An accomplished project manager with a passion for entrepreneurship, public speaking, and economic development. Anisa holds an MBA and bachelor degree on Political science & International Relations.
She has specialized in Innovation Ecosystem & Entrepreneurship at Lund University, Sweden, being part of the Academy for Young Professionals.
Anisa’s academic journey is further enriched by foundational studies in International Policy & Diplomacy at the FCDO Diplomatic Academy in the UK.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Experience
Anisa’s career is extended into diverse sectors with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in Albania and the Western Balkans. Having worked across high-impact projects, she has gained a deep understanding of dynamic start-up ecosystems in the UK and Israel. These experiences have shaped her approach as an independent consultant, bringing global best practices to emerging markets like Western Balkan.
Her exposure to two leading start-up ecosystems—Israel, known as the “Start-up Nation,” and the UK—has been crucial in her efforts to strengthen Albania’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. In Israel, there is a culture of risk-taking and innovation in niche sectors while entrepreneurs are encouraged to pursue bold ideas despite uncertainties, supported by funding, mentorship, and access to global maarkets. The UK, on the other hand, provides a global business network, pro-business policies and access to international capital.
Independent Business Consultancy and Project Management
Anisa transitioned into independent consultancy to apply the first-hand experience and lessons to Albania’s emerging ecosystem. Her focus is on helping start-ups and organizations in Albania and the Western Balkans develop international strategies, adapt global best practices, and overcome local challenges such as limited funding, mentorship, and access to global markets.
The Albanian entrepreneurial ecosystem is still in its early stages but shows great potential. Local start-ups are creative and energetic, yet they face significant barriers. Anisa’s consultancy aims to bridge these gaps by helping them develop sustainable long-term strategies for growth.
Training in the Power of Presence and Pitching
Anisa emphasizes that effective communication is essential for successful project management and business consultancy. As a lecturer in Communication Skills in Business, she equips clients and entrepreneurs to articulate their ideas with clarity and confidence.
Her training not only benefits start-ups seeking funding but also supports project managers and consultants in conveying complex concepts to diverse stakeholders. Anisa guides clients in project presentations, enhancing collaboration and alignment, which facilitates smoother project execution. She empowers clients to build confidence in high-stakes situations, such as pitching to investors or presenting at conferences.
Lessons from international successful ecosystems
Anisa identifies four key strategies Albania could adopt:
Risk-taking and Innovation Culture
Israel’s culture of risk-taking is deeply ingrained in its entrepreneurial mindset. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to fail fast and learn quickly. For Albania, building a similar culture of experimentation and boldness, supported by seed funding and early-stage venture is essential for the ecosystem’s growth.
Global Market Access
The UK’s international business networks provide a model for Albania. By fostering global partnerships and encouraging start-ups to think beyond national borders, Albania can open new growth opportunities. Public-private collaboration is crucial to help local start-ups access global markets.
Diaspora Engagement
By involving the Albanian diaspora in ecosystem development, the country can tap into international networks for funding, mentorship, and market access, creating a more robust entrepreneurial environment.
Key Consultancy Insights
Throughout her consultancy journey, Anisa has worked with entrepreneurs from diverse industries, helping them grow in both domestic and international markets. She emphasizes three key insights from her experience:
Adapting Global Strategies to Local Needs
Global best practices must be tailored to fit local markets. Anisa ensures that while Albania can learn from successful ecosystems, the solutions must reflect the country’s unique needs.
The Importance of Relationships
Building strong relationships with investors, mentors, and stakeholders is critical for the success of start-ups. Anisa’s work focuses on creating valuable networks to connect Albanian start-ups with international resources.
Sustainability Over Short-Term Gain
Long-term sustainability is key to any ecosystem’s success. Anisa works with start-ups to develop scalable business models that can adapt to changing market conditions and maintain growth over time.
Vision for Albania’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Looking forward, Anisa is committed to helping Albania become a vibrant start-up hub in the Western Balkans. She believes the country has the potential to emulate the success of global start-up ecosystems by fostering collaboration across sectors, developing global connections, and promoting a culture of risk-taking and innovation.
By focusing on these areas, Albania can create a thriving entrepreneurial economy. Anisa is excited to be part of this journey, working with visionary entrepreneurs, businesses, and policymakers to transform the country into a regional leader in innovation and start-up success.