Featured Community Member, May 2022
The LenovoPRO Community is pleased to spotlight Assia B with AB Consulting as May's featured member. Assia has made thoughtful contributions to the community and always has something helpful to say. Read on to see why we are so thankful to have the fun, skilled and kind Assia B in the LenovoPRO Community.
About Assia & AB Consulting
After 9 years of experience in external audit at one of the big four where I managed several teams and customers in different sectors, and 2 years as a Regional Finance Manager in a medical company, I am currently launching my own small business as a Finance Consultant and Trainer. Since I have the right experience and am passionate about traveling, my long-term goal is to have an international small business that allows me to have different customers from different countries.
Day-to-day Operations
My day-to-day operations are always changing. It is mainly filled with client discussions where we talk about their needs, how we can find solutions, what they already have and what we need to prepare together for better financial success. Once settled, we begin work on the plan prepared and carry that out.
Q & A
How long have you been a part of LenovoPRO and what is your favorite Lenovo product?
I joined LenovoPRO as soon as I started to think about launching my own small business 7 months ago. It was the August 9th, 2021 (I cannot forget it as it is my late father’s birthday). My favorite Lenovo product is my dear X1 Carbon! And with the new generation, I am totally in!
How has using your Lenovo equipment helped you accomplish things in your personal or professional life?
I've been working in an audit firm for 9 years. We mainly used Dell or HP and they were okay. Thus, I used these two computer brands, and I knew that Apple was a kind of 'wow' brand. In 2016/17, our firm switched its laptops to Lenovo. I did not really know about Lenovo at that point. Yet, it had the reputation of being a good computer with a good price just not as known as the two first ones. How surprised I was when I discovered my new PRO laptop! My lenovo. It was smaller, purer and had much better performance than what I had used before. I adopted it quickly. And now that I'm launching my own business, I will not switch it for anything else. I need the best to treat, analyze and work on big data, prepare my analysis and presentations. My laptop was, is and will be Lenovo X1 Carbon 10th generation (for now) processor i7. 32GB RAM. Efficient, quick, beautiful and easy to use. It is 'my' laptop. My companion and co-worker on whom I can count.
What is one of the greatest professional successes you've experience thus far?
I was not meant to work as an auditor. I switched my specialty as soon as I discovered this world of external audit in a big and prestigious company. I worked hard, spent many nights working with my team and I did it with pleasure. I was trained and I trained myself. This was a huge opportunity that could have taken three times as long if I was with another company. My achievement is reaching the level of Senior Manager in the prestigious firm I've worked in. I worked for it, I deserved it and I am proud of it. This has allowed me to now work for myself, help small businesses and give them financial advise.
What is one of the greatest professional challenges you've experience thus far?
To have reached the level of senior manager in a large audit firm. I worked hard for and I deserve it. I am proud. But it has been the greatest professional challenge I have ever experienced.
What was one piece of advice that you got along your business journey that helped you?
The greatest advise I have been given is to just start. If you think that it's a lot of work, that it's hard, or any other obstacles you can see - just start and all the obstacles will disappear and work themselves out.
What is one piece of advice you would give others?
My advice according to my own experience would be the following:
- Do not hesitate to work hard for yourself and on yourself. You are your best investment.
- Keep growing your network - with small profiles as well - as they may grow and will remember how you treated them.
- Also, keep a strong relationship with your parents, family and friends. They are as important as your work (if not more); plan meetings/calls with them if necessary. Indeed, they should be a priority in your to-do list
Connect with Assia B & AB Consulting
Thank you for being such a valued part of the community, Assia and congratulations on being May's Feature Community Member!