Michaela Lashova

My primary motivation for pursuing a Board role is to give back by leveraging the knowledge and experience I have gained as a founder and CEO. Over the past years, I have been deeply involved in building platforms such as real estate services (Forton, Forton Homes), self-storage (Schowek24), coworking (MyFlex), and data centers (Power Loop), while driving growth strategies in highly competitive industries. This journey has given me first-hand insight into the challenges that start-ups and growth-stage companies face: establishing credibility in the market, navigating restructuring, and scaling in a sustainable way.

What inspires me most is the opportunity to support companies at pivotal moments — when the right strategic guidance can make the difference between stagnation and accelerated growth. I am particularly drawn to working with technology and real estate businesses, where I see tremendous potential for transformation. Both sectors demand not only operational excellence but also strong market positioning and a clear growth vision. I believe my background equips me to add value in exactly these areas.

In addition to my executive leadership, I bring current and prior board experience. I am presently serving on the board of Forton’s group of companies, including Forton Homes and MyFlex, where I contribute to shaping strategy and ensuring alignment with long-term growth objectives. Previously, I also served on the board of the Association for Innovation, Business Excellence, Services, and Technology (AIBEST), where I worked alongside peers to promote innovation and competitiveness across industries. These experiences have broadened my understanding of governance and reinforced the value of constructive board engagement in guiding organizations.

Having built and led organizations, I understand the importance of balancing short-term execution with long-term vision. My approach combines a pragmatic understanding of operations with a focus on creating scalable structures that can adapt to market changes. I also have experience leading teams through complex transitions, whether that is entering new markets, restructuring operations, or preparing for strategic exits. These are areas where I feel I can offer real value as a Board member, ensuring that management teams are supported but also constructively challenged to achieve their full potential.

The Board Readiness Program is the right step for me at this stage because I want to formalize and expand my governance capabilities. While I bring entrepreneurial and board-level experience, I recognize that a Board role requires a distinct mindset — one that balances oversight, fiduciary responsibility, and strategic input. I am eager to deepen my understanding of best practices in governance, enhance my ability to contribute effectively in a Boardroom, and connect with peers and mentors who share the ambition to shape high-growth companies.

Ultimately, my aspiration is to serve on Boards where I can contribute to scaling businesses, strengthening their structures, and guiding them toward sustainable success. This program represents an opportunity not only to refine my readiness for such roles but also to start giving back in a way that extends beyond my own ventures, by supporting other founders and leadership teams in realizing their growth ambitions.