- ‘My greatest financial decision was to risk stability,’ says host of the Culture Mapping podcast
Entrepreneur Anastasia Davydova is the co-host of Culture Mapping, a podcast that celebrates cultural diversity in the UAE. Now in its second season, the podcast is number 10 on Apple Podcasts Mena and has an audience of 10,000+ listeners. The 31-year-old Russian expatriate is also the co-founder and CEO of movingo, a relocation platform for businesses and talent moving to the UAE, after having gone through the process herself in 2019.
If you had to use one word to describe money what would it be?
Money is a tool that allows you to create more, help more, and be free.
How would you describe your relationship to money?
It’s more or less a healthy one. I think I know how to earn it and spend it well (the second one is still better than the first, but I am working on it). I don’t have any restrictions or stereotypes many people have; money is a tool meant to be used in various ways, and it’s something that can come and go, but we also influence this process. It’s one of the most important lessons I’ve learned growing up.
How do you think this relationship was formed?
It was formed through different models of earning money, I guess. It started with winning grants as a teenager—this made me feel like money comes to someone who’s good. Then, there was a period of being employed—when I thought I could exchange my time for money. Then it was freelance—when I realised that my time is worth much more than I thought. And finally, entrepreneurship—when it became clear that it’s not about being good or exchanging time for money; it’s about creating more sophisticated models that start working for you eventually.
Who do you speak to about money and is it something you consider taboo?
It depends on what “money matters” are. I’m talking about invoices and payments with my team all day, every day.
Who has taught you the most about financial management?
My boyfriend is amazing at that.
How do you think living in the UAE has changed your relationship with money?
I think you can learn a lot here in the UAE about broadening your perception of how and how much money you can earn and spend. Many truly wealthy people are concentrated in this country, and you have “easy access” to them to learn, talk, and see different ways of work and life. This scene is quite educational.
If you could give your child or your younger self one piece of advice about money now what would that be and why?
My main advice would be to go and study business and try different things as early as possible, as it’s the only way to earn substantial income.
What do you value spending money on?
I truly enjoy spending money on gifts for people I love, on art and vintage, and things that are going to last.
Do you long-term plan your finances?
I usually make a vision of what I want, and then I work backward, trying to understand how to achieve it and how much time and resources I need for that.
What is your long-term goal or dream which is pegged to your finances?
I want to buy an apartment in my hometown, St. Petersburg.
How much do you plan to have by the time you are 65?
I don’t really think about that; I’m more thinking about what other amazing things I can do through my life to ensure I’m safe and happy when I am older.
What is your greatest financial decision?
My greatest financial decision was to risk stability and start a business.
