“I am a woman that likes to have a lot of things going on”

She’s the Commercial and Operations Director of Talent at creative communications agency Patriksson Group, which has sites in Stockholm, Copenhagen, Paris and Oslo. She talks us through her work life.

EH: Who are you?

AS: I am a woman that likes to have a lot of things going on; I don’t mind having a busy everyday life filled with work and workouts – I spend my weekends with friends and family. My Russian roots have had a big impact on the woman that I am today. After having lived in both New York and Barcelona, I am back in my hometown of Stockholm.

EH: Tell us about your career and educational background. What were you up to before joining the Patriksson group?

AS: I have a degree in international buying, and I earned my second degree in New York within fashion, marketing and management. I have previously worked with sales and marketing for Armani and Kenzo, handling the Nordic Markets. After that, I worked at Aller Media within influencer marketing. I am a real skincare enthusiast, and I have had the chance to work as a brand manager for two skincare brands, handing all sales and PR, prior to being headhunted by Patriksson.

EH: What are you responsible for as Commercial and Operations Director of Talent at Patriksson Group?

AS: In my role, I am responsible for the business [side of things], which includes budgets, sales and strategic development. I have a great team of four that I lead and support. I love the mix of being closely involved in the day-to-day business as well as setting the long-term growth goals for the development of the talent agency.

Pictured: In Paris heading to a meeting in a Céline skirt and Filippa K blazer

EH: Tell us about a memorable experience in your career.

AS: I am proud that I have had the courage to move on from workplaces that I felt did not benefit my evolvement. It’s not always been easy nor comfortable, but I need to feel challenged at work and be able to grow.

EH: How did you know this was the right career path for you?

AS: I have always had a passion for sales, people and fashion. In my work today, I have the chance to work with amazing talents, as well as great clients. It’s a perfect mix of building brands, being creative with concepts and most of all, developing relationships. I love working with people!

EH: Who’s been the most inspiring person you’ve met while working in your role?

AS: The profiles we work with, I would say. I feel very humbled to be part of their journey and to build their brands forward. It’s thrilling and inspiring to watch them develop and succeed, and to be part of that, behind the scenes, striving to always take it one step further.

EH: What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?

AS: I have always tried to follow my passions, regardless of the company I worked for; this has been the red thread. I put in a lot of work and I believe that nothing should be taken for granted. It’s important to remind yourself why you are at the current place in your life – workwise and personally. Humility is something one should never lose track of. Work hard, play hard!

EH: Run me through you day – from the moment you wake up to lights out.

AS: 6.30am: Wake up. I try to do a workout or at least go for a morning walk prior to starting my workday. I check my emails to see if there is something urgent to attend to.

8am: Breakfast, coffee and emails.

9am: In the office or at the first meeting of the day.

12pm: Lunch with a client and if not, it’s usually a quick lunch by the desk

2pm: Afternoons are usually filled with client meetings or going over different creative proposals with the team.

Pictured: At a meeting during Paris Fashion Week

6pm: Leaving the office to walk home.

7:30: Dinner with my boyfriend, that he usually makes; he´s great in the kitchen. I try to go for dinner with a friend during the week as well, to make the most of the weekdays.

8:30pm: Either catching up on some work or watching a HBO or Netflix series. Currently waiting for season six of Peaky Blinders, and we’ve actually been rewatching Sopranos; it’s for sure one of the best.

11pm: Evening skincare routine, usually using my favorite products by La Mer and Oskia. I would never ever go to bed without cleansing my face and doing my routine – it’s sacred to me.

Pictured: Working from home in a Céline shirt

EH: What can we find on your desk?

AS: Due to Covid, it’s been a year of working a lot from home, with some days in the office. I always have a lot of water on my desk, coffee, my daily planner (yes, I’m old school with an actual paper and pen), computer, phone, face mist, hand cream and lip balm. [As for] lip balms, I do have to admit there’s a bit of an obsession there.

EH: What do you look most forward to on a daily basis?

AS: Every day is a chance to do and create more. I am always growing and learning. I look forward to seeing my team, my talents and clients.

EH: How’s your work commute?

AS: I am based in our beautiful office in Stockholm and I walk there from home. It’s about 30 minutes away, and it allows me to focus on my way to the office and to clear my head as I walk home. Prior to the pandemic, I was frequently in Copenhagen and Paris, meeting clients and of course our talent. Besides Stockholm, Patriksson have offices in Oslo, Copenhagen and Paris, and all of them are like a second home. We are like a Patriksson Family and I love that.

Pictured: Wearing her empowering Céline blazer

EH: What was the last work email you sent?

AS: My last work email was with a new talent that I am hoping to sign with, so fingers crossed!

EH: Who’s given you the most influential piece of advice in your career?

AS: I wish I could call New York a person. My years here really influenced me and taught me the value of hard work, and to not second-guess yourself and your commitment to what is really important to you.

EH: What’s your signature work look?

AS: I love a good blazer. Blazers and shirts are probably the cornerstones of my work wardrobe. I have a black blazer from Wardrobe NYC and a grey one from Totême; these literally elevate any style and put me in a business state of mind. A great bag and shoes are crucial as well, for getting into the best power mood.

During the pandemic, I wore a lot of yoga leggings while at home. My go-to [brands] are Filippa K Soft Sport and Lululemon – the best! I throw on a crisp shirt and I’m all good for a Zoom call.

Pictured: Enjoying Stockholm summer

EH: How about the most empowering piece in your wardrobe?

AS: I would say some of my old Céline pieces. I feel very much at ease yet powerful at the same time in these. It could be one of my favourite shirts from the brand, my go-to earrings, the perfect heel or blazer. These are gems in my wardrobe and I [get a sense of] how Phoebe Philo designed each piece for strong women. Oh, and my Chanel bag, a classic that never fails, regardless of the rest of my outfit or the type of meeting [I’m attending].

EH: What’s life like outside of work?

AS: I love to travel and that’s something I look forward to during the year. My boyfriend and I work a lot, so we really try to make the most of our free time and love to have a destination planned to look forward to. I have this connection with the sea – nothing calms or recharges me more. My free time is spent with family and friends, working out, never-ending dinners and long walks and talks.

E: What have you been up to today and what are you currently wearing?

AS: It’s Friday and I have just ended a zoom call with a client about a potential project during Copenhagen Fashion Week. I’ve been in the office today and now I’m finishing up the last of my emails prior to the weekend. It’s finally warm in Stockholm, so I’m wearing a knitted strapless top from Khaite and loose black pants with a pair of Chanel sandals, and a blazer [layered] over.