Eleanora Kurban, a healthcare professional based in Annapolis, Maryland, has a background in wellness and senior care. Most recently, she worked as a nursing assistant at Response Senior Care, where she supported elderly clients with daily living activities. Currently, she is pursuing nursing studies at Anne Arundel Community College, with a goal of making a meaningful impact in critical care settings.
Originally from Belarus, Nora Kurban developed a passion for music at an early age, studying piano extensively as a child. She later attended the Belarusian State University Lyceum, where she studied history before earning an Associate’s Degree in International Affairs and Linguistics with a focus on Turkish. Inspired by her mother, a physician, she dedicated herself to healthcare and gained two years of experience as a nurse assistant in Minsk.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Eleanora Kurban is an avid cyclist who enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and walking her miniature schnauzers. She has a deep appreciation for fashion and art history and loves visiting museums during her travels.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day typically starts with a cup of coffee, followed by a trip to the gym depending on the day’s schedule. I work at Anne Arundel Medical Center, where I joined the Heart and Vascular Unit as a new grad nurse starting February 1st. To stay productive, I prioritize staying active and addressing tasks promptly. After work, if I have time, I enjoy walking my dogs, which helps me unwind and clear my mind.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start with a clear goal and work toward it methodically. Patience is key—I stick to my plan but remain flexible enough to adjust my strategy if needed. I believe in taking a steady, thoughtful approach to achieving anything worthwhile.
What’s one trend that excites you?
While I don’t actively follow trends, I appreciate the “very demure, very mindful” trend that’s gained popularity, especially on platforms like TikTok. Being mindful and considerate of others, as well as of ourselves, feels especially important in our fast-paced, individualistic society. It’s a reminder to be both aware of your surroundings and kind to yourself.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I’m a big fan of updating my iPhone calendar. It keeps me organized and on track, ensuring that I’m always aware of upcoming tasks and appointments. It’s simple but effective.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust yourself and be honest with yourself. Don’t get distracted by the wrong things. Focus on your studies and your future—you’ll thank yourself later.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I firmly believe that ignorance is not inherent to anyone. I’m open to listening to all perspectives, and I’m willing to do my own research to verify information. If I find out I was wrong, I’m not afraid to admit it and correct myself.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Keep learning and trust your intuition. Study, grow, and always stay true to yourself.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I turn to music or dance to lift my mood. If I’m looking for a bit of peace, I might take a walk with my dogs. Other times, I enjoy scrolling through TikTok, reading good book, or watching a movie with a glass of red wine—whatever helps me reset.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Dedication, curiosity, and a growth mindset. I focus on learning new things and staying open to opportunities. Being persistent and following through on my goals has allowed me to make steady progress in my career.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
There was a time when I didn’t take my studies seriously, which was influenced by personal challenges like a difficult marriage and the stress of the COVID pandemic. These experiences made me realize the importance of independence, self-respect, and having clear goals. After reflecting on my mistakes, I chose to break free from the past and start fresh. This mindset shift was crucial, and meeting my fiancé, Fred, played a big role in rebuilding my self-esteem and confidence. He supported me in achieving my goals and encouraged me to believe in myself again.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A profitable business idea is to buy and flip houses. There’s significant potential in real estate, and with the right approach, it can be a great venture.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on my iCalendar to stay organized. It helps me manage my schedule efficiently and ensures that I stay on top of both personal and professional commitments.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I don’t have one specific book or podcast, but I’m always on the lookout for content that inspires me or provides new insights. I recently came across some motivational podcasts that helped me stay focused on my career goals and personal growth.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I’m really into Dune and Severance. Both have fascinating storylines and provoke deep thought. Dune immerses you in a stunning world of power and survival, while Severance challenges the notion of work-life balance and identity in a way that’s both mind-bending and eye-opening. I am also extremely in love with The White Lotus. It’s great because it has interesting characters, surprising twists, and smart commentary on privilege and power. The beautiful scenery and unique musical score make it even more memorable.
Key learnings
- The Importance of Flexibility: Adaptability is essential for navigating change and advancing in any field.
- Curiosity Drives Growth: A willingness to keep learning and remain open-minded is crucial for both personal and professional development.
- Resilience in Adversity: Challenges can teach valuable lessons about strength, self-reliance, and the importance of keeping a positive, growth-focused mindset.
- Self-Belief is Key: Trusting yourself and your instincts is a cornerstone for achieving long-term success and personal fulfillment.
- The Power of Support Systems: Surrounding yourself with the right people—whether in personal relationships or professional settings—can help restore confidence and catalyze success.