You may already know me as Olenka Cullinan, the CEO of i Start First, But what you don’t know is that the journey to get me there has been anything but easy. This is my Story:
I’m originally from Russia. I moved to the US at the age of 19. Currently, when I’m not travelling the world to speak or train, I reside in AZ. I moved to the US on my own with $450 that I borrowed from my uncle. I had no support system and no family, so that was really hard.
I worked 2 jobs to put myself through college, spent 7 years teaching at the high school, community college and university levels and then went on to build my first business – Rising Tycoons. My goal was to impact the maximum number of teens and teach them “success skills” for life.
We were not calculating profits. Instead the goal became the purpose: to put 500 teens through the program, then 1000. That’s how Rising Tycoons became the “startup on steroids” impacting over 9000 teens and 1500 educators in three and a half years.
It all changed with being a part of the Passionistas book. Meeting incredible women from all over the country who are living out their passion and purpose made me face how much I missed female connection. That’s the true story of how #iStartFirst brand was born, from just one simple hashtag (#istartfirst) to show women that if you want to pursue your passion – you have to start first.
Who has Influenced your life the most?
My mother.
I practically grew up at my mother’s wine-making factory. As far back as I can remember, there is the smell and the look of wine streaming through the glass tubes in the production department, the clunking of the dropping bottles, the rumbling of filled-up boxes on the conveyor lines.
That was a lot of my childhood, that and the loud voice of my mother who managed to conquer the male-dominated product industry constantly screaming decisions over the loud factory setting. She was a part of that factory, which my brother and I lovingly called her “third-child-she-never-had” for 37 years.
What are your proudest achievements?
Being a speaker and travelling to work with conferences, colleges and organizations allows me to meet the most vibrant and talented people. I had an incredible experience speaking at TEDxYouth – over 700 youth and adults, live-streamed to many countries. It was simply life-changing! However, all that pales in comparison to seeing women light up after speaking or coaching them. Their belief in my abilities to transform dreams reminds me of how fortunate I’m to inspire lives!
What advice would you give someone pursuing a career in what you do?
For anyone who’s struggling or building your startup – find your mentors early on. They will ultimately change the trajectory of your life, teach you a lot of shortcuts, and save you from a lot of mistakes.
What makes an inspiring woman?
Mindset – your beauty will fade away, your clothes are not forever, but your Mindset can 1000% change your life. You internal beauty is truly the sexiest thing you own, and it’s forever!makes an inspiring woman?
Tell us five things no one knows about you?
I used to speak fluent German. I’m horrified of insects. (Yup, I don’t even like butterflies). I used to play piano as a child. I’m dyslexic in math. I love chocolate but won’t eat chocolate cake.
