by Dina Iglikova
From Coastal Dreams to Corporate Heights: Tamuna Kovziridze's Unexpected Journey
Tamuna Kovziridze (CELA'14), once a young physics student from the coastal city of Sokhumi, has emerged as a trailblazing figure in Georgian business. Her journey from an IDP (internally displaced person) to the CEO of one of Georgia's top companies is a testament to human adaptability and determination. This interview explores Tamuna's life experiences, examining how personal challenges shaped her unique leadership approach and commitment to creating a high-standard work environment in Georgia's evolving business landscape.
It's important to realize that the only thing you can truly change is your attitude toward the world and how you respond to challenges.
Tamuna, you once shared how you grew up in the picturesque region of Abkhazia, specifically in Sokhumi. Could you take us back to those early days? What was your childhood like, and how do you think it shaped the person you are today?
I grew up by the sea in the magical city of Sokhumi. If you've never been, Abkhazia is a hidden gem, especially Sokhumi. The seafront is breathtaking, with smooth pebbled beaches uniquely charming the coast. It reminded me of parts of Nice, but Sokhumi has its own distinct allure. Life in a seaside city is so vibrant and alive, with the scent of salt air and the rhythm of the waves, unlike the quieter pace of towns without the sea, and I love it so much! My childhood there was carefree, filled with this vibrant energy and the peaceful rhythm of life by the water.
In 1992, after finishing school, I entered the physics department at Sokhumi State University. That summer was full of joy and excitement—we were young, celebrating our acceptance into universities, and we even shot the feature film; I played the best friend of the lead character. But everything changed on August 14th. While filming, a phone call came, warning us not to leave our homes. Something serious was happening by the seafront. Not long after, we realized the war had begun.
The next day, we learned that armed forces had entered the city. For an entire month, we remained confined to our house, often seeking shelter in the basement as our parents feared bombings. Eventually, the decision was made to evacuate all women and children, including my 12-year-old sister and me, a 17-year-old. The planes were so packed with people it felt like a crowded bus during rush hour. My friend and I still managed to board the last flight to Tbilisi, a surreal experience. My mother and sister, unfortunately, didn't make it onto that flight, leaving my friend and me to arrive in Tbilisi, separated from our families and completely alone.
I grew up by the sea in the magical city of Sokhumi. If you've never been, Abkhazia is a hidden gem, especially Sokhumi. The seafront is breathtaking, with smooth pebbled beaches uniquely charming the coast. It reminded me of parts of Nice, but Sokhumi has its own distinct allure. Life in a seaside city is so vibrant and alive, with the scent of salt air and the rhythm of the waves, unlike the quieter pace of towns without the sea, and I love it so much! My childhood there was carefree, filled with this vibrant energy and the peaceful rhythm of life by the water.
In 1992, after finishing school, I entered the physics department at Sokhumi State University. That summer was full of joy and excitement—we were young, celebrating our acceptance into universities, and we even shot the feature film; I played the best friend of the lead character. But everything changed on August 14th. While filming, a phone call came, warning us not to leave our homes. Something serious was happening by the seafront. Not long after, we realized the war had begun.
The next day, we learned that armed forces had entered the city. For an entire month, we remained confined to our house, often seeking shelter in the basement as our parents feared bombings. Eventually, the decision was made to evacuate all women and children, including my 12-year-old sister and me, a 17-year-old. The planes were so packed with people it felt like a crowded bus during rush hour. My friend and I still managed to board the last flight to Tbilisi, a surreal experience. My mother and sister, unfortunately, didn't make it onto that flight, leaving my friend and me to arrive in Tbilisi, separated from our families and completely alone.
The 1992-93 war in Abkhazia was a complex and multifaceted conflict that arose in the wake of Georgia's independence from the Soviet Union. It was characterized by violent confrontations primarily between the Georgian government and Abkhazian separatist movement, supported by Russia.
Being separated from your family during such a crisis must have been overwhelming. How did you stay strong, and what kept you going?
I was with my friend, and when we landed, I still remember my mom saying, "You go, and we'll be on the next flight." My mom and sister arrived two days later, but in the meantime, I stayed with my friend’s relatives. Once my mom and sister came, we had nowhere to live. A former classmate of my aunt, someone we barely knew, took us in. We stayed there for a while but couldn’t stay there long, so we had to move out.
Thankfully, we did. We found a partially renovated hotel nearby that housed other refugees. We stayed in the part that hadn’t been fixed—old windows, creaky floors, and terrible beds. I remember our first night; worms were crawling on the floor. But at least we had a roof over our heads, and we lived there for about two years. We cleaned it and, after some time, managed to renovate it a bit. It was tough, but it was better than being on the street.
What helped you and your family stay resilient during those difficult times, and what did you discover about yourself?
Yes, the three of us—my mom, my sister, and I—lived together in that hotel from the fall of 1992. My father stayed behind in Sokhumi until the city fell in September 1993. He had to cross the mountains to reach us when that happened. It was a dangerous journey, and many people didn't survive. The border between Abkhazia and the rest of Georgia was closed and crossing it was nearly impossible. Luckily, my father was a skilled mountaineer, leading a group of our neighbors on a trek that lasted over a week. We had no idea if he had survived or not. I’ll never forget the moment when he finally returned. My mother cried for days because we had lived in such uncertainty, with no way to communicate or find out where he was.
Definitely, it was an enormously difficult burden for my parents. Only now, as an adult, having created some wealth for the family and being a parent myself, I understand the weight of what it means to lose everything and find yourself on the street with your children. Back then, I was just 17 years old, and I didn't fully grasp the gravity of the situation, but looking back, I see the strength we had to find to endure and keep going.
In the '90s, there was no electricity and very little of anything. But the most important thing was that we survived, even though many of our loved ones didn't.
My father left for Moscow to find work since there were no opportunities here, and I was still a physics student. Eventually, we all moved to Moscow, where my parents found jobs.
I studied physics, and one of my professors believed I had a strong aptitude for science and could become a great scientist; accordingly, he offered me a research intern position in a leading physics lab at Tbilisi State University. That time, for me, It was a prestigious role, and I returned to Tbilisi to take it. But shortly after, my father was diagnosed with a brainstem hematoma and had to undergo surgery. Thankfully, the surgery went well, but he couldn't work after that, and my mother had to stop working as well. I became responsible for supporting the family; it wasn’t a choice but a necessity. In the ‘90s, a young scientist's income wasn’t enough to support us, so I decided to pivot into business.
Have you ever thought about trying to return to Sokhumi or does the situation there still make it too difficult?
No, I’ve never been able to return. Friends have offered to organize a visit, but I’ve never been ready. The emotional weight is overwhelming, and even just seeing photos or videos brings me unstoppable tears. Our house was destroyed, and it's heartbreaking to face that reality. Every memory I have is deeply tied to that place, and in my dreams, I still walk through the house where I spent my childhood.
Yet, my greatest hope is that, sooner rather than later, Georgia will regain our lost territories, and my parents will have the chance to return to our homeland while they are still alive. It’s my deepest dream to see them go back home and reclaim the place that holds so much of our family’s history and love.
I was with my friend, and when we landed, I still remember my mom saying, "You go, and we'll be on the next flight." My mom and sister arrived two days later, but in the meantime, I stayed with my friend’s relatives. Once my mom and sister came, we had nowhere to live. A former classmate of my aunt, someone we barely knew, took us in. We stayed there for a while but couldn’t stay there long, so we had to move out.
Thankfully, we did. We found a partially renovated hotel nearby that housed other refugees. We stayed in the part that hadn’t been fixed—old windows, creaky floors, and terrible beds. I remember our first night; worms were crawling on the floor. But at least we had a roof over our heads, and we lived there for about two years. We cleaned it and, after some time, managed to renovate it a bit. It was tough, but it was better than being on the street.
What helped you and your family stay resilient during those difficult times, and what did you discover about yourself?
Yes, the three of us—my mom, my sister, and I—lived together in that hotel from the fall of 1992. My father stayed behind in Sokhumi until the city fell in September 1993. He had to cross the mountains to reach us when that happened. It was a dangerous journey, and many people didn't survive. The border between Abkhazia and the rest of Georgia was closed and crossing it was nearly impossible. Luckily, my father was a skilled mountaineer, leading a group of our neighbors on a trek that lasted over a week. We had no idea if he had survived or not. I’ll never forget the moment when he finally returned. My mother cried for days because we had lived in such uncertainty, with no way to communicate or find out where he was.
Definitely, it was an enormously difficult burden for my parents. Only now, as an adult, having created some wealth for the family and being a parent myself, I understand the weight of what it means to lose everything and find yourself on the street with your children. Back then, I was just 17 years old, and I didn't fully grasp the gravity of the situation, but looking back, I see the strength we had to find to endure and keep going.
In the '90s, there was no electricity and very little of anything. But the most important thing was that we survived, even though many of our loved ones didn't.
My father left for Moscow to find work since there were no opportunities here, and I was still a physics student. Eventually, we all moved to Moscow, where my parents found jobs.
I studied physics, and one of my professors believed I had a strong aptitude for science and could become a great scientist; accordingly, he offered me a research intern position in a leading physics lab at Tbilisi State University. That time, for me, It was a prestigious role, and I returned to Tbilisi to take it. But shortly after, my father was diagnosed with a brainstem hematoma and had to undergo surgery. Thankfully, the surgery went well, but he couldn't work after that, and my mother had to stop working as well. I became responsible for supporting the family; it wasn’t a choice but a necessity. In the ‘90s, a young scientist's income wasn’t enough to support us, so I decided to pivot into business.
Have you ever thought about trying to return to Sokhumi or does the situation there still make it too difficult?
No, I’ve never been able to return. Friends have offered to organize a visit, but I’ve never been ready. The emotional weight is overwhelming, and even just seeing photos or videos brings me unstoppable tears. Our house was destroyed, and it's heartbreaking to face that reality. Every memory I have is deeply tied to that place, and in my dreams, I still walk through the house where I spent my childhood.
Yet, my greatest hope is that, sooner rather than later, Georgia will regain our lost territories, and my parents will have the chance to return to our homeland while they are still alive. It’s my deepest dream to see them go back home and reclaim the place that holds so much of our family’s history and love.
"I invest time in understanding my employees' needs, challenges, and ambitions, which helps create a productive environment where people feel valued and supported. This nurturing and empathetic approach, which I think reflects a more feminine leadership style, brings something unique to the table. It's about balancing empathy with strategy, and I believe this balance allows our organization to thrive in ways that might be different from more traditional, male-dominated leadership styles".
Tamuna Kovziridze
CELA'14, Georgia
What made you break through the barriers when you transitioned to the corporate world?
In the corporate world, I started as a consultant at a computer company, selling equipment and learning accounting. Then, I transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry, where I spent seven years and earned an MBA in finance. That education allowed me to rise to the position of financial director. After that, I shifted to the distribution business.
I started working for one of Georgia’s top distribution companies, which was the local distributor for P&G. However, shortly after I joined, the company encountered serious challenges with the government. Over the course of a year, we faced tremendous difficulties—ranging from an investigation by the finance police to the devastating loss of a warehouse full of inventory due to a fire. Although we managed to navigate through these crises, the business became unsustainable, and ultimately, the company had to close.
P&G then brought in Diplomat to manage their business in Georgia and, as part of the transition, they offered jobs to all employees from the previous distributor, including me. The funniest thing is that , today, being CEO of Diplomat Georgia, back in the beginning, I didn’t want to join them. Having been on the front line of the fighting for the previous company for nearly a year, I was, on the one hand, exhausted and, on the other, mistakenly thinking Diplomat was connected to government interests and being angry with the government, I didn’t want to join. They were continuously reaching out for more than a month, but stupid and stubborn me without even once meeting the people, I kept refusing their offers.
Eventually, P&G set up a meeting with me, but when I arrived, I met the CEO of Diplomat instead. From that first meeting, I was struck by his professionalism, business wisdom, and, later, his values. Looking back, I’m so grateful that fortune kept pushing, and I didn't miss the opportunity to work with Diplomat, where I continue to be happy to this day.
For the first eight years at Diplomat Georgia, I served as CFO, and for the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of leading the company as CEO. While I’m proud of our strong financial results—being ranked among the top 40 companies in Georgia—what truly brings me the most pride is our organizational culture. Today, we employ over 800 people, and creating a stable, healthy, and corruption-free environment (which, unfortunately, is a significant challenge in post-Soviet countries), has been one of my greatest achievements. Along with maintaining the highest operational standards—Diplomat’s operational quality is the best in our industry—what matters even more is our commitment to high ethical standards. This is essential in raising a unified, professional, and supportive workplace, something I deeply value and am incredibly proud of.
Tamuna, the atmosphere in your company is so unique. I want to know how much of that is you. Did you intentionally set out to create this, or did it evolve naturally as a result of your leadership style?
I’ll be honest—yes, a lot of it is me. The company’s strong foundation of values was the major enabler, but the atmosphere we’ve built here also heavily depends on local leadership. I’ve played a significant role in creating this environment by not compromising values for short-term solutions or personal benefits. Having the courage and will to implement organizational changes, even difficult ones, has been crucial. Making transformational changes is never easy, and it was not easy - we faced many hardships in a way. Today, however, I can proudly say that Diplomat Georgia is one of the strongest and healthiest companies in Georgia—financially and, more importantly, organizationally.
But as a woman in leadership, especially in such a male-dominated space, how much of your style is influenced by your unique perspective? Do you think being a female leader adds something different to the mix?
Absolutely. I think being a woman adds a different dimension to leadership. Many employees have told me that my genuine care for them is what sets me apart. I believe that this sense of care, combined with fairness, is what distinguishes my leadership style. I invest time in understanding my employees' needs, challenges, and ambitions, which helps create a productive environment where people feel valued and supported. This nurturing and empathetic approach, which I think reflects a more feminine leadership style, brings something unique to the table. It's about balancing empathy with strategy, and I believe this balance allows our organization to thrive in ways that might be different from more traditional, male-dominated leadership styles.
In the corporate world, I started as a consultant at a computer company, selling equipment and learning accounting. Then, I transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry, where I spent seven years and earned an MBA in finance. That education allowed me to rise to the position of financial director. After that, I shifted to the distribution business.
I started working for one of Georgia’s top distribution companies, which was the local distributor for P&G. However, shortly after I joined, the company encountered serious challenges with the government. Over the course of a year, we faced tremendous difficulties—ranging from an investigation by the finance police to the devastating loss of a warehouse full of inventory due to a fire. Although we managed to navigate through these crises, the business became unsustainable, and ultimately, the company had to close.
P&G then brought in Diplomat to manage their business in Georgia and, as part of the transition, they offered jobs to all employees from the previous distributor, including me. The funniest thing is that , today, being CEO of Diplomat Georgia, back in the beginning, I didn’t want to join them. Having been on the front line of the fighting for the previous company for nearly a year, I was, on the one hand, exhausted and, on the other, mistakenly thinking Diplomat was connected to government interests and being angry with the government, I didn’t want to join. They were continuously reaching out for more than a month, but stupid and stubborn me without even once meeting the people, I kept refusing their offers.
Eventually, P&G set up a meeting with me, but when I arrived, I met the CEO of Diplomat instead. From that first meeting, I was struck by his professionalism, business wisdom, and, later, his values. Looking back, I’m so grateful that fortune kept pushing, and I didn't miss the opportunity to work with Diplomat, where I continue to be happy to this day.
For the first eight years at Diplomat Georgia, I served as CFO, and for the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of leading the company as CEO. While I’m proud of our strong financial results—being ranked among the top 40 companies in Georgia—what truly brings me the most pride is our organizational culture. Today, we employ over 800 people, and creating a stable, healthy, and corruption-free environment (which, unfortunately, is a significant challenge in post-Soviet countries), has been one of my greatest achievements. Along with maintaining the highest operational standards—Diplomat’s operational quality is the best in our industry—what matters even more is our commitment to high ethical standards. This is essential in raising a unified, professional, and supportive workplace, something I deeply value and am incredibly proud of.
Tamuna, the atmosphere in your company is so unique. I want to know how much of that is you. Did you intentionally set out to create this, or did it evolve naturally as a result of your leadership style?
I’ll be honest—yes, a lot of it is me. The company’s strong foundation of values was the major enabler, but the atmosphere we’ve built here also heavily depends on local leadership. I’ve played a significant role in creating this environment by not compromising values for short-term solutions or personal benefits. Having the courage and will to implement organizational changes, even difficult ones, has been crucial. Making transformational changes is never easy, and it was not easy - we faced many hardships in a way. Today, however, I can proudly say that Diplomat Georgia is one of the strongest and healthiest companies in Georgia—financially and, more importantly, organizationally.
But as a woman in leadership, especially in such a male-dominated space, how much of your style is influenced by your unique perspective? Do you think being a female leader adds something different to the mix?
Absolutely. I think being a woman adds a different dimension to leadership. Many employees have told me that my genuine care for them is what sets me apart. I believe that this sense of care, combined with fairness, is what distinguishes my leadership style. I invest time in understanding my employees' needs, challenges, and ambitions, which helps create a productive environment where people feel valued and supported. This nurturing and empathetic approach, which I think reflects a more feminine leadership style, brings something unique to the table. It's about balancing empathy with strategy, and I believe this balance allows our organization to thrive in ways that might be different from more traditional, male-dominated leadership styles.
Let’s talk about family for a moment. What does family mean to you, and how has your journey shaped your view of family?
Family is a complex topic for me. I started my own family in 1999, and in 2001, my first daughter was born. She arrived prematurely at 30 weeks, weighing just one and a half kilograms. We were extremely worried about her health—she spent a month in an incubator, and afterward, we constantly feared whether she would be able to see, hear, or walk or if her brain would develop properly. Thankfully, she grew up to be a healthy and intelligent girl; BTW, this year, she graduated in the U.S. with a psychology major and plans to pursue a PhD in the same field.
In 2006, we welcomed our second child, a boy. His arrival brought joy and a new dynamic to our family,
but still in 2012, after 13 years of marriage, my husband and I divorced. On top of the marriage, we had been good friends and tried hard to keep the family together, but it didn’t work, and eventually, we split. The divorce was a painful and difficult experience for me, and it took a long time to recover. Around the same time, my daughter entered a challenging teenage phase, and I felt lost, unsure of how to handle everything. What helped us was therapy.
When I realized we were heading toward divorce, I started taking my children to therapy and was visiting the therapist myself, thinking it was primarily to help children cope. However, I later learned that managing ourselves is the first and most crucial step. When mentally strong, we are far more effective in helping others. It’s like the safety instructions on airplanes: they tell you to put on your oxygen mask before assisting others— firstly, YOU need to be mentally strong and healthy to support your children and those around you.
What advice would you give to women going through similar struggles?
First, I’d tell them to get to know themselves well and never compromise their happiness. There was a time when I believed that, no matter how I felt in the relationship, I would never break up the family for the sake of our children. And I never did, endured things that should not have been endured. Finally, it was my husband who made that decision. Looking back, I’m now so thankful to him, because my perspective has completely changed. Don’t stay in an unhappy relationship for the sake of your children—living in an unhealthy family environment not only makes both parents miserable but harms the children much more than going through a divorce, especially if the parents can maintain a normal relationship afterward. It might be hard, but in the end, it benefits both you and your children much more. And don’t be afraid to seek help. Talking to a good therapist or coach can give you a new perspective and help you find solutions that once seemed impossible.
What do you think is the most important life lesson you've passed on to your kids?
One of the most important lessons I’ve passed on is the value of taking responsibility and independence. Facing serious challenges at 17 shaped my own personal development. Today, our kids don’t face the same hardships as food or electricity shortages—they live in warm homes and have almost everything they need. Yet, we often overprotect them, plan their lives, or solve their challenges for them, not allowing them to manage difficulties on their own. I’ve learned that this limits their ability to take responsibility and become independent. If we plan everything and solve all their problems during childhood, they’ll struggle to take responsibility for their lives as adults.
Equally important is the lesson of staying authentic to themselves. In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to meet others’ expectations or conform to what society defines as success. But I’ve taught my children that real fulfillment comes from living in alignment with their values, passions, and inner truth. Being authentic means having the courage to be who you truly are, even if it doesn’t always fit in with what others think you should be. By embracing their true selves, they will find confidence, purpose, and resilience, which are vital not just for success, but for long-term happiness.
It sounds like you’ve reflected a lot. Do you ever feel like you went through so much hardship growing up, and now your children have it easy by comparison?
I used to feel that way, but I don’t feel and don’t say it out loud anymore. I’ve stopped telling my children they don’t appreciate what they have because I’ve realized that their challenges are just different. We didn’t have the time or luxury to worry about mental health because we were in survival mode—just focusing on finding food, staying warm, and making it through the day. In a way, that was easier than dealing with the existential issues they face now. Today, more and more young people struggle with mental health issues, anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide. It’s heartbreaking, and navigating these emotional challenges is often much more complicated than finding bread for the day. You can feed yourself and be happy, but existential questions and emotional turmoil are far more difficult. The deeper and more emotional the child is, the harder it is for them in today’s world. So, here as well, We Need to Learn How to support our children in this very challenging time.
And what advice would you give to parents struggling to help their teens through this?
I would share with parents things I’ve learned the hard way. The key is to build a friendship with their children and to stop imposing unrealistic expectations, especially perfectionism. The most important thing is for our kids to be happy. If they don’t get the highest grades, that’s okay. As long as they are emotionally balanced, they’ll find their way. Emotional well-being is the key, and I’ve seen this with both of my children. My advice is to trust your kids and give them the space to grow—don’t plan everything for them. Let them take responsibility for their own development, and they’ll be better equipped to handle their own lives and futures.
Family is a complex topic for me. I started my own family in 1999, and in 2001, my first daughter was born. She arrived prematurely at 30 weeks, weighing just one and a half kilograms. We were extremely worried about her health—she spent a month in an incubator, and afterward, we constantly feared whether she would be able to see, hear, or walk or if her brain would develop properly. Thankfully, she grew up to be a healthy and intelligent girl; BTW, this year, she graduated in the U.S. with a psychology major and plans to pursue a PhD in the same field.
In 2006, we welcomed our second child, a boy. His arrival brought joy and a new dynamic to our family,
but still in 2012, after 13 years of marriage, my husband and I divorced. On top of the marriage, we had been good friends and tried hard to keep the family together, but it didn’t work, and eventually, we split. The divorce was a painful and difficult experience for me, and it took a long time to recover. Around the same time, my daughter entered a challenging teenage phase, and I felt lost, unsure of how to handle everything. What helped us was therapy.
When I realized we were heading toward divorce, I started taking my children to therapy and was visiting the therapist myself, thinking it was primarily to help children cope. However, I later learned that managing ourselves is the first and most crucial step. When mentally strong, we are far more effective in helping others. It’s like the safety instructions on airplanes: they tell you to put on your oxygen mask before assisting others— firstly, YOU need to be mentally strong and healthy to support your children and those around you.
What advice would you give to women going through similar struggles?
First, I’d tell them to get to know themselves well and never compromise their happiness. There was a time when I believed that, no matter how I felt in the relationship, I would never break up the family for the sake of our children. And I never did, endured things that should not have been endured. Finally, it was my husband who made that decision. Looking back, I’m now so thankful to him, because my perspective has completely changed. Don’t stay in an unhappy relationship for the sake of your children—living in an unhealthy family environment not only makes both parents miserable but harms the children much more than going through a divorce, especially if the parents can maintain a normal relationship afterward. It might be hard, but in the end, it benefits both you and your children much more. And don’t be afraid to seek help. Talking to a good therapist or coach can give you a new perspective and help you find solutions that once seemed impossible.
What do you think is the most important life lesson you've passed on to your kids?
One of the most important lessons I’ve passed on is the value of taking responsibility and independence. Facing serious challenges at 17 shaped my own personal development. Today, our kids don’t face the same hardships as food or electricity shortages—they live in warm homes and have almost everything they need. Yet, we often overprotect them, plan their lives, or solve their challenges for them, not allowing them to manage difficulties on their own. I’ve learned that this limits their ability to take responsibility and become independent. If we plan everything and solve all their problems during childhood, they’ll struggle to take responsibility for their lives as adults.
Equally important is the lesson of staying authentic to themselves. In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to meet others’ expectations or conform to what society defines as success. But I’ve taught my children that real fulfillment comes from living in alignment with their values, passions, and inner truth. Being authentic means having the courage to be who you truly are, even if it doesn’t always fit in with what others think you should be. By embracing their true selves, they will find confidence, purpose, and resilience, which are vital not just for success, but for long-term happiness.
It sounds like you’ve reflected a lot. Do you ever feel like you went through so much hardship growing up, and now your children have it easy by comparison?
I used to feel that way, but I don’t feel and don’t say it out loud anymore. I’ve stopped telling my children they don’t appreciate what they have because I’ve realized that their challenges are just different. We didn’t have the time or luxury to worry about mental health because we were in survival mode—just focusing on finding food, staying warm, and making it through the day. In a way, that was easier than dealing with the existential issues they face now. Today, more and more young people struggle with mental health issues, anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide. It’s heartbreaking, and navigating these emotional challenges is often much more complicated than finding bread for the day. You can feed yourself and be happy, but existential questions and emotional turmoil are far more difficult. The deeper and more emotional the child is, the harder it is for them in today’s world. So, here as well, We Need to Learn How to support our children in this very challenging time.
And what advice would you give to parents struggling to help their teens through this?
I would share with parents things I’ve learned the hard way. The key is to build a friendship with their children and to stop imposing unrealistic expectations, especially perfectionism. The most important thing is for our kids to be happy. If they don’t get the highest grades, that’s okay. As long as they are emotionally balanced, they’ll find their way. Emotional well-being is the key, and I’ve seen this with both of my children. My advice is to trust your kids and give them the space to grow—don’t plan everything for them. Let them take responsibility for their own development, and they’ll be better equipped to handle their own lives and futures.
"I don’t carry bitterness, even toward those who may have hurt me. Bitterness only harms the person holding onto it. I’ve learned to let go of it and focus on the positive aspects of life and the opportunities ahead. I don’t harbor hate toward anyone—in fact, I’m driven by love and empathy for others, and I’m deeply thankful for this ability".
Tamuna Kovziridze
CELA'14, Georgia
Tamuna, you’ve done so much to develop yourself as a leader, especially through CELA and other programs. Tell me, how did CELA and those experiences transform you, and what did you take away from them?
Due to the war and the struggles I went through, my emotional development was significantly supressed. I became a person driven solely by responsibility, navigating life according to rules and shutting down my emotions, with little understanding of others’ emotions. Therapy was the first step in opening my awareness of how the emotional side of human beings works. However, the biggest turning point came during Michael Kouley’s four-day Leadership Simulation in December 2015, followed by CELA Academy in August 2018.
Michael’s method, which focuses on four pillars—' Understand Yourself,' 'Understand Others,' 'Understand the System,' and 'Understand Authority'—had a lasting impact on me. The ‘Understand Yourself’ and ‘Understand Others’ pillars were especially eye-opening. They introduced me to a whole new world of emotional awareness, helping me understand how emotions drive people's behavior. Through this process, I could understand myself better and release a heavy sense of guilt I had been carrying for the wrong reasons.
Since then, I’ve been continuously developing myself in this area, and I’m now a completely different person emotionally. This growth has not only improved the quality of my life but also positively impacted those around me. I am deeply grateful to both CELA and Michael for their role in this journey, which has also shaped me into the leader I am today.
After everything you’ve been through—the war, being displaced—did you ever feel any bitterness?
No, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful. I don’t carry bitterness, even toward those who may have hurt me. Bitterness only harms the person holding onto it. I’ve learned to let go of it and focus on the positive aspects of life and the opportunities ahead. I don’t harbor hate toward anyone—in fact, I’m driven by love and empathy for others, and I’m deeply thankful for this ability.
Of course, there are things I hate. Globally, at the top of that list are politics and politicians who drag countries into war. In this century, we should be able to resolve conflicts and interests peacefully—war is the worst thing that can happen to anyone. The second thing I hate is corruption from the corporate perspective—not just in business but mainly in the government sector. It destroys every system and the people it touches, rotting them from within and causing regression instead of progress, along with many other wrongdoings. That is why I’m so proud of my company’s strong ethical values, which stand as a foundation for true progress. And I truly hope that by having more companies and individuals with such high ethical values, we can help my country flourish.
That’s such a powerful mindset. With all you’ve been through, especially as an IDP, do you feel like those experiences made you more resilient?
Yes, those experiences definitely built resilience in me. Each challenge I faced made me stronger, though I’ll be honest, I don’t love the saying, ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ I don’t want to keep getting stronger through hardship! But the reality is, those challenges—war, raising a premature baby, divorce—were existential, and each of them shaped me into who I am today.
And what keeps you moving forward? What excites you about the future?
The future is always an open book for me, filled with endless possibilities. I have so many plans and ideas, and I’m eager to see them come to life. I want to continue growing, learning, and exploring new opportunities. But beyond that, I feel a strong desire to share my experiences and insights with others, especially those facing similar challenges. I believe that to reach our purpose of happiness truly, we must first have the courage to confront our own challenges and find peace within ourselves, and only then can we build healthy relationships with others—especially with our loved ones. It’s important for me to stay true to my values and keep moving forward, no matter what challenges come my way. Each day brings new possibilities, and I’m ready for them.
Due to the war and the struggles I went through, my emotional development was significantly supressed. I became a person driven solely by responsibility, navigating life according to rules and shutting down my emotions, with little understanding of others’ emotions. Therapy was the first step in opening my awareness of how the emotional side of human beings works. However, the biggest turning point came during Michael Kouley’s four-day Leadership Simulation in December 2015, followed by CELA Academy in August 2018.
Michael’s method, which focuses on four pillars—' Understand Yourself,' 'Understand Others,' 'Understand the System,' and 'Understand Authority'—had a lasting impact on me. The ‘Understand Yourself’ and ‘Understand Others’ pillars were especially eye-opening. They introduced me to a whole new world of emotional awareness, helping me understand how emotions drive people's behavior. Through this process, I could understand myself better and release a heavy sense of guilt I had been carrying for the wrong reasons.
Since then, I’ve been continuously developing myself in this area, and I’m now a completely different person emotionally. This growth has not only improved the quality of my life but also positively impacted those around me. I am deeply grateful to both CELA and Michael for their role in this journey, which has also shaped me into the leader I am today.
After everything you’ve been through—the war, being displaced—did you ever feel any bitterness?
No, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful. I don’t carry bitterness, even toward those who may have hurt me. Bitterness only harms the person holding onto it. I’ve learned to let go of it and focus on the positive aspects of life and the opportunities ahead. I don’t harbor hate toward anyone—in fact, I’m driven by love and empathy for others, and I’m deeply thankful for this ability.
Of course, there are things I hate. Globally, at the top of that list are politics and politicians who drag countries into war. In this century, we should be able to resolve conflicts and interests peacefully—war is the worst thing that can happen to anyone. The second thing I hate is corruption from the corporate perspective—not just in business but mainly in the government sector. It destroys every system and the people it touches, rotting them from within and causing regression instead of progress, along with many other wrongdoings. That is why I’m so proud of my company’s strong ethical values, which stand as a foundation for true progress. And I truly hope that by having more companies and individuals with such high ethical values, we can help my country flourish.
That’s such a powerful mindset. With all you’ve been through, especially as an IDP, do you feel like those experiences made you more resilient?
Yes, those experiences definitely built resilience in me. Each challenge I faced made me stronger, though I’ll be honest, I don’t love the saying, ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ I don’t want to keep getting stronger through hardship! But the reality is, those challenges—war, raising a premature baby, divorce—were existential, and each of them shaped me into who I am today.
And what keeps you moving forward? What excites you about the future?
The future is always an open book for me, filled with endless possibilities. I have so many plans and ideas, and I’m eager to see them come to life. I want to continue growing, learning, and exploring new opportunities. But beyond that, I feel a strong desire to share my experiences and insights with others, especially those facing similar challenges. I believe that to reach our purpose of happiness truly, we must first have the courage to confront our own challenges and find peace within ourselves, and only then can we build healthy relationships with others—especially with our loved ones. It’s important for me to stay true to my values and keep moving forward, no matter what challenges come my way. Each day brings new possibilities, and I’m ready for them.