This time, Fortuna magazine welcomed a distinguished guest who has made a name for himself in two very different fields—the worlds of finance and creativity: economist-financier, poet, and publicist Fakhreddin Meydanli (Azizov).
Our conversation was more than a simple exchange of ideas; it was a meaningful journey. We spoke with a professional who is equally fluent in the language of numbers and the magic of words.
Fakhreddin Bey’s philosophy of success can be summarized in one phrase: “To be needed in life.” This principle forms the foundation of his worldview, whether in public service, poetry, or journalism.
— What does success mean to you? Is there a difference between society’s understanding of success and your personal definition?
For me, success means finding a positive solution to any challenge I set before myself and being useful to someone who needs my help, thereby sharing joy with that person. Fortunately, this is often the outcome.
When speaking of society’s success, I think of the achievements of our country, state, and people, particularly during the 44-day Patriotic War. Personal success includes both this collective success and the personal accomplishments I mentioned above, which is where the distinction lies.
— Who or what has inspired you most throughout your life? How has that inspiration influenced your work and creativity?
First and foremost, I am inspired by my boundless love for life. Another major source of inspiration was the late Vagif Salmanov, a close family friend whom I consider my life mentor. Although he was a teacher by profession, he possessed remarkable knowledge and abilities in many areas. I learned a great deal from him, and those lessons have guided me throughout my life.
Naturally, this inspiration has left a lasting and positive mark on both my professional activities and my creative work.
— What has been the greatest challenge on your path to success? How did you overcome it, and what lesson did it teach you?
The greatest challenges came from people who were envious of my abilities, my approach to life, and my independent career development. Some attempted to hinder my progress and even created open confrontations.
During my years of service in central government institutions and ministries, I worked with thirteen ministers and dozens of deputy ministers. Yet, no manager was ever able to simply assign me tasks without discussion because I was often the one raising the critical questions that needed attention.
I overcame these difficulties through competence, tireless effort, dedication to my work, and by always placing the interests of the institution above my personal interests. Most importantly, I remained committed to honesty and integrity.
The greatest lesson life has taught me is that there is nothing more valuable than self-confidence.
— People say wisdom comes with time. What do you believe is necessary for a person to become wise: experience, mistakes, or observation?
In my view, wisdom is a product of human intellect and is, to some extent, an innate quality. However, for it to develop and reach a higher level, life experience, understanding one’s mistakes, and the ability to observe, analyze, and draw correct conclusions from events in society are all essential.
— What key message would you like to share with young people? What advice would you give to a young person searching for their path and struggling with uncertainty?
I would encourage young people to stay engaged in meaningful work, fulfill their responsibilities diligently, improve their skills continuously, seek advice from more experienced professionals, and rely primarily on themselves and their own efforts.
I would also advise them to preserve family values and cultural traditions and strive for a balanced and fulfilling life.
For those who are still searching for their path, I recommend identifying the areas that genuinely interest them, testing their abilities in those fields, and continuing to work on themselves persistently and without discouragement.
— When does inspiration find you most often? In solitude, among people, or in nature?
If inspiration truly lives within a person, it is always present—whether in solitude, among people, in nature, or even during sleep.
Personally, I can write prose or poetry almost anywhere: in a concert hall, at a crowded gathering, or on public transportation. All it takes is a moment or an idea that captures my attention.
The hardest part is writing the first sentence. After that, the words tend to flow naturally. But if you fail to write the thought down when it arrives, it may disappear forever.
— If you could send a single sentence to your younger self, what would it be? Could that message also serve as guidance for readers?
I have no complaints about my past self. If I were given the opportunity to relive my life, I would do so exactly as I did—with all my successes and mistakes.
A person’s mistakes are not separate from their truth at that moment. We act according to what we believe is right at the time. Since the past cannot be changed, there is little value in regretting it endlessly.
My message to readers would be this:
Do not torment yourself over what cannot be changed. Instead, focus on learning from your mistakes and avoiding their repetition in the future.
— Everyone experiences a turning point in life. What event changed and matured you the most?
The greatest influences on my development have been my habit of evaluating myself at the end of each day, continuously educating myself, remaining committed to the right path regardless of others’ actions, and never losing my love for people.
As I wrote in one of my poems:
This world is a scale,
Holding no prejudice toward anyone.
On one side lies your action,
On the other, its reward.
— What is your formula for success?
My formula for success is simple:
To be needed.
A person who is unnecessary leaves behind neither a lasting presence nor a meaningful legacy. Some people live a hundred years and are forgotten soon after they pass away. Others live briefly but remain alive in memory for generations.
As the great poet Huseyn Javid said:
There is a death that is as valuable as life itself,
And there is a life that is worse than death.
— When did you feel “Fortune’s smile” in your life?
Whenever I was able to help someone or accomplish a genuinely good deed.
Interview conducted by: Saida Musayeva, Editor-in-Chief of Fortuna magazine.
