People behind Tallence - Kristina
An Interview with Senior Project Lead Kristina Iakusheva
Highlights, Tech, Culture // Liz Peschel // Apr 2, 2025
With our new blog format “People Behind Tallence”, we provide exciting insights into the people behind the Tallence logo. We would like to present the diverse professions at Tallence and show what is important in the various specialist areas. What does the day-to-day work of our colleagues look like? What excites them about their job? How do projects and collaboration with our customers work? And what path did they take to get to where they are today - and where do they still want to go?
All this and more is the focus of the People Behind Tallence blog articles.
This time we spoke to Kristina Iakusheva, who, as a Senior Project Lead at Tallence, ensures that great ideas become clear structures - and that projects are not only implemented, but actively driven forward.
In an interview with Nicole Schröder, Head of Marketing, she explains how she switched from the world of marketing to IT, why she sees herself as a bridge builder between business and technology and which project excited her the most.
Kristina, nice of you to talk to me for our People behind Tallence blog series! Let's get straight into it: How would you describe your professional career in a few words?
Kristina:
Unconventional, courageous and full of development. My career began in marketing - but the desire to actively contribute to the success of customers and be part of complex technological challenges led me to the IT environment. That was one of the key reasons for my move: I didn't just want to help shape things, I wanted to drive real solutions forward. I grew into the role of project manager with a lot of initiative and enthusiasm for learning. I have been managing challenging projects for Deutsche Telekom at Tallence since October 2023.
That sounds like an exciting journey! The switch from marketing to IT is not necessarily a classic one, but you found your own path. What led you to Tallence back then?
Kristina:
Tallence actually recruited me - and it was an instant match! I had two other application processes running at the time, but my gut instinct immediately said ‘yes’. It was the right decision: I'm always impressed by the expertise of my colleagues. And on a personal level, it's just right. Not to mention the great locations - every Tallence office has its own character and charm.
That sounds great! What do you particularly like about your work at Tallence?
Kristina:
It is this mixture and combination of technical complexity, strategic planning and interpersonal collaboration. I work at the interface between different disciplines and personalities, between business and technology - and it is precisely this diversity that makes it so appealing.
I love creating structures in which teams can work successfully, take responsibility and develop further. Every project brings new challenges - and that's what makes it so exciting.
And what does a typical day at work look like for you?
Kristina:
Every day is different. I manage teams and their tasks, plan and control customer projects, develop visions, moderate meetings, write documentations and there is always something new to do. I like to be challenged, even on a day-to-day basis.
So it's very diverse. Is there a personal motto or values that guide you in your work?
Kristina:
The best results come from healthy collaboration. Transparency, clear communication and a common goal are the basis for this. I firmly believe that only when people feel seen in their role and taken seriously they realise their full potential - and this is directly reflected in the success of the project.
That sounds like a very team-orientated approach. What skills do you specifically bring to Tallence?
Kristina:
I have in-depth knowledge of agile frameworks such as Scrum and SAFe and combine these flexibly with classic or hybrid approaches depending on the project requirements. My aim is to create the right framework - so that teams can work efficiently and customers experience real added value.
What sets me apart is my ability to turn high-level visions into clear, structured projects - in a language that both technical teams and business stakeholders understand. I see myself as a bridge builder between worlds that tick differently but pursue the same goal.
Is there a project that you found particularly memorable?
Kristina:
Clearly: ‘IDM Hardening’ of Deutsche Telekom for the European Championship in 2024. Together with my colleagues, we secured the identity management systems - thanks to our work, millions of users were able to watch football without disruption. It was so much more than just technology. It was about responsibility, trust, collaboration and had social significance. We are currently preparing for the 2026 World Cup and working on exciting follow-up projects.
Wow, that's a huge impact! Such projects are certainly challenging, but also incredibly motivating. What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
Kristina:
Starting out in IT without a traditional technical background was definitely a big challenge. I invested a lot of time in understanding processes and technologies and at the same time learnt that my strengths lie in structuring, communication and leadership - these are essential factors for successful IT projects.
This shows how important versatile skills are in IT. What challenges particularly drive you in your job?
Kristina:
There is sometimes a lot of talk, but real collaboration often takes a back seat. The greatest added value is created when both - communication and collaboration - come together.
When many stakeholders are involved, the requirements are complex and the schedule is ambitious - that's when I'm at my best. It's projects like this that motivate me.
Sounds like you're exactly at the right place! What aspects do you love about the project environment you're in?
Kristina:
The dynamics, the variety of topics and the feeling that you can really make a difference by working well together.
And are there any aspects of your job that you could easily do without?
Kristina:
On a ‘can't do’ mentality. I firmly believe that projects can only be successful if everyone involved thinks and acts in a solution-orientated way. Instead of discussing problems endlessly, I prefer to work together to find pragmatic ways of overcoming them.
On a more personal note, what skills or passions do you bring to your work that might not be obvious at first glance?
Kristina:
I combine empathy with clear leadership. I recognise moods in the team, promote trust - but never lose sight of structure, goals and results. Communication is my strength, motivation my drive.
And what should the world know about you that isn't on your CV?
Kristina:
I am a complete self-starter. Everything I know today about software development, agile working and IT processes, I first learnt on my own with a lot of initiative and passion - only then did training and certifications follow. I am convinced that if you really want something and are prepared to work for it, anything is possible.
Impressive! And what do you like to do when you're not working?
Kristina:
I love winter, snowboarding and everything to do with mountains - and when it does get warmer, I'm drawn to the south of France. Good food, new impressions and my corgi by my side - that's my perfect time out.
That sounds great! Finally, let's take a look at the future: Where do you see yourself and Tallence in the next five years?
Kristina:
I want to continue to shape large, complex projects, support people and initiate change. And I am convinced that Tallence will be even more visible as an innovative partner on the market.
A clear plan! And finally: If you had to describe Tallence in three words, what would they be?
Kristina:
Drivers of transformation. Bridge builders. Enabler.
For me, Tallence is the combination of a high level of expertise, partnership-based thinking and a culture based on trust, openness and collaboration. We don't just work for our customers, we work with them - and that's what makes the difference.
Kristina, thank you very much for this inspiring interview. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your projects!
Kristina:
Thank you, Nicole! It was fun!