Gerond Etemi- Chief Finance Officer, Balfin Development
Gerond’s journey at BALFIN Group began at a pivotal time in his career, where the company offered him the opportunity to grow and contribute meaningfully, keeping him excited through its dynamic environment, challenges, and high standards of professionalism. His proudest moment was stepping into the role of CFO at a young age, a milestone made special by the trust, support, and recognition he received from colleagues and stakeholders, reinforcing his belief in leadership based on vision, trust, and impact.
Gerond, take us behind the scenes of your journey at BALFIN Group. What’s the story of how you came on board and what’s kept you excited to stay?
BALFIN Group brought me on board at a pivotal moment in my career, just as I was considering a shift in my professional path. They not only recognized the opportunity but also provided me with one. That resulted in an environment where I could grow and contribute meaningfully.
What has kept me motivated and excited to stay is the dynamic nature of the organization, the challenges that push me to evolve, the high standards of professionalism, and the acknowledgement.
Was there a moment, big or small, when you looked around and thought, “I absolutely made the right choice joining BALFIN Group”? What was that defining moment like for you?
There have been many moments, but two stand out: my first day at BALFIN Group and just yesterday.
From day one, I realized I had joined an organization that offers something rare, not just in Albania, but in the region and beyond. BALFIN provides an environment where you can evolve, contribute meaningfully, and be recognized for your efforts, all while being surrounded by a culture of professionalism and excellence.
What’s your proudest achievement here at BALFIN Group? The one moment or accomplishment that you can’t help but brag about.
Throughout my journey at BALFIN Group, I’ve progressed through several key roles, each bringing valuable experiences and accomplishments. It would be easy to highlight my most recent milestone, leading the finance team of one of the most important companies of the Group, however, what I take the most pride in is the credibility and recognition I’ve built over time. The ability to collaborate effectively, drive meaningful results, and be a valued part of this organization has made every achievement along the way even more rewarding.
Tell us about a recent win, something that not only boosted your career but left a personal mark on you. What made it so meaningful to you?
One of the most meaningful milestones in my career has been stepping into the role of CFO at the largest real estate investment and development company in the region, an achievement that came at a relatively young age.
What made this transition truly special was the overwhelming support from all stakeholders. My previous team, while sad to see me go, celebrated my growth. My new team, despite the shift in hierarchy, embraced me not just as a leader but as a partner in success and someone they could rely on. And at the highest levels of management, I was entrusted with increasing responsibility, not based on years of experience alone, but on results, dedication, and the ability to drive impact.
This achievement was more than just a career step. It reinforced that leadership isn’t about age or tenure, but about vision, trust, and the ability to bring people together toward a shared goal. This is what I got here and that’s why this is what I want to give.
We’ve all had that ‘only-at-this-company’s moment. What’s the one experience at BALFIN Group that’s unforgettable and could only happen here?
I want to highlight the dynamic nature and constant challenges of working here. You can start your day with a carefully planned schedule (one you mapped out while tying your shoes in the morning), only to find that, moments after arriving at the office, priorities have shifted. And it’s not just you; the change ripples across teams, affecting colleagues as well.
But what makes this experience truly unique isn’t the unpredictability but it’s the way everyone adapts seamlessly. There’s no panic, no hesitation. Instead, everyone moves in sync, adjusting, leading or following as if this shift was part of the original plan. The moment collaboration begins, change becomes second nature, and that’s what makes this environment one of a kind.
Imagine your best day at work. What went down that made it so memorable, and why did it feel like the perfect day at BALFIN Group?
I don’t need to imagine such a day! I’d say I’ve had many of them. To me, the Best Day at work is every day I can proudly watch that little child grows, knowing how far he’s come yet still evolving, building his own Success Story. I truly believe the best is yet to come, and that every single day can be perfect in its own unique way!
If you had to share one message with everyone reading this about your time at BALFIN Group, what would it be? Something you wish people knew about your journey or the company.
My journey at BALFIN Group has been a testament to progress, challenge, and opportunity. This is a place where dedication and ambition are acknowledged, where strong corporate values shape not just business decisions but also people and leadership at every level.
What sets BALFIN apart is its fast-paced environment, the high standards, and most importantly, a corporate culture that fosters trust, collaboration, and empowerment. It’s a company that doesn’t just develop careers; it builds leaders, whether by title or by influence, by encouraging ownership, vision, and continuous learning.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that leadership isn’t just about position, it’s about impact. And in a culture like this, everyone has the opportunity to lead in their own way.
