Being Successful in Your Business & Personal Life: Interview with Tea Aduashvili

At first glance, it might seem difficult to be a mother of four, a wife, a daughter and at the same time, lead two companies that require no less attention than any member of the family. Let us introduce you then to a woman who successfully manages it all; devoting herself to both her initiatives and her family, which, she claims, is the main achievement of her life.

This strong woman is the Head of Georgian Audit Company GAC and co-founder of the Georgian Association of Women Auditors and Lawyers, Tea Aduashvili, who will undoubtedly become a motivator and source of inspiration for our readers.

“I co-founded the Georgian Association of Women Auditors and Lawyers with the aim of promoting female auditors and lawyers professionally, training and promoting girls and women with this profile living in the regions, and promoting these professions in general, by sharing our knowledge and experience with young people,” Tea tells GEORGIA TODAY. “I’m very supportive of women who develop into successful entrepreneurs on their own. My company's intellectual resources allow me to advise them on how to run an entrepreneurial business properly,” she says.

The Georgian Association of Women Auditors and Lawyers started out on its success story just this year, and has been able to gain impressive achievements even in this short period of time, with the mission and goals of the Association having become valuable and important to many professionals working in the field. Leading auditors and lawyers, as well as women whose activities are related to the field, have joined the Association, and, currently, the Association unites 55 members around the concept of enabling career and professional development opportunities. Cooperation with the Economic Governance Program is an important step in this direction. The Association is expected to start online sessions on economic reform and advocacy in the near future with the aim of raising women's awareness of economic reforms and encouraging their participation in the advocacy process, which will significantly increase the role of women in economic policy planning and implementation. We spoke to Tea to find out more.

HOW HAS THE ASSOCIATION DEVELOPED SINCE ITS INCEPTION AND WHAT WAS THE MAIN GOAL OF ITS ESTABLISHMENT?

I got married early, at 17, and began combining study and work. I worked in the civil service for years at the Ministry of Finance and Revenue Service, and moved into private business in 2005, first as a private accountant. I was soon promoted, and then headed a number of auditing companies. In 2010, my husband and I set up a business consulting company, but I really wanted to develop my business in another direction, and in 2012, with two female partners who had experience in tax and human resource management, I established the Georgian Audit Company GAC, where I’m Managing Partner and CEO. With so much competition, it wasn’t an easy path, but still we managed to merit people’s trust thanks to our attitude, sense of responsibility, hard work and dedication to our business, and I’d like to thank our employees for that.

WHAT SERVICES DOES THE COMPANY OFFER?

Our services include auditing activities (tax, financial); accounting services; human resource management; legal, tax and financial consulting; preparation of financial statements according to IFRS standard; support for entrepreneurs in disputes, and the Theoretical and Practical Center for Accounting Studies.

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE COMPANY'S PRIORITIES.

If you have the ambition to be the head of a successful and credible auditing company, you have to meet the growing demands of the community accordingly. This is why our company is one of the best audit companies in Georgia today. We serve up to 80 individuals and legal entities. Our main priority is to promote and protect our partner companies, be they physical or legal, for the proper functioning of business at the legislative level. In addition, we help young people to get an education based on our activities and during employment. We became a signatory of WEPS in 2020, and we are actively involved in many projects for the economic empowerment of women, with numerous projects planned for the future in the regions. I’m a member of a number of women's organizations, and a board member of the Women Entrepreneurs Council, with whom, in 2019, our company participated in a campaign in support of companies working in the field of tourism, which was covered by the First Channel of Georgia. We have helped many travel companies like this.

WHAT INITIATIVES AND PROJECTS DO YOU HAVE IN THE FACE OF THE PANDEMIC?

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on everyone and everything. Everyone who survived the disease has faced a psychological or financial crisis. From the very first day of the pandemic, I started to help, support and care for my family, staff and other people.

Until April 1, we offered free services to women entrepreneurs in terms of declaration, annual income (for individuals) and annual property declaration (for legal entities), which resulted in immediate results, and 23 women entrepreneurs responded. We served three individuals, one micro-entrepreneur, and 19 medium-sized entrepreneurs free of charge.

The pandemic is on-going, so key areas of business have stalled and are facing serious challenges. In mid-April, I wrote a post on social media about supporting small and medium-sized businesses. The idea was supported by women leaders who work in the service sector and run their own companies. We offer free consultation to businesses and a 50% discount on services, making a great force together that can provide significant support. We’re now working on a new project “Women for Business.”

HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO BE A SUCCESSFUL WOMAN AND AT THE SAME TIME A MOTHER?

I have a husband, four children and four grandchildren. It takes hard work and time for career advancement and success, and it can be difficult to combine it all, but I feel great support from my family. I want to thank everyone for that, especially my mother, who stands by me and cheers at every step I take. I also have an amazing son-in-law and daughter-in-law.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR LIFE, AND IS THIS WHAT YOU DREAMED OF AS A CHILD?

My main achievement is my family: the children who count on me and are proud of me. And, of course, my own company, which I raise and care for just like I do my children. In fact, it can be said that the company requires even more attention and effort. As a child, I wanted to be a successful woman, and since I was the only child in the family, I dreamed of having four children. I fulfilled this dream too. I’ve always wanted to help and support many people. I’m very grateful to God because I have the opportunity to do so.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE JUST STARTING OUT IN THEIR CAREERS?

Throughout my life, many women have stood by me. I always felt their support. I want to thank them. I also try to help young people, support them in their education and career advancement. People should fi ght for the realization of their dreams. It’s never too late. I would advise all young people not to be afraid of challenges, never to give up, and definitely to give wings to their dreams. This is very important for them and their families. We must all build our own country together.

FUTURE PLANS?

Our company continues to actively collaborate with projects supporting women’s economic empowerment and small and medium-sized businesses. We are hungry for more development and to offer much more employment. With regard to future plans, I aim at the annual growth, development and wide recognition of the company.