IB: How has your job affected your own finances?
TH: It definitely makes me a lot more in tune with what I do in my personal life and what I need to do to be on the beach and drinking margaritas by the age of 50.
IB: Are you a spender or a saver?
TH: I am striking a balance between what I would love to be, which is a spender, and what I need to be in this economy, which is a saver.
IB: What financial advice would you give to other young professionals?
TH: It’s very important to have a plan of where you are versus where you want to be and have a road map of how you want to get there. All too often, we take our money for granted, and we are focused on meeting here and now needs.”
IB: What about business advice?
TH: [Author] John Maxwell does a lot of business talks, and in one of the speeches I heard him say, “Focus and develop things that you do well.” And that’s what my biggest thing is: There are certain things that I am really, really great at and I love doing, and I want to spend my professional time focusing on those things because that’s how I’m going to be successful.
IB: What do you like about Cleveland?
TH: I love East Fourth Street. I think that whole district is just absolutely amazing, so much entertainment and great things do to. But I also love the museums.
IB: Is there a particular exhibit that you like?
TH: I always like when the Impressionists come to town at the Cleveland Museum of Art. It’s fun, and it’s really interesting to see.
IB: Is there a place in Cleveland that reminds you of Russia?
TH: It’s not the place. It’s the people. ...We have a lot in common, and that’s something that reminds me of my hometown.
IB: What do you miss the most from Russia?
TH: I miss the family. ... I realized that there’s something that your family gives you — this unconditional love and unconditional acceptance — that is just very rarely found elsewhere.
IB: Do you think you’ll be ever go back?
TH: I am hoping to. Maybe this year, maybe next year. It’s getting closer.