In Conversation with Anastasia Belyak and Kamilia Shaimieva, Founders of The Akademy about how they are shaping cultural dialogue, learning, and community through their platform

In an era where connection often feels instant yet increasingly surface-level, The Akademy Circle is quietly redefining what meaningful conversation can look like. Founded by Anastasia Belyak and Kamilia Shaimieva, the private members’ platform has built a global community around one simple yet powerful philosophy, Never Stop Learning.

With a presence spanning London, Dubai, and Miami, The Akademy Circle brings together leading voices from art, business, innovation, sport, philanthropy, and culture, creating intimate spaces where ideas are exchanged not through headlines or algorithms, but through lived experience, honest storytelling, and genuine human connection.

For co-founder Anastasia Belyak, whose academic background in art history shaped the project’s earliest vision, The Akademy was born from a deeply personal desire to create something meaningful. “I wanted to build a space connected to art, culture, and education, a place that inspires curiosity, personal growth, and intellectual development,” she shares. What began in London as an idea between two partners quickly evolved into a carefully curated intellectual circle, balancing vision with business strategy. 

That philosophy of continuous growth remains central to everything The Akademy creates. “Curiosity is the foundation of all learning,” explains co-founder Kamilia Shaimieva. Through intimate gatherings, members are introduced to leading academics, experts, and extraordinary talents across diverse disciplines from astronauts and Formula One drivers to royal butlers, art-crime specialists, and Guinness World Record holders. Each experience is designed not simply to inform, but to challenge perspectives and spark ongoing discovery. 

Since launching in the UAE, the founders say the region has naturally influenced the identity of the platform. For Anastasia, the Emirates represents something rare, a place where deep-rooted heritage coexists with global perspectives. “It is a place where different worlds learn to exist in dialogue with one another,” she says, noting how this cultural duality has shaped everything from programme curation to the tone and sensitivity of every event. 

In a world oversaturated with experiences, Kamilia believes authenticity is what makes a conversation truly memorable. Rather than polished narratives or rehearsed success stories, The Akademy focuses on revealing the human stories behind extraordinary achievements, stories of setbacks, resilience, reinvention, and personal breakthroughs. It is this emotional honesty, she says, that creates the most powerful moments of connection. 

Beyond intellectual exchange, philanthropy remains deeply woven into The Akademy’s identity. The founders have partnered with organisations including Path to Success, Air Ambulance, Make-A-Wish, Naked Heart Foundation, and more recently, UN Women. For Anastasia, giving back is not an extension of the brand, it is part of its foundation. “True growth is not only personal, but collective,” she says. 

As its global community continues to grow, intimacy remains at the heart of the experience. Carefully curated groups, moderated discussions, multilingual accessibility, and a strong emphasis on storytelling ensure that every gathering remains personal, respectful, and deeply human. 

Looking ahead, both founders see The Akademy Circle evolving with even greater intention. Their ambition is not simply to host events, but to build a global community where ideas travel across cultures, disciplines, and continents, one thoughtful conversation at a time.