By Eni Muça
Taking the step to move abroad — away from family, friends, and the professional network you have worked hard to build — is a challenge that demands courage. For Aurrel Kondi, this marked the beginning of a new chapter in Berlin, a city where he had to start from scratch. Faced with language barriers, cultural differences, and a highly competitive job market, he chose not to give up. Instead, he transformed these challenges into opportunities to discover himself and build new connections.
Today, as a key figure in the global Illyrian Brains network and a board member of Business Network Albania, Aurrel Kondi has become an important voice for the Albanian diaspora. Through his commitment to connecting Albanian professionals worldwide with their homeland, he stands as a true example of the power of community and a vision that transcends borders.
We spoke with Aurrel to learn more about his challenges, vision, and the initiatives he leads.
1. What has been the most challenging moment in building your career abroad, and how did you transform it into a turning point for your personal and professional development?
Undoubtedly, the most challenging moment in building my career abroad was starting out in Berlin. I left behind not only family and friends, but also the entire professional network and comfort I had built in Albania. I faced a very different reality — a language I did not speak well, a culture I needed to understand from scratch, and an extremely competitive job market.
At first, I worked in roles outside my field, but what turned this period into a turning point was that I did not view it as failure. Instead, I embraced it as an opportunity to better understand myself. I realized that my strengths went beyond technical skills — they were rooted in communication, creativity, and the ability to connect people.
This realization guided me towards digital marketing, the real estate industry, and content creation for social media — areas where I could authentically express myself and provide value. What initially seemed like a professional identity crisis became the moment when I discovered what I truly wanted to do. It shaped me not only as a professional but also as a more self-aware individual focused on my values and purpose.
2. How did your journey with “Illyrian Brains” begin? What motivated you to join this initiative?
My journey with Illyrian Brains began in early 2023, when the network was still far from the size it has reached today and only active in a few diaspora cities. What motivated me to join was my natural desire to get involved in meaningful initiatives and help build a strong community among Albanian professionals living abroad.
As an expat in Berlin, I deeply felt the need for a supportive network — not just for professional growth, but also to maintain identity, feel a sense of belonging, and share experiences that unite us as Albanians. I wanted Albanians abroad to avoid isolation and have spaces where they could connect, support each other, and grow together.
Illyrian Brains offered exactly that — a chance to engage with like-minded professionals and actively contribute to the expansion and strengthening of our community. Since then, the network has grown significantly and today spans over 40 cities worldwide. Seeing this growth and knowing I was part of it from the early stages is a very special feeling and a constant motivation to contribute even more.
3. How does “Illyrian Brains” contribute to building bridges between the diaspora and Albania? Are there any concrete results in this regard?
Illyrian Brains plays a crucial role in connecting the diaspora with Albania, functioning as a platform where Albanians abroad can link not only with each other but also with professionals, institutions, and initiatives within Albania.
Through Happy Hour events, partnerships, and continuous networking, IB has succeeded in creating real bridges for communication and bilateral cooperation. At the same time, the community increasingly serves as a source of inspiration for young people in Albania, who see successful role models, new approaches, and feel closer to the global reality through our network.
This has extraordinary value because it shows that the diaspora is not disconnected from Albania. On the contrary, it represents a continuation of Albania in another dimension. We see concrete results every day — from the professional connections formed, initiatives launched, and the assistance provided to newcomers abroad, to collaborations that bring knowledge, experience, and new perspectives to Albania.
4. As a board member of the newly formed “Business Network Albania (BNA)”, what are some of the key initiatives this organization is pursuing to support Albania’s economic development?
Business Network Albania is set to play a key role in Albania’s economic development through several strategic initiatives. One of our main priorities is to use the platform for strategic networking, helping investors and entrepreneurs build strong relationships with local partners and the Albanian diaspora. These connections will open doors for collaborations and investments that will contribute to the growth of Albanian businesses.
In addition, BNA will host curated events that bring together industry leaders, innovators, and investors to promote new ideas and initiatives vital to the local economy. Through these activities, the community will become a catalyst for developing the business ecosystem in Albania.
Another objective is to support new and small businesses through mentorship and access to strategic resources, helping them grow and expand into international markets. BNA will implement advanced strategies to help members better understand consumer behavior and optimize their market communication.
5. What are the main advantages for members of Business Network Albania compared to other communities?
Business Network Albania offers a unique advantage by focusing on creating a business community that is not only professional but also strategic and impactful. This community helps investors and entrepreneurs forge valuable connections, build partnerships, and access exclusive opportunities to grow their businesses.
One of the key benefits is the opportunity to build relationships with high-level investors and visionary entrepreneurs. BNA is not just a networking group — it is a platform where ambitious individuals can collaborate with those shaping the Albanian and international economic ecosystem. This creates an environment where sharing experiences and mentorship are natural parts of the network.
Another aspect that differentiates this community is its focus on internationalization. Unlike many local networks, BNA helps its members expand into global markets. Through strategic partnerships and access to international contacts, members can find new opportunities for expansion, investment, and collaboration abroad, especially with — but not limited to — Albanians in the diaspora.
6. What advice would you give young Albanians, especially those dreaming of building their careers abroad and creating their personal and professional brands?
My first advice is: don’t be afraid to start from scratch and never underestimate any step, no matter how small it may seem. Building a career abroad requires patience, flexibility, and a lot of self-work. You need to be open to learning, failing, and adapting to new cultures.
Secondly, invest in creating a personal brand that reflects your values, authenticity, and consistency. Don’t try to imitate others — originality is your greatest strength.
Finally: seek community. Don’t walk the path alone. Connect with professional networks, attend events, and seek support. Success is more sustainable when it is shared and built together.
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