The Invisible Power of Improvement: Natalia Pushkareva and Her Kaizen Journey
In modern business, a culture of continuous improvement is becoming a key element of success. But what is behind these changes? Often, it is the enthusiasm and perseverance of individual employees who are not afraid to introduce innovations. The story of Natalia Pushkareva, the head of the HR department, who went from inspector to manager, is a vivid example of how personal initiative can change work processes for the better. Natalia Pushkareva became one of the leaders who submitted the most Kaizen ideas in the 3rd quarter of 2025. Her path to the world of process optimization began even before she received a management position.
Natalia’s greatest pride remains her first Kaizen idea, related to the automation of work with timesheets. However, the path from idea to its implementation turned out to be difficult. But the result was worth it: the process has become much simpler.
Having received a management position, Natalia was able not only to implement her own ideas faster, but also to help her colleagues. She believes that one of the key ways to motivate a team is to delegate authority: “You need to give employees the opportunity to solve problems on their own. Then they will see what can be improved.” Working on the implementation of change often resembles diplomacy. Natalia admits that she sometimes encounters resistance.
Not all ideas are easy to implement. Natalia recalls a case when her colleague’s idea could not be implemented for a long time: “There were difficulties with coordination, other departments did not see the need for changes. But we did not give up. Sometimes it is morally difficult, especially when a colleague is already ready to abandon the idea. But when you have already put in so much effort, you do not want to give up.”
What advice does Natalia give to those who hesitate?
“Make a decision and take a risk,” she laughs. According to her, people often do not submit ideas because of the fear that the manager will not support or the idea will not be accepted.
Even in the most difficult moments, Natalia finds the strength to continue working. “On the first day of the war, we did not know what to do. But I remember: we had to close the timesheets so that people would get paid. It was a big responsibility.”
Natalia does not look for inspiration far away — it is in the work itself. “I like tasks where you have to express an expert opinion. When someone offers an idea, and you can explain why it is suitable or not.”
Natalia Pushkareva’s story is a reminder that innovations are often hidden in everyday processes, and real changes begin with people who are not afraid to improve the surrounding space.