WIN Woman Spotlight: ELIZA PRENDZOV

Spotlight

Jan 8

Our ongoing WIN Woman Spotlight series showcases leaders from across the country/world who embrace the skill of negotiation and advocacy to break down barriers for women: women who are champions for female empowerment within her organization and/or in her personal life. From industry leaders to career coaches to champions for change, our spotlights have highlighted them all.

In this unique WIN Woman Spotlight, we’re excited to introduce WIN’s new Executive Director, Eliza Prendzov.

Passionate about empowering women through the art of negotiation, Eliza is a distinguished leader and business professional with over 20 years experience in partnerships, consulting, asset management, and finance. Eliza’s career includes roles with Merrill Lynch’s global headquarters in NY, Morgan Stanley (Smith Barney), UN, OSCE, Cabinet of Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, and 17 Asset Management as Head of Partnerships and Infrastracture. She co-founded Prend Capital to advise on partnerships, capital markets, sustainable finance, and impact investing.

Eliza Prendzov, WIN Executive Director

Eliza sat down with WIN Staff to share her insights and thoughts for this notable Spotlight interview.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. What drew you to WIN?

My passion for empowering women has been the red thread through my diverse career in finance, international relations, and economic development. With experience ranging from Merrill Lynch's global headquarters in NY to the Cabinet of the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, I've seen firsthand the pivotal role negotiation plays in advancing one's career and the collective status of women. WIN's mission to equip women with negotiation skills resonated with my core belief that empowerment comes through education and skill-building.

What are three adjectives to best describe you?

Dedicated, innovative, empathetic.

What lesson did you learn early in your career that you now recognize as an important one?

Early on, I learned the importance of active listening and the fact that it is the cornerstone of effective communication. It’s a significant, multifaceted skill that is way beyond the act of waiting for your turn to speak, but truly understanding the other person's perspective, which is crucial in negotiation and leadership. This is indispensable in the realms of negotiation and leadership. In negotiation, it equips you with the insight to identify common ground and forge agreements that are rooted in mutual understanding. In leadership, it enables you to build trust, foster collaboration, and inspire your team to greater heights.

Additionally, the importance of cultivating a network of mentors as allies. I see it as a cornerstone of professional growth – a well-nurtured network can offer diverse perspectives, advocate for you in spaces you have yet to enter, and anchor you in your career journey, to say the least. Networking is often touted as the key to success, but what truly matters is the depth and quality of those connections. It's not only about exchanging business cards or adding contacts on LinkedIn, rather it's about fostering real relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry peers based on mutual respect and shared interests.

What else have you learned from your past experiences with Merrill Lynch and the UN?

From Merrill Lynch, I gained insights into the nuances of global finance and the importance of precision and analytical thinking. My time with the UN reinforced the value of diplomacy and the need for diverse voices at the table to create sustainable, inclusive solutions.

Let’s play a round of “finish this statement”. “If I weren’t doing this I would be…”

Pursuing my interest in academia, nurturing the next generation of leaders and thinkers as a professor in economics.

"Women will reach gender equality when..."

When our society collectively acknowledges and acts upon the fact that women's rights are human rights. This means equitable access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political representation. It's not just about creating spaces for women at every table where decisions are made but also about reshaping those tables so that equality is built into the very foundations of our social structures.

"Leadership is…"

...the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal. It’s about integrity, vision, and the ability to spark transformation.

"I negotiate to…"

…create opportunities for myself and others, aiming for outcomes where everyone feels valued and respected.

In your experience and opinion, what roadblocks remain in elevating more women into leadership positions? And what can we do to encourage and mobilize more women to step up to leadership?

In my experience, there are still a couple of persistent roadblocks to elevating women into leadership roles. The notion of unconscious bias which greatly influences the hiring and promotion decisions for women, the lack of access to a suitable network of support and opportunities, and leadership underrepresentation to begin with.

What do you consider your biggest win?

Establishing Prend Capital, which combines my dedication to impact investing with my commitment to sustainable development and gender equality.

Now, for a couple of fun questions to get to know you a little better. What is your fantasy dinner date?

A thoughtful conversation with Eleanor Roosevelt, discussing human rights, leadership, and the journey of women in politics.

Do you have a favorite self-care ritual? What is it?

Central Park walks and pilates. They provide me with clarity and calm, which are essential for maintaining balance.

What is your favorite quote or words to live by, and why?

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." – Mahatma Gandhi. It reminds me to take action and lead by example in my personal and professional life.

What are you most looking forward to in 2024?

Seeing the impact of our initiatives at WIN Summit as more women negotiate successfully for leadership roles and equitable pay.

Finally, we always like to end on the topic that started it all for WIN: negotiation. So tell us, what is your best or favorite negotiation tip?

Prepare thoroughly but also be ready to improvise. The best negotiations are a mix of strategy and adaptability. Equally important is the ability to stand your ground, even if it means leaving the negotiating table. This requires not only knowledge of your worth but also an unwavering commitment to your desired outcome.

To learn more about or connect with Eliza, you can click here.