Adil Doshaev says that believing in oneself and striving for more help to overcome obstacles.

Adil Doshaev has worked in the oil and gas sector for more than 15 years. He worked in large companies, held responsible positions and led major projects, but hit a glass ceiling at some point and decided to leave the industry in order to grow further. His story inspires believing in yourself.

Thirst for new challenges leads to dreams

F: Adil, tell us a little about yourself. What did you do in Kazakhstan?

- I was born in the small town of Aksai, in the West Kazakhstan region. In 2005 he graduated from Satbayev University majored in Development of Oil and Gas Fields. After that I immediately started my career as an engineer at the Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V.

Five years later, the thirst for new challenges led me to work in Astana at Eni. There I was engaged in capital projects at the Karachaganak field, designing a power plant near Uralsk and a gas processing plant at Karachaganak. I also managed social projects for the construction of several children's sports complexes in the villages of the Mangystau region. We had a great team, and we worked on many interesting projects.

My commitment to big dreams and the desire to be a part of something great brought me to the United States.

F: It probably wasn't easy…

- Yes, I faced a language barrier, adaptation to a new culture and huge competition. But every day I awakened a new strength and determination in myself. I studied the language, expanded my knowledge and skills. And my efforts were rewarded - I got a job at Wood Group, which specializes in engineering projects for many oil and gas companies, where I did the work almost from scratch.

F: How did you get into Tesla and what do you do there?

- Once in 2008, I read Forbes magazine, and it said that "The Best Time to Innovate is During Times of Crisis." So I enrolled in the MBA program at Texas A&M University.

- Then I submitted my CV to Tesla and SpaceX, - as told by our hero, continuing his story. - After some time, I was contacted by Tesla. The interview took place in three stages, and I was very interested in which department they would send me to. I thought I would go into engineering, but it so happened that I was sent to supply chain management. The fact is that I had a huge experience in managing capital projects and I really enjoyed conducting price negotiations.

In Tesla, there are no mistakes, only lessons

- I joined Tesla as a global supply manager, - Adil Doshaev said. - For two years there I was engaged in the purchase of equipment for production lines for the manufacture of car batteries and electric drives. And literally since September 2022, I have been managing the supply chain for the returnable packaging of automotive components.

F: How is the work in the company arranged?

- I like Tesla for its corporate environment and lack of bureaucracy. It is a company with no hierarchy and people are very friendly without behind-the-scenes games – there is simply no time for this. I believe in Tesla's mission to accelerate the planet's transition to sustainable energy. Tesla is focused not only on the production of electric vehicles, but also on the assembly and installation of solar power systems, the production of charging stations. My work at Tesla is an integral part of achieving the company's goals. Creativity, innovation and the desire to achieve high results are valued here.

- Here I have the pleasure of working in a multinational team where people from different cultural and professional backgrounds come together to create innovative products. This gives us the opportunity to exchange ideas and bring diversity to our work. For example, all the guys in our team are from different countries and cultures, we learn from each other, help and develop our negotiation skills. We create a friendly atmosphere together, where everyone feels like a valuable member of the team. I have worked with outstanding people in the company. And, very importantly, in Tesla there are no mistakes, only lessons. I am proud to be a part of such a unique company.

Challenges are a chance for growth

F: What helped you build a successful career at Tesla?

- I believe that important components of my success are my values, such as honesty, perseverance and the desire for growth. My grandfather was a great example of perseverance and growth for me, since at one time he was the only director of a state farm of Kazakh nationality in the Ural region and devoted his life to the development and construction of villages. My father is the main example of honesty for me, since in the late 1990s he managed privatization in Aksai and helped everyone to selflessly privatize housing.

F: How would you describe your life in Silicon Valley?

- There are a lot of talents, innovations and an insane passion for changing the world for the better. This is a place where new technologies are born, there are no borders and where dreams become reality. I have met a lot of guys from the CIS working in various professional fields here.

F: What advice would you like to give to the younger generation of Kazakhstanis?

- I would like to advise young Kazakhstanis to believe in themselves and their strengths at all costs, to try and not be afraid to fail. You should always get up and move on. Every challenge is a chance for growth. We must constantly strive for self-improvement and not forget that limitations exist only in our minds. And then you will see that dreams can become reality. Strive for more and never give up. All the possibilities you dream of are in you. You can achieve everything you want if you only believe in yourself and are not afraid to go forward, overcoming any obstacles!

A series of interviews with our compatriots who have achieved outstanding success abroad. Implemented jointly with Forbes Kazakhstan