Elçin leads strategic partnerships across the telecommunications ecosystem.
Since joining in 2024, she has played a key role in expanding Holafly’s international carrier network and building the company’s carrier relationships.
How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
I wouldn’t say it was planned, but it was more a series of decisions that gradually pointed me in this direction.
I’ve always been drawn to international environments. Early on, I focused on languages, starting with English and then Spanish, which eventually led me to work as a translator for a Spanish company in Turkey. That experience pushed me to go further, so I moved to China, where I studied Mandarin and worked in international trade. That’s really where I developed my global mindset and gained a practical understanding of how international business works.
Later on, I returned to Turkey and somehow landed in telecoms, where I spent over 15 years building solutions from the ground up and eventually became a director. At some point, I realised I had reached my comfort zone, and I wanted a new challenge.
Joining Holafly felt like a natural next step. Looking back, nothing was strictly planned, but everything connects: languages, international experience, and telecom. Now two years in, I am still excited about the role. That doesn’t happen by accident, it happens when the role actually fits.
What are the key roles in your field of work, and why did you choose your current expertise?
Early in my career, I discovered I really enjoyed building partnerships, communicating with people, and planning commercial strategies. But it was product and operations that I became most drawn to – areas I hadn’t worked in before. The more exposure I gained, the more I realised these areas played to my strengths and genuinely made me happy.
That combination – commercial thinking paired with product and operational expertise – is what defines my approach today at Holafly.
Did you (or do you) have a role model in tech or business in general?
I’ve actually been inspired by many people I’ve worked with throughout my career. I’ve learned enormously from great colleagues over the years – people who are clear thinkers, make decisions with confidence and have a sharp commercial edge. That’s influenced me deeply, particularly as commercial awareness has become one of my own strengths over time.
If there’s a common thread, it’s the balance between long-term vision and day-to-day execution. That’s something I’ve consciously taken from the people I’ve admired most.
What are you most proud of in your career, so far?
A few things come to mind. The decision I’m perhaps most proud of is leaving a stable, director-level role, with no backup plan, simply to find out what I was truly capable of. Looking back, I’m proud of the courage and self-belief it took.
I’m also proud of building things from scratch. At Holafly, I took the lead in establishing a new initiative from the ground up and pushing for it to happen and ultimately seeing it through to delivery.
And finally, I take pride in my ability to anticipate where things are going in the industry and stay ahead of trends. In some cases, ideas and approaches I’ve worked on have later been adopted by other players in the market, which has been very rewarding.
What does an average work day look like for you?
There is no typical workday, which I really enjoy as it means no two days are ever the same. My time is usually split between strategic decision-making, partner management, internal alignment, discussions, and solving complex problems
A big part of my role at Holafly is connecting the dots between teams, markets, and opportunities, so a lot of my day involves prioritisation and making decisions. That said, one thing that is consistent every day is meetings – most of my time is spent in discussions with different individuals and teams across the business.
Are there any specific skills or traits that you notice companies look for when you’re searching for roles in your field?
I’ve noticed that companies value more than just technical skills. They place a strong emphasis on commercial awareness, adaptability, and strong communication skills. In today’s environment, success often comes from being able to handle complex problems, make informed decisions with limited information, and ensure that everyone is aligned and moving in the same direction. Essentially, taking action is just as important as planning itself.
On top of that, I think motivation and energy are incredibly important at Holafly. Many companies really notice the energy you bring and how passionate you are about your work, and that can significantly influence both how you are perceived and the impact you have.
Has anyone ever tried to stop you from learning and developing in your professional life, or have you found the tech sector supportive?
Early in my career in particular, development opportunities weren’t always proactively offered. Access to learning often depended on how hard you pushed for it, and support had to be earned through results rather than freely given. In many ways, I had to create the space for myself rather than wait for it.
Being a woman has also added a dimension to this experience. Early perceptions can sometimes be influenced by age and gender, and you may not always receive full recognition or trust until you demonstrate your capabilities in practice. I don’t think this is unique to the tech industry and it’s certainly something that can exist more broadly. That said, overall, I find the tech sector quite open and supportive, especially as you build credibility and experience.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
This is especially the case at the beginning. My main advice would be to focus less on immediate results and trying to figure everything out, and more on building progress and momentum step by step. Learn quickly, give things your full attention while staying curious. If there is something you don’t understand, even if it’s outside your direct area, be open to learning about it.
One habit that’s served me well is always paying attention to the bigger picture. Understanding what’s happening beyond your immediate responsibilities helps you make better decisions and anticipate outcomes, especially when information is limited. And accept that mistakes are part of it. Feeling anxious or uncertain isn’t a sign you’re failing, it’s a sign you’re growing. The key is to acknowledge it, learn from it, and keep moving forwards.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
I would say one of the most important things is choose your environment carefully. The role and the company matter but so do the people. Surround yourself with those who are curious, driven, and supportive, and you’ll grow faster than you ever would alone. Culture isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s everything.
Another important point is confidence in communication. It’s not only about what you know, but also how clearly and confidently you are able to express your ideas and achievements. Your ideas are only as powerful as how well they land.
You shouldn’t wait until you feel 100 percent ready before taking on new challenges. Growth usually happens when you step into situations that feel slightly uncomfortable at first. What feels scary at first will become normal over time. And finally: your path doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Stay curious, trust your instincts, and enjoy the journey. You might just inspire others along the way.
