From homemade laptop to Azerbaijan’s first podcast 

Leila Aliyeva’s first ‘laptop’ was made out of a shoebox. Now she’s a hugely successful career woman, and founder and presenter of Azerbaijan’s first podcast.  

Leila Aliyeva’s career has been rooted in the corporate world since the age of 18, primarily in the hospitality industry. And yet she has still found the time for several entrepreneurial ventures, notably her podcast—Azerbaijan’s first—and blog side projects not directly tied to her corporate career.  

“I believe this dual experience—navigating corporate life while building personal projects can be particularly useful for those who might feel they must choose one path and commit to it exclusively. It’s important to show that combining both is not only possible but also enriching,” she says. 

Ever since she was small, Leila’s father had a habit of taking her to his office a couple of times a week.  

“He probably didn’t realise it back then, but it shaped who I am today,” she shares. “The office environment—seeing people busy, women in beautiful suits, and everyone working towards a common goal by simply doing their own jobs—fascinated me.” 

She even recreated his office at home. “My first ‘laptop’ was made out of a shoebox. I painted a desktop wallpaper on one half of the box and a keyboard on the other, added a few pens, scissors, and a notebook (stolen from my dad’s desk, of course)—and voilà, my office was ready. I would pick up our landline phone at home and say, ‘Leila’s Corporation: How may I assist you?’ I was only 10 years old but already had this whole vision in my head.” 

It starts with a business card 

One day, Leila’s dad came home with a pack of business cards he had printed. “They said ‘Leila’s Corporation’ on top, with a fake email and phone number. He told me, ‘A true business lady should have her own business cards.’ It makes such a difference when parents take a child’s dreams seriously. 

“Later, my grandfather bought me my first real laptop. That’s how I learned to type super quickly. Microsoft Word became my best friend as I wrote non-stop, even creating a family newspaper. It wasn’t as fun for them as it was for me, but it sparked my passion for writing and my fascination with the digital world.” 

Leila’s career in hospitality began with Four Seasons in Baku, during its pre-opening stage.  

“At the time, it was just one of many companies I’d sent my resume to, but little did I know it would change my life. Growing up, I was always drawn to storytelling, and hospitality is, in many ways, about telling stories—of places, people, and emotions.  

Working for one of the world’s most luxurious hotel brands for almost 11 years has been a rewarding journey, filled with challenges and growth. It’s where I discovered my love for hospitality and where I finally felt ‘this is it; I want to be stay and grow here’.” 

Leila defines her leadership style as empathetic yet results-driven. “I believe in leading by example, building trust, and creating a space where my team feels valued and empowered,” she says. “I’ve learned that leadership is about guiding people with a clear vision while understanding their individual motivations and needs. I try not to push my own goals or personal expectations on my team members.” 

Podcasting 

Alongside her successful career, Leila is proud that her podcast, Always Inspired, was not one of the first, but the first podcast in Azerbaijan.  

“I still remember registering it in 2019 and wondering, ‘Will anyone even listen to this? Well, if you don’t try, you’ll never know’.  

“Today, it’s listened to in over 120 countries and has a kind, supportive audience who often tell me how each episode inspired or helped them.” 

The inspiration, she says, came from her desire to connect more deeply with my Instagram audience.  

“I wanted a platform to share authentic stories, lessons, and insights, especially on topics that promote mental well-being. Starting the podcast and blog was my way of expressing myself beyond the corporate world and contributing to conversations that matter. It’s a reflection of my passion for creativity and my belief in the power of vulnerability.” 

Challenges 

When it comes to challenges faced by female entrepreneurs face today, Leila shares that one of the biggest is overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations.  

“Limited access to networks and mentorship opportunities is another hurdle,” she adds.  

“These challenges can be addressed by fostering communities where women support one another, share resources, and advocate for inclusivity. Mentorship programmes and showcasing female leaders can also make a significant difference.” 

Balancing corporate work and personal projects is also challenging, especially in hospitality—an industry that never sleeps, Leila says.  

“Time management is key, though I’ll admit, even after all these years, I’m still trying my best to master it. My corporate role has always been my priority due to my strong sense of responsibility. However, I try to set boundaries and dedicate specific slots to personal projects. I’ve also learned to embrace slowing down when needed. It’s not about being busy all the time; it’s about being intentional with your energy and focus.” 

Female entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan 

For women in business in Azerbaijan, the environment is evolving. There’s growing recognition of women’s leadership potential, but cultural barriers still exist.  

“During my collaboration with She’s Next: Empowered by Visa, some of the Azerbaijani female entrepreneurs shared stories of not being taken seriously in the beginning of their journey,” says Leila.  

“One guest even mentioned that clients often asked to speak to her ‘manager’, not considering that she was actually the owner. These experiences show that while progress is being made, there’s still work to do. Supporting and empowering one another is crucial. As the saying goes, ‘Women should help each other adjust their crowns’.” 

But there’s progress. “Social attitudes are shifting, especially as younger generations challenge stereotypes, which I absolutely love. However, as I said earlier, there’s still work to do.” 

If Leila could give one piece of advice to female entrepreneurs, it is this: Trust yourself.  

“The world often tells us to play small, but there’s power in owning your dreams and taking up space. Life rewards you for bold actions, not perfect plans.  

“It’s okay to feel fear or uncertainty—what matters is moving forward despite them. Remember, you are capable of more than you realise. The first step is believing in that truth.”