Forbes: Elena, you have had a remarkable career in finance and art. Can you tell us how you first entered the finance industry?
Elena Ulansky: Thank you! My journey in finance began with a strong interest in economics and business analysis. After completing my master’s degree in finance from Moscow State Linguistic University, I moved to New York and started my career in the finance sector. I began working for hedge funds and funds of funds, where I led investor relations and business development. This gave me valuable experience and insight into how capital can be managed and grown through strategic investments.
Forbes: You have built an impressive network of social and professional connections. How has this influenced your success?
Elena Ulansky: Building strong relationships has been key to my success. During my time at Gorlin Companies, I have introduced over 200 investors with an average AUM of $250 million. These relationships have been crucial in developing investment opportunities and strategic partnerships. I believe that trust and mutual respect are the foundation of all good business relationships, and I have always emphasized building long-lasting connections with our investors. My ability to organize events and bring people together has played a significant role in strengthening these bonds.
Forbes: Your role at Gorlin Companies is multifaceted. Can you elaborate on your responsibilities and how they contribute to the firm’s success?
Elena Ulansky: At Gorlin Companies, my responsibilities are diverse and dynamic. I work closely with our founder and CEO, Steve Gorlin, to build private biotech companies from inception to IPO or sale to big pharma. This involves identifying and sourcing potential investment opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and representing our firm at conferences and industry events. Additionally, I manage relationships with our investor base, ensuring that we maintain strong connections and continue to grow our network. This holistic approach has significantly contributed to our firm’s growth and success in the biotech and medtech sectors. Learning from great mentors like Steve Gorlin has been one of the keys to my success.
Forbes: Beyond finance, you have a deep passion for art and creativity. How do you integrate this into your career and lifestyle?
Elena Ulansky: Art has always been a significant part of my life. Even though I started my career in finance, my love for art remained strong. A few years ago, I decided to pursue a Master of Fine Arts from the New York Academy of Art, which allowed me to explore my creativity on a deeper level. I founded Tethys Art Gallery in Southampton, NY, providing a platform for young, emerging artists. The gallery is not just a space to exhibit art but a community where art lovers, collectors, and curators can come together and exchange ideas. I am particularly passionate about supporting women in art and creating a community of female artists, gallerists, curators, and collectors.
Forbes: Your art is known for blending scientific theories and spirituality. What inspires you in your artistic work?
Elena Ulansky: I am inspired by fractals and chaos theory, as well as the unpredictable and fluid nature of water. My art reflects my own soul’s journey to find my spiritual purpose and create inner and outer peace. I use a combination of organic and synthetic dyes, raw pigments, and water on raw canvas to create atmospheric images that drift in and out of focus. This reflects the element of water and creates a connection between the earthly world and the spiritual realm.
Forbes: How did your childhood and background influence your love for art and your career choices?
Elena Ulansky: Spending time in Scandinavia during my early years surrounded me with nature’s beauty, profoundly influencing my appreciation for art. My parents encouraged me to explore different forms of creativity, from painting to music. Moving to Russia for my education, I was exposed to a rich cultural heritage that further deepened my love for art. Even as I pursued a career in finance, art remained a constant source of inspiration and fulfillment. It was this dual passion for finance and art that eventually led me to find a way to integrate both into my professional life.
Forbes: You are deeply involved in philanthropy. Can you tell us about your charitable projects and what motivates you to give back?
Elena Ulansky: Philanthropy is a natural extension of my values and belief in supporting those in need. I am involved in several charitable organizations that support children, art, and healthcare. I serve on the boards of the Silverstein Dream Foundation, Many Hopes, and Angels Helpers NYC. These organizations work to improve the lives of children in difficult situations by providing education and healthcare. I strongly believe in using my resources and network to give back and uplift those who need it most.
Forbes: Could you share a particularly memorable experience from your philanthropic work?
Elena Ulansky: One of the most memorable experiences was the launch event for Angels Helpers NYC, where we managed to raise $200K to support children from underprivileged families in NYC to develop their music talents. Seeing the immediate impact of our efforts and the gratitude from the families we helped was incredibly moving. It reinforced my belief in the importance of giving back and the power of community support.
Forbes: How do you balance your various roles as a businesswoman, artist, and philanthropist?
Elena Ulansky: Balance comes from a deep understanding of my priorities and a passion for what I do. Each role I have complements the others and gives me a holistic sense of fulfillment. My career in finance allows me to support artistic and charitable projects, while art provides a creative outlet and a way to express myself. Philanthropy ties everything together by giving me the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community. Staying open, humble, open-minded, and curious, asking questions and listening more than speaking, has been crucial in maintaining this balance.
Forbes: Can you share some insights about the Tethys Art Gallery and its mission?
Elena Ulansky: Tethys Art Gallery is a space dedicated to supporting and promoting emerging artists. We aim to create a learning environment where artists, art lovers, collectors, and curators can come together to share ideas and perspectives. Our exhibitions are curated to facilitate discussions and introduce new viewpoints. For example, our recent exhibition “Les Femmes,” curated by Indira Cesarine, explored the contemporary narrative of the female gaze. This is just one of the many ways we strive to make art more accessible and engaging for everyone.
Forbes: Your work extends into building strong personal and professional relationships. How do you approach networking and relationship-building?
Elena Ulansky: Networking and relationship-building are integral parts of my professional life. I approach them with sincerity and a genuine interest in understanding the needs and goals of the people I connect with. It’s about creating a mutual benefit and fostering trust over time. I also believe in the power of giving before receiving. By offering support and value to others, I build strong, lasting relationships that are based on trust and reciprocity. My ability to organize events and bring people together has been a significant asset in this process.
Forbes: How do you ensure that these relationships remain meaningful and not just transactional?
Elena Ulansky: I make it a point to stay engaged with my network, not just when I need something but regularly. I take the time to understand their personal and professional lives, celebrate their successes, and offer support during challenges. This approach helps in building deep, meaningful connections that go beyond mere transactions. Additionally, I believe in the importance of face-to-face interactions, whether through industry events, social gatherings, or one-on-one meetings, to strengthen these bonds.
Forbes: What advice would you give to young professionals about the importance of building a robust network?
Elena Ulansky: My advice would be to approach networking with authenticity and a long-term perspective. Focus on building genuine relationships rather than just collecting contacts. Be open, supportive, and proactive in offering value to others. Remember, it’s not just about what others can do for you, but how you can help and support each other. Strong networks are built on trust, mutual respect, and a willingness to invest time and effort in nurturing these connections.
Forbes: What role do personal relationships play in your professional success?
Elena Ulansky: Personal relationships play a crucial role in my professional success. They provide emotional support, inspiration, and a sense of community. Having a strong support system allows me to navigate the challenges of my career with greater resilience and confidence. Moreover, personal relationships often translate into professional opportunities, as trust and rapport built in personal interactions can lead to fruitful business collaborations.
Forbes: What are your future plans and goals?
Elena Ulansky: For the future, I envision expanding my network and working in finance in a more senior role, leveraging my expertise through speaking engagements. In the art world, I am embarking on an ambitious large-scale project focused on helping women in art and creating a community of female artists, gallerists, curators, and collectors. I also plan to intensify my philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting children and healthcare initiatives. Additionally, I want to continue organizing impactful events and supporting women in business and life. My goal is to create a lasting impact through my work in finance, art, and philanthropy, and to inspire others to do the same.
Forbes: Thank you, Elena, for sharing your inspiring journey with us. We look forward to seeing more of your contributions to finance, art, and philanthropy.
Elena Ulansky: Thank you! It was a pleasure speaking with you.
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