Several years ago, I interviewed actress and influencer Eugenia Kuzmina in an interview originally published in Thrive Global. Here is an excerpt from our conversation:

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, what is something about you that would surprise people?

Eugenia: Thank you Adam for your time as well! I would say that many people don’t know the fact that I’ve been in the entertainment business my whole life and have watched it change platforms and faces. When I started modeling in Russia and then Paris as a child and teenager, there was no Photoshop, and there were very square standards of beauty. It was a completely different criteria by which you were hired. Now I’m so excited to see the word “model” being broadened into diversity across the board with looks and age ranges, and so many models having their unique voice as well. It’s the same as in the movie business in that there’s a way to find your own channel to stream whatever you feel like expressing.      

Adam: What are your hobbies and how have they shaped you?

Eugenia: I love motorcycle riding. I take lessons at Westside Motorcycle Academy. I love the Israeli self-defense course, Krav Maga, and I cherish Spirit Rock Silent Meditation Retreat. I learn the most in silence. 

Adam: How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth and success? 

Eugenia: I always knew that traveling would be a big part of my life, even when we had absolutely no means in doing so. I grew up in the late 80s – 90s, which was the end of the Soviet regime and the new regime in Russia. It was a time of big change, starvation, and food lines since the regime was collapsing. We weren’t allowed to leave the country that easily since my dad was a nuclear scientist and the government wasn’t very supportive of that. I got scouted to go to Paris the I was 15. I took a chance and got lucky. My first agent Nathalie Cros-Coitton was like a mother figure and the opposite of what you’d expect in the business. She supported and encouraged me to build a career and not be a party girl. Between jobs, I was studying and going to bed at 9 pm. My biggest challenge was that I was very shy. It’s show business, and I was supposed to be a model at 15, but I was a completely lost, normal teenager with social anxiety issues. No one would hire me in Paris for a year. My team was considering that I should go home, and then Yves Saint Laurent hired me for his last retrospective show–and things changed. I feel what it taught me more than anything is that there’s a place for everyone. Yves loved my awkwardness and mystery, and the most important thing in life is to be authentic and true to your journey rather than trying to present a fake mask.

I also learned a lot from Hollywood. When I started acting, my managers said there are only Russian spies or girls of the oldest profession for you being Russian, unless you change your name… which I did for a second. I had changed my name to Parker Block. Being on the set of “New Girl,” they kept saying “Parker Block on set,” and I just kept thinking who’s that awful person who’s delaying the production?! So it didn’t last. I love playing all the roles, but I also found stand-up, a place where I don’t have to fulfill anyone’s vision and still be creative. It gives me a sense of personal power over content.

Adam: Who are the best leaders you have been around and what have you learned from them?

Eugenia: There are so many. I feel Oprah is doing amazing work in terms of leadership. Princess Diana was a messenger for kindness. Keanu Reeves proves humbleness is cool.

Adam: What has your experience as a model and an influencer taught you about branding and marketing?

Eugenia: I would say develop skills outside social media or any business that’s based on your looks or persona. Have a passion for life and connection to others, and hold onto real friendships and relationships.

Adam: What made you decide to pursue comedy?

Eugenia: I’d say finding my true authentic voice. In modeling, you’re objectified. In acting, you fill in the archetype. I feel I have more to share.   

Adam: What advice do you have for those interested in working with influencers?

Eugenia: I think you have to dig deep. Dissect why are you doing what you’re doing. Look at the bigger picture, not just current trends. Influencer means to influence someone and it’s important to understand that it’s a responsibility–it’s bigger than personal ego.

Adam: What advice do you have for those interested in becoming influencers?

Eugenia: I’d say trends change, but if you’re solid in your values, your message to the world, and you find a voice, it’s what matters.

Adam: How can anyone pay it forward?

Eugenia: Being present. 


Adam Mendler is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, educator, and nationally recognized authority on leadership. Adam is the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one-on-one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal-winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations. Adam has written extensively on leadership and related topics, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. Adam teaches graduate-level courses on leadership at UCLA and is an advisor to numerous companies and leaders. A Los Angeles native, Adam is a lifelong Angels fan and an avid backgammon player.

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