Who we are
The Future Farm is a global organisation and community dedicated to healthier entrepreneurship
Born out of the experience of its founders building, supporting and investing in businesses over the last decade, The Future Farm is building a new paradigm and movement for healthier entrepreneurship. The 2.0 model: with mental, emotional and psychological health and wellbeing of entrepreneurs and leaders at its core.
One of the most obvious but hugely underserved needs that we have observed is the lack of support targeted towards individual entrepreneurs and leaders, particularly in support of their emotional and mental health. It’s a topic rarely talked about and even less so addressed.
We have joined forces to help normalise the often uncomfortable and tabooed conversation.
The Future Farm was founded by a diverse group of entrepreneurs and coaches committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all entrepreneurs and leaders across industries, geographies, genders, and of all levels of expertise. We come together to talk, share and explore ways to rediscover the joy that comes from building businesses, while not losing your sense of self.
Team
Vladimira Briestenska
Founder and CEO
Entrepreneur, thought leader, coach. After many years working closely with entrepreneurs and leaders globally, Vladimira co-founded The Future Farm, to bring more emotional resilience and vulnerability into the world of entrepreneurs. She is also committed to helping address global poverty and equalities. Vladimira co-founded a venture-building and investment studio in Pakistan scaling business with strong social impact. She enjoys Burning man, Esther Perel and hiking. Vladimira is a board member for number of global ventures and frequent speaker on topics related to founders health, inclusive cultures and diversity, and entrepreneurship.
Nektarios Liolios
Founder and Ecosystem
Ecosystem builder, Innovator & Sense maker. Over the last 10 years, Nektarios has worked closely with hundreds of entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses. He co-founded Startupbootcamp FinTech to address the relationship between corporates, startups and investors on a global scale. He also co-founded Rainmaking Innovation, the global cooperative of entrepreneurs and led SWIFT’s Innotribe Startup Challenge, the first global FinTech startup competition. Driven by entrepreneurship, collaboration and the desire to improve the lives of the people making a difference in this world, Nektarios is a global nomad, travel geek, and sneaker freaker.
Nadeem Shaikh
Founder and Chairman
Nadeem is a globally recognised voice in the Digital Financial Services industry as a business leader, innovator, venture capitalist, philanthropist and entrepreneur. Over the past decade, he has been at the heart of the “FinTech” revolution. He has held many senior executive roles globally including AMS, First Data, Veon and was the co-founder and CEO of Anthemis. Nadeem also gives his time to impact driven businesses and charities including Access Afya, Prospero World, and CARE Pakistan. He enjoys painting, sailing, yoga and discovering new cultures.
Mariela Atanassova
Curriculum and Programmes
Mariela is a “culture hacker”. She is an experienced curriculum and programmes designer and facilitator. Her expertise is at the intersection of industries, technology and co-creation. In this capacity Mariela works with innovators and thought leaders, VCs and startups - helping them rethink the way they work and collaborate, building highly effective adaptable teams. Alongside The Future Farm, Mariela is an advisor to other organisations and a research Affiliate at Cambridge University Centre for Alternative Finance.
Katherine Dvorkin
Partnerships and Community
Dedicated to helping others tell their stories, Katherine has a decade of experience in communications and brand reputation, specialising in media relations consultancy, content development and social media strategy. Alongside The Future Farm, Katherine works as an advisor to FinTech startups. Excited by new places and cultures, she is a keen traveller and avid reader.
Shehab Farrukh Niazi
Digital Marketing & Social Media
A business coach, trainer and content strategist, Shehab Farrukh Niazi believes in harnessing the power of the digital economy and helps small and medium businesses grow by utilizing digital economy. She has trained more than 2500 aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in 15+ cities of Pakistan on growing their online presence. Shehab started out as a freelancer and blogger and since then has led world’s leading publications like HELLO! and Grazia in Pakistan – spearheading their editorial and business divisions, building and growing their print and digital platforms. She is also the Co-founder of Startup Guide, Pakistan’s premier entrepreneurship magazine.
Maahnoor Zafar
Podcast Producer
Maahnoor is currently pursuing her Masters in Marketing at the University of Nottingham, aspiring to explore the vast arena of marketing, advertising, public relations, creating video content, and creative direction. She began creating videos and capturing pictures as a hobby, but six years later, it is no longer a hobby but something she hopes to bring about change with. Maahnoor enjoys writing short poems & volunteering at pet shelters in her spare time.
Pavla Lokajova
Originating Founder
Writer, journalist and storyteller, Pavla has always been interested in one thing – in telling the stories of our time. Not quite finding her fit in traditional newsrooms, she pioneered her way by building a couple of newspapers from scratch. In her last venture, employer branding platform for sales positions, she interviewed over 400 CEOs, leaders and teams and covered company culture in 300+ companies. She continues her work in the industry as a mom to twin boys, taking a deeper look into new ways to create businesses, media and the world of work.
