which I personally believe that all of them feel good with their colleagues and managers, at least I do.

In my opinion, this is the secret recipe for success. When employees feel connected to the organization they work for, they are devoted to the company’s vision & mission. Combining all the above with the employee’s motivation to succeed – we get a winning team.

Filuet was founded as a family business that has evolved over the years into a powerhouse for companies worldwide, assisting them with everything they need for establishing their business. We spoke with one of the founders of Filuet to understand more about Filuet’s long journey to success and to document this information first-hand from one of the co-founders themselves, Erik Rashkovan.

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Hi, Erik!

Thank you for your time in this interview. We have a list of questions that we are excited to ask, so with no further adieu, let’s get started:

How did Filuet get started and where did you get the inspiration for starting a company?

The road to success was a very long one and it wasn’t easy, it’s what I like to call – “life”. Opening the Filuet Company wasn’t exactly straight forward and it was full of ups and downs, various complications, and all new challenges we could not have anticipated. The inspiration came from my two sons and my lovely wife who have helped keep our company warm and homey. For more details, you are welcome to read my book.

What are you like as a businessman and a boss?

You tell me if I am a good boss. As a businessman, I can say that I did everything that I could. Most of the time, business was good, but it doesn’t mean that everything went smoothly. Filuet’s amazing success in recent years couldn’t have been accomplished without the help of my eldest son’s incredible talent and hunger, as he is always one step ahead!

Why did you write a book and how long did it take?

Robin Sharma, a famous writer, wrote “The Secret Letters of the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” book series which led me to question, why am I not writing an autobiography, too? For some time, this question remained in my mind until my friend, partner, and son, Alex reminded me at just the right time – as I was in rehab after a knee injury. He insisted that I take a moment to sit down and write about my life story. He presented this idea to me in such an incredible way, I couldn’t deny him. He told me that if I manage to complete this project, my knee pains would eventually go away. A year later, the book was out and only a couple of years later, my fellow Filuet executives surprised me on Filuet’s 25^th anniversary with an English edition of the book, “… and then you swim!”, which is now available on Amazon! (Where is my money?)

What else does your book reveal about Filuet?

In the beginning, I was thinking about writing only about my two sons, Alex and Arthur. Later on, I started to consider writing about my colleagues and the whole Filuet company. So, in the end I was able to include everything that I thought relevant at the time in order to help the future of Filuet in order to continue my legacy, sharing everything I have learned during the long journey of my Filuet life story. I believe this book can guide and inspire the Filuet teams for many years.

Which message is most important for Filuet Group?

I kindly ask you to read my book, and I think you will find it interesting. If you get the chance to read it, please share your thoughts in our survey. I wrote my life story, from when I was 6 years old, until today; age 77. I hope that the words I wrote in my book will help all who read it.

Thank you for your time in this Q&A session, it was a real pleasure.

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Link to the book on Amazon:

• https://www.amazon.com/then-you-swim-Erik-Rashkovan-ebook/dp/B076P98RW1

For the PDF version you are more than welcome to reach out in the email below:

Adar.rashkovan@filuet.com

Filuet News’ Publisher and Editor recently spoke with our beloved COO  about his Filuet journey, his private life and the future. He is with us since 2003, we are happy to introduce Omiros Christodoulides!

Ella Omire! How are you today?

Hello! taking in to consideration these bizarre circumstances we live in, I would say I am perfect!!

Re, the company want’s to know who you are! can you please tell us a bit about yourself? some general history and free time stories are welcome here :).

My name is Omiros Christodoulides and I am from Cyprus, a small island in the Mediterranean. I am married and have 2 lovely sons. I have a Bachelors degree in Accounting & Financial Management from Colchester University in Essex, UK. I like cooking, fishing, hunting and watching sports. Favorite meal is a toughie; I would say sautéed partridge. As to the beverage, the answer is more straight forward, that is wine. Favorite way of spending time is the easiest question so far, with family and close friends while barbequing.

Please tell us about your time with Filuet; When you got on board? How was your journey since then?

You know, I do remember my first day so vividly, like it was yesterday. I joined on the 23^rd of September 2003. I started as the operations manager for the Filuet/Herbalife unit in Cyprus. A few years later I was promoted to the position of Country Manager of the same unit. In 2008 I was further promoted to my current position, that is the COO of the Filuet Group. In 2017 we celebrated Filuet 25^th anniversary, as a part of the main ceremony the main shareholders surprised me with an amazing present – I became a minor shareholder of the company. The journey so far was perfect as I am surrounded by great professionals and most importantly great friends.

What person, real or imagined, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with and why?

Here you will allow me to go a bit outside the rules by mentioning 2 living football legends. These are no other than Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho. In my opinion they are without a doubt, 2 of the best football players of all time, and Ronaldinho is now a fellow drunk from Brazil so must be hell of a fun.

As these strange times lead us to digitalize our internationality, we would like to ask you what is your favorite/ dream destination for vacation & ultimate destination for work?

I love Cyprus but I have visited some gorgeous cities around the world, such us Saint Petersburg, Vienna, Bucharest and many more. I would have to say that my dream destination is Asia as I have never been there and from what I hear and from what I see on the web, it would be an extraordinary experience. As for work, I would only change Cyprus, for Bordeaux or Tuscany😊.

Editor note: Filuet Tuscany branch…. It’s a dream!

Where are you seeing Filuet in 10 years from now?

Filuet will always be expanding its wings since it is very adaptive with great management and very promising young stars.

That’s it, would you like to use this opportunity and forward a message to Filuet team?

Yes, would love to convey a message to the Filuet Team and especially to the more junior and new employees. Actually, this is the same message I shared on the 25^th year Filuet Anniversary when the Founder of our group announced on stage that I will be becoming a company shareholder.

“Love the company and the company will most definitely love you back”

Today we start a new tradition in Filuet – “Filuet behind the scenes”. Once a month we will introduce you with one of our amazing team members, our teams will share some memories, personal stories and will discuss Filuet future & more.

Filuet is happy to introduce the individuals behind the success of our teams all around the world, today we chose to start with Filuet Latvia general manager, meet Ilze Buldere!

Dear Ilze, we are so happy to start with you this lovely tradition! Can you please tell me a bit about yourself? What do you like to eat? How you spend your free time?

My name is Ilze Buldere, I am Latvian. I live in a beautiful country Latvia, in a small town near Baltic sea – Saulkrasti (sunny coasts).

I am in relationship and we have a beautiful daughter Irma. She is almost 14. I love animals and since I remember myself I wanted to become a veterinarian and so in 1994 I graduated veterinary medicine faculty and for a while worked my dream job. My hobby for more than 35 years is connected with dogs. I am an owner and breeder of German boxers. Currently I have just one boxer lady Dzella and 2 cats.

I do love spending active time with family and friends. For couple last years I have been enjoying cycling and swimming (in the pool) and last summer together with my colleague and good friend Kristina we managed to do my first 2 bigger trips – one was 3 day, 230 km trip through ‘nowhere’ and mostly on ‘dirty’ roads and another one where we cycled along Baltic sea coast and in 4 days managed 425 km.

Food J I love food. I love sea food. I love Chinese food. Most of all I love great company to enjoy food with.

Thanks! Indeed a great company to enjoy food with is the above all 😎

Now, please tell me about your time with Filuet; When you got on board? How was your journey since then?

I joined Filuet on 21^st march 2005 as Marketing / Sales & Support Manager (Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania) and within 9 month I became General Manager and have grown together with my team since then. We have moved to new, modern premises, we have grown from team of 6 to 19.

I have felt as a member of Filuet family since the first day.

Such an inspiring story, you are a true model!

If talking about models, this question is frequently asked in this kind of interview:

What person, real or imagined, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with and why?

This is not the first time I have been asked this question and now, after almost a year living in these pandemic restrictions, I have understood that I want to enjoy every minute with my family and my close friends – they are the most valuable treasure of my life.

Ilze, we hope that this will be over soon and we would be back with our loved ones!

As these strange times lead us to digitalize our internationality, we would like to ask you what is your favorite/ dream destination for vacation & ultimate destination for work?

I love Latvia. And I know that this is the place I want to live and work. But I love traveling. And one of my biggest dreams is a road trip in convertible on route 66 across US.

YOU MUST DO IT ILZE!!!

Where are you seeing Filuet in 10 years from now?

Still growing together with a team J more mature, wiser, but still very open minded.

That’s the spirit!

Unfortunately that’s it, would you like to use this opportunity and forward a message to Filuet team?

Again, have to say that these strange times have made to overvalue many things. And recently this quote from Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist, seems to be very suitable in all means:

“I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living now”.

Thank you dear Ilze!