Episode 57: She’s Next with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva and Cristina Doros in She’s Next Podcast by Andrew Wrobel

Reinvention is the New Stability: Why Women Must Lead the Change

In this episode, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva joins the “She’s Next” series to reflect on her upbringing in post-Soviet Kazakhstan, the deep personal roots of her reinvention philosophy, and the urgent need for adaptability in today’s volatile economy. Speaking with longtime friend Kristina Doros and host Andrew Robl, Nadya explores why change is no longer optional—and how women across Central Asia and Eastern Europe can (and must) lead the reinvention movement.

This powerful conversation blends data, personal history, and practical insights for navigating entrepreneurship, motherhood, cultural tradition, and ambition—all in a world that no longer waits for anyone to catch up.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn why the average business model lifespan has dropped from 75 to just 6 years—and what that means for how you run your company. Dr. Nadya unpacks the hidden advantage of growing up in turbulent environments, explains the importance of stress biology for entrepreneurs, and explores how women can shift from self-doubt to shared empowerment.

You’ll also hear how Central Asia’s entrepreneurial energy—and deep cultural resilience—can help the region become a reinvention leader globally.

Who This Is For

• Women entrepreneurs navigating growth, tradition, and family
• Corporate leaders and founders seeking resilient business models
• Changemakers in emerging economies
• Educators, coaches, and mentors supporting women in business
• Anyone trying to lead during economic and cultural disruption

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Why Reinvention Is a Literacy, Not a Luxury

We’ve entered a world where the average business model lasts just 6 years—or less. Reinvention is no longer a one-time fix during a crisis. It’s a lifelong skill, like financial literacy or digital fluency. Dr. Nadya breaks down why reinvention must be embedded in how we think, lead, and build.

2. How Women Can Lead Without Competing

Women’s power isn’t in mimicking men—it’s in our difference. From managing households to shaping culture, women are born multi-stakeholder thinkers. Nadya and Kristina explore how “soft power” and community-based leadership are the keys to thriving—not just surviving—in today’s business world.

3. Why Your Biology Matters More Than Your To-Do List

You can’t out-plan your nervous system. Nadya explains how the stress response hijacks productivity and how the “90-second rule” can change the way you parent, lead, and recover from disruption. Reinvention starts by managing your body, not just your calendar.

Resources Mentioned

• Reinvention Academy – Learn the skills of reinvention
• Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook – Dr. Nadya’s bestselling book on building a reinvention-ready business
• She’s Next Community Platform – Empowered by Visa, for women in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
• Research on the lifespan of business models - available in the Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook