Akime, joined Expedia Group in January 2018, and currently works in our Prague, Czech Republic, office as a Senior Sourcing Analyst in the Global Procurement team.

A clear theme of why Akime values being a part of the Expedia Group family is how she feels so connected to travelers, and colleagues, across the globe. Working in a diverse environment in the Prague office allows Akime to thrive, and to make the most of each day in her role.

Read on to find out Akime’s experience of working in the Global Procurement team at EG Prague.

Akime Shagivaleeva, Senior Sourcing Analyst, Prague, Czech Republic

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What is a typical work day in your role like?

Honestly, no day is like another for me, and I love it! Normally in the morning, once I arrive at the office, I am greeted by my colleagues smiling at me and we go to grab a coffee together at one of our kitchens. Even this already makes my day. I would usually work on my projects and depending on the day have meetings over Zoom or in-person in one of our nicely decorated meeting rooms. I get a lot done in the day and at the same time, I have a lot of fun!

The best part of my role is that I get to help our business run on global level. I get to know the needs of our company and understand better how we operate on various levels. Additionally, I get to save money for Expedia Group, negotiating better deals! My main responsibilities include, but are not limited to, processing the contracting lifecycle for various engagements with external vendors.

Our team, Global Procurement, truly is global, operating from many locations around the world but we manage to stay very connected! This is a team of high professionals who deliver amazing results for our business and I am happy to have so many talented colleagues to learn from!

What do you most enjoy about working at Expedia Group?

I love working at Expedia Group and I believe what makes it truly great are our values, work-life balance, inclusion & diversity, and having great people who share those values.

I really appreciate that as part of my role at Expedia Group I contribute to making people happy every day, while they travel the world, discovering new places and being with their loved ones! And that’s why I feel connected to our mission: to power global travel for everyone, everywhere. I believe that travel makes you a better version of yourself, it opens your horizons, both geographical as well as mental ones. Travel makes us learn, discover, reflect, appreciate, and brings us all happiness to meet, to live, to be.

What makes Expedia Group unique? And why do you like the Prague office?

Definitely the culture, where else do you find a place full of people passionate about travel, coming from all over the world? Expedia Group has the most diverse, dynamic, and friendly atmosphere. I can’t even find enough words to express how much I appreciate and love it!

Expedia Group Prague is a melting pot of people from a variety of countries. Our office is beautifully decorated with meeting rooms dedicated to celebrating different countries and cultures. Our people are so welcoming and warm! We organize many activities to keep it vibrant, and I feel so happy to come here and work!

What has your career journey at EG been like so far?

Over the six years I have worked at Expedia Group I have changed three departments, have had three mentors (and I currently have one) and I am the lead of the social committee in the Prague office. Most of my career journey overall, and personal growth so far, has happened here, and I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had. I constantly learn new skills and am surrounded by talented people who I also learn from each day!

What work accomplishment are you most proud of?

It is difficult to choose just one, as over the years I can remember so many wins (process improvements, tool implementation, savings, etc.), but I would say I am probably most proud of building my network and the feeling that in many departments, globally, people know me. Just recently, I was visiting the Madrid office and one colleague, who was my stakeholder in a project I worked on couple of years ago, stopped me in the corridor asking “Oh, Akime! Is that you?” It made me feel so happy and really shows how we can make strong connections with each other, across the globe.

Tell us about your favorite vacation?

Venice! I love that place. If I were to choose one word to describe Venice it would be “colorful”! Have you seen how colorful the Murano glass items are? That’s the feeling of the place! Turquoise canals, stunning buildings all in different colors, delicious food, wine and spritzes, and smiley people! I recommend everyone to go visit this unique place! And I’d suggest to visit in March.

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