Side by side series – Manuk Hergnyan and Yeva Arevikyan
Introduction
In our “Side by Side” interview series, we invite a Partner and a Consultant to provide insights into their daily activities and offer a parallel perspective on their respective roles.
In this edition, we got in touch with our colleagues from the Armenian branch. Manuk Hergnyan is a Managing Partner and Yeva Arevikyan is a Consultant.
What is your perfect morning routine to start off the day?
Manuk: Caring for the soul and the body that prepares me for the day, which mostly involves working the mind. On a perfect day, I’ll start by catching up and planning with the team. The best feeling is when you sense you are completely synchronized with the team and have common ideas on how to tackle the challenges of the day and week ahead.
Yeva: My perfect morning routine involves taking a refreshing walk in the city, enjoying a cup of coffee, and reading an article to jumpstart my day.
What music do you like listening to on your way to work?
Manuk: Mostly classical pieces. The Italian masters help me out when I need some uplifting, particularly Correlli, Vivaldi, Albinoni, and Palestrina.
Yeva: I have a wide range of musical tastes, but I have a soft spot for jazz. I love to start my day with the smooth sounds of Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and others.
How do you usually relax during work breaks?
Manuk: Sometimes I take a short walk, although that is more of a different mode of work rather than a break, since it helps me sharpen my thoughts. Any action that helps me take my eyes off the screen is relaxing. It would be great to be able to close my eyes for 15 minutes during the day!
Yeva: As our office is in the heart of Yerevan, during breaks I take a walk around the beautiful surroundings or grab a latte from the nearby café.
Do you cook and if so, what is your favorite dish to prepare?
Manuk: My wife and kids are desperate to taste my fried potatoes, which I claim I can make at Michelin star level. However, the last time I did so I was a student.
Yeva: Admittedly, I haven’t been active in the kitchen lately, although I enjoy experimenting. I have special dishes that I cook during holiday preparations, and desserts are my favorites.
How do you maintain your motivation during the day?
Manuk: Typically it is not about motivation but rather the energy to do the planned activities which are often many and overwhelming. Sometimes stopping, looking back and restarting when fully recharged is the best option.
Yeva: I enjoy the process of finding effective solutions. I am a firm believer in the power of persistence and the impact of overcoming small steps towards long-term goals. This mindset helps me stay motivated and focused on the bigger picture.
Do you have any hobbies and if so, which?
Manuk: I like playing chess. Playing a 2-minute game keeps me in shape, in my attempts to postpone the day when my younger son will beat me.
Yeva: I have several hobbies that I enjoy in my free time. Dancing used to be a big part of my life, and even though I no longer dance professionally, it remains a passion of mine. I love attending ballet and dance performances at the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theater, where I had the humbling experience of performing. I also enjoy singing. Furthermore, I follow football and try to catch all the big tournaments.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Manuk: Going out with the family, attending church and reading, particularly philosophy books, as well as taking care of various social initiatives I spearhead.
Yeva: I enjoy spending my weekends doing a mix of relaxing and energizing activities. To make weekends extra special I go out of the city to spend quality time with family and friends.
What have you learned during your time at Civitta?
Manuk: Constant learning is a calling, and consulting is one of the best places to realize it.
Yeva: The learning process is extensive and continuous, and as I look back, I value how much I have developed from one point to another. I have had the opportunity to work on impactful and interesting projects, collaborate with talented colleagues both locally and internationally, and learn the importance of having a challenger mindset – constantly seeking new solutions and being committed to lifelong learning.
What do you like most about your team?
Manuk: Everyone is eager to learn new things, increase their competencies and enjoy nice activities together. Every team member feels particularly rewarded when they see the concrete impact of our work on businesses and on the country in general.
Yeva: I like the diligent nature of our team, that’s spiced with a good sense of humor. We hold weekly ‘Joint coffee’ experience-sharing sessions and enjoy joyful team gatherings outside the office.
How would you describe Civitta in a few words?
Manuk: Rolled-up sleeves rather than glossy packaging.
Yeva: C(Challenger) I(Inspiring) V(Vibrant) I(Impactful) T(Team-spirited) T(Transformative) A(Adventurous).