Anel Imanbay on TEDxMarvila, Purpose, and The Art of Being Human

How would you introduce yourself beyond the titles and accomplishments? Who is Anel Imanbay at her core?

I am a seeker of meaning. My life has been shaped by movement—between countries, industries, and ideas—but at my core, I am someone who believes that life is not just about success, but about significance. I search for purpose in every step, knowing that meaning is not given but created.

What drives you? Is there a defining moment in your life that set you on this path?

What drives me is the belief that meaning comes from serving something greater than ourselves.

The moment that shaped this belief the most was when I gave birth to my son during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020. It was in Namibia, and while my son was born healthy, I was diagnosed with a severe blood infection—sepsis. I was on the verge of death, and for the first time, I truly thought I might never see my son again.

In those moments, you stop thinking about the things that usually fill your mind. Instead, you start speaking—to the universe, to whatever powers or energies might exist—pleading for another chance. You make promises. And I made mine: If I survive this, I will not waste my life. I will do something meaningful.

Since then, every challenge, every setback, and every lesson has been a reminder of that promise. True fulfillment, I’ve learned, isn’t about achievements or status—it’s about contributing to something bigger than yourself.

Your career spans different industries, from storytelling and branding to community-building. What connects all these aspects of your work?

I’ve worked in corporate finance, education, gaming, and even run beauty and art businesses. It might seem like a lot of different paths, but for me, it all comes down to curiosity and purpose.

I love learning and constantly invest in my growth—whether through education, new experiences, or creating something from scratch. But more than that, I’m driven by the need to share what matters the most. Whether it’s building a business, crafting a brand, curating an event, or fostering a community, my goal is always the same: to create something that inspires action, connects deeply, and leaves a lasting impact.

How do you define success for yourself? Has that definition evolved over time?

Success isn’t measured by wealth or recognition—it’s defined by the meaning we create in the world.

To me, success is waking up each day knowing that I’m living with purpose and that my work and my life align with what truly matters to me. It’s not about chasing achievements but about making every moment count in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.

Who or what has been your greatest source of inspiration? Any women who have deeply influenced your path?

That’s such a difficult question because, truly, every woman I meet is a superhero in her own way. Regardless of where we come from or what our stories are, women drive change, inspire, work, educate, learn, raise children, create beauty, and give life.

But if I had to name a few without whom I wouldn’t be where I am today, it would be the three women who shaped me the most:

• My mother – who taught me that what truly matters isn’t titles or status, but the heart. That love will always hold more value than money.
• My elder sister, Dahlia – who runs her own company in Chicago. She taught me resilience, and courage and inspired me never to give up.
• My younger sister, Akmaral – who works in a successful startup in London. Despite being ten years younger than me, she amazes me with her wisdom and grace.

These three women are my constant sources of inspiration, reminding me every day of what truly matters.

Success is waking up each day knowing that I’m living with purpose, that my work and my life align with what truly matters to me.

TEDx is a powerful platform. Why TED? What drew you to take on this challenge?

Because TEDx is about ideas that matter—ideas that bring meaning and spark change. It’s a space where people come together to explore life’s biggest questions and connect on a deeper level.

I wanted to bring the spirit of TEDx to Marvila—to create a space where voices are heard, stories are shared, and ideas inspire action. That’s why, for our first edition of TEDxMarvila, we’ll be diving into fundamental questions: Who are we? Why are we here? How can we make a difference?

TEDxMarvila is more than just an event; it’s a platform where stories spark transformation, where perspectives shift, and where ideas have the power to create real impact.

Marvila is an emerging cultural and creative district. Why did you choose Marvila as the backdrop for this event?

Because Marvila is a story of reinvention and resilience—a district redefining itself, much like many of us do in our own lives. It represents the beauty of transformation, the power of creativity, and the idea that meaning is something we can create, even in unexpected places. And I’m lucky to call this neighborhood my home.

The theme for TEDxMarvila is The Art of Being Human. What does that phrase mean to you personally?

To truly understand what The Art of Being Human means to me, I’d invite you to experience it firsthand at our event on March 1st.

Being human isn’t just about existing; it’s about discovering meaning in our existence. It’s about choosing to see challenges as opportunities for growth, about connecting deeply with others, and about embracing both our light and our darkness.

It’s an art because it requires intention, reflection, and courage.

If there’s one idea or emotion you want people to take away from TEDxMarvila, what would it be?

Hope.

Hope that even in struggle, we can find meaning.

Hope that every person—no matter their journey—has something valuable in their hearts.

Hope that we are not just passive observers of life but active participants in shaping our own stories and making a positive difference in each other’s lives.

Because at the core of it all, we are here to learn, to connect, and to leave the world a little better than we found it.

Looking back at your journey, what advice would you give to your younger self?

Recently, I looked back at childhood and teenage photos my family shared—and in every single one, I looked so serious. Apparently, from day one, I decided to take this world very seriously… maybe a little too much!

So, if I could give my younger self some advice, it would be:

Smile more, girl! Life isn’t just a checklist of achievements—enjoy the ride. Oh, and keep studying… future tells me, it’s totally worth it!

What’s a question you wish people asked you more often?

In Kazakh, when we ask How are you? we say Könil kuyin kalai?—which literally translates to What’s the song of your soul?

I’ve always found that to be such a beautiful way to check in with someone, not just on the surface, but on a deeper level.

So instead of the usual How’s life? I’d love to hear: What’s making your soul sing these days?