Olya Yakzhina

Olya Yakzhina has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and industries.

Olya currently holds the position of Head of People at Switchee since May 2021. In this role, they are responsible for managing the employee journey, including recruitment, onboarding, development, and retention. Olya also focuses on creating and maintaining a positive culture and implementing inclusive and diverse teams.

Additionally, Olya is a Co-Founder and Podcaster at The Modern Employer since September 2020. Olya explores HR and talent-related topics through podcasts and keeps up with current news.

Olya has also worked as an Advisor at CultureBot starting in November 2022. Olya is involved in providing guidance and advice on topics related to culture.

As a Co-Founder of Berkana USA since September 2013, Olya played a pivotal role in establishing the company in Miami, Florida.

Prior to their current roles, Olya worked as a Talent & Culture Coordinator at PassFort from March 2019 to May 2020, focusing on employee happiness and well-being. Olya also led various people projects during their time at the tech scale-up.

Olya has experience in the training and quality field from their role as a Training & Quality Manager at Quiqup from June 2018 to March 2019. Olya developed and improved departmental systems and procedures, evaluated training effectiveness, and managed employee coaching and performance improvement.

Olya also worked as a Learning & Development Coordinator at Quiqup from June 2017 to June 2018, where they conducted orientation sessions and organized on-the-job training for new hires.

Prior to that, Olya worked as a Customer Happiness Representative at Quiqup from June 2016 to June 2017, managing customer service and administrative tasks.

Before joining Quiqup, they worked as a Lettings Negotiator at CROWN RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS LIMITED, where they advertised client properties and guided clients through the renting process.

Olya's earlier experience includes working as a Personal Assistant to Director at UK EXPERT BUREAU LIMITED from September 2014 to May 2015, and as Hospitality staff at At Your Service Event Staffing from January 2015 to April 2015.

Overall, Olya Yakzhina has demonstrated a range of skills and experience in people management, podcasting, culture advising, and various other roles throughout their career.

Olya Yakzhina's education history starts in 2010 when they attended Sherbourne International College for a year, obtaining an IGCSE in Sciences General. From 2011 to 2013, they attended Royal Russell School, where they studied Biology, Math, Physics, and Chemistry, focusing on Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. In 2013, Olya enrolled at Regents University London, completing their Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology with a specialization in Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology in 2016. Afterward, in 2017, they pursued a Diploma in Transformational Coaching at the Animas Centre for Coaching, finishing in 2018.

Aside from their academic degrees, Olya Yakzhina has also obtained additional certifications. In 2019, they achieved a UK Employment Law Diploma from The CPD Certification Service. Furthermore, in 2022, they became a Certified 2.3 Chief Happiness Officer, completing the program at the Happiness Business School. Most recently, in 2023, Olya became a Mental Health First Aider, obtaining accreditation from MHFA England®.