UAE entrepreneur turns passion for psychology into global success

Dubai: A 53-year-old Russian expat has a career and lifestyle that could inspire even the busiest of people. A mother of eight, grandmother of three, and an entrepreneur, Nargiz Neumann, manages to balance a thriving career with her family life.

Whether it’s running international projects, raising her children, or spending time with her grandchildren, she insists that it’s all about integration, not choice. In her own words, "Financial literacy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about emotional maturity."

Her journey began over 25 years ago, working as a clinical pathopsychologist in Russia, but she quickly realized that individual consultations alone weren’t enough to create large-scale impact. This led her to explore ways to integrate psychology with technology—a decision that would eventually shape the future of her entrepreneurial journey.

In 1997, she opened her first wellness centre in Russia focused on palliative care. This marked the beginning of what would become a multi-disciplinary business career blending psychology, technology, and healthcare. The wellness centre led to the creation of a full-fledged medical centre and, later, the Academy of Second-Generation Psychotechnologies and Practices in 2017.

However, her most ambitious venture would come later—X-Technology, a company focused on combining AI-powered virtual reality (VR) solutions to assist with emotional recovery and cognitive rehabilitation. It wasn’t just about technology for her—it was about providing holistic care to individuals battling diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

“I built a multidisciplinary team of 35 experts and established our R&D department, focused on integrating neuroscience, psychology, and cutting-edge technology,” Nargiz shares.

Her biggest business lesson? Building a system capable of driving change.

Her companies and projects don’t just function as businesses—they’re ecosystems where individuals with the right skills come together to create transformative solutions. This approach has allowed her to pivot and scale her businesses successfully, with her network of like-minded experts sharing the same values and vision.

In 2022, she relocated a part of her business to the UAE, a decision that brought both challenges and new opportunities. She registered two UAE-based ventures—X-Technology and the Noimann Academy—and has been rapidly scaling since. The business offers high-tech solutions for emotional well-being, cognitive development, and stress reduction, integrating VR, artificial intelligence, and neurosensory technologies.

Her companies now cater to a global audience, attracting between 100–300 participants per course. Her international clientele now numbers over 3,000, a sharp increase from just 60 clients in the first year. With monthly turnover ranging between Dh50,000 and Dh300,000, her business has not only grown but also found a loyal following.

The entrepreneurial journey, though successful, has not been without personal challenges. One of the most important lessons was learning to set boundaries.

“When you're passionate, it's not work—it's flow. But knowing when to pause and recharge is crucial,” Nargiz says. She admits that the most difficult part of her journey was letting go of the “rescuer” identity, but doing so helped her build a healthier balance between work, family, and personal life.

For her, starting out wasn’t about taking risks with borrowed money but about creating a solid system that could grow organically. She firmly believes that no matter how promising an idea may seem, without a structured foundation, it’s unlikely to succeed.

“The most successful chapters of my life began when I made decisions from a place of clarity and excitement, not financial pressure,” she shares. She also emphasizes the importance of clarity in agreements, stressing that contracts aren’t about distrust but about mutual respect and transparency.

Her investment philosophy is rooted in long-term growth. Invest in yourself and the future even before you feel ready. Overcoming her childhood financial struggles, she learned to prioritize knowledge over material wealth. Her parents always ensured money was spent on books, and this mindset shaped her approach to both business and life.

“I began setting aside part of my income for growth when it felt almost impossible to do so. But those early investments—in education, technology, and personal development—became the foundation for everything I’ve built since,” Nargiz added.

Her financial practices reflect this mindset, with 10% of profit going towards research and development, ensuring the business continues to innovate and grow.

Looking to the future, her focus remains on scaling her companies while empowering others. She aims to create systems that can thrive independently of her presence, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, emotional well-being, and positive transformation.

“My version of retirement is the capitalization of ideas. I don’t live with the thought of ‘retiring’—I live with the vision of creating a system that can scale and thrive without me.”

For this entrepreneur, success isn’t just about business acumen—it’s about the integration of work, family, and life values that contribute to a holistic and meaningful existence.

Nargiz Neumann's story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and innovation. From a clinical psychologist to a successful entrepreneur in the UAE, her journey is an inspiration for anyone juggling multiple responsibilities while chasing their passion. By integrating family, work, and personal growth, she demonstrates that with the right mindset, it’s possible to achieve success on your own terms.