Marina Godunova
Marina Godunova is a Senior International Recruiter with over a decade of experience connecting top talent with leading organizations across the globe. She specializes in building inclusive, high-performing teams in diverse industries including fintech, IT, and real estate. Known for her ability to foster strong relationships with both clients and candidates, Marina combines a metrics-driven approach with a human-centered philosophy, emphasizing empathy, trust, and continuous learning.
Originally from Kazakhstan, Marina began her international career after earning a bachelor’s degree in Management and Marketing and a master’s in International Communications. She honed her recruiting expertise at a New Jersey-based consulting agency, progressing from intern to account manager and recruiting manager, and has supported mid- to senior-level global hires remotely for multiple continents, including Europe, the U.S., the UAE, and parts of Asia. She is also a certified career coach, mentoring candidates to successfully navigate Western and European job markets.
Currently at CompanionVille, Marina leads international recruitment efforts for fintech and other high-demand sectors, helping organizations identify talent while supporting candidates’ professional growth. She volunteers extensively with organizations such as the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the United Nations, and TEDxWomen, reflecting her commitment to community impact and global collaboration. Her work has earned recognition from industry peers, and she has been selected as a featured Influential Woman for 2026.
• Problem Solving with Excel
• Certified Career Coach
• Goldey-Beacom College
• Suleyman Demirel University
• NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs
• International Professors Project
• United Nations
• TEDxWomen
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance in overcoming international and language barriers, as well as a deliberate approach to career growth—from starting as an intern to advancing into management. Mentorship and career coaching have been key, both in guiding others and in shaping my own path. I’ve also honed the ability to secure opportunities and build relationships remotely, which has been essential in today’s global work environment.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from mentors, especially a transformational coach, who taught me the importance of understanding people’s behavior and approaching work and life with organization and intentionality.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering the industry to stay current with recruitment technologies and tools, and to focus on developing emotional intelligence—being empathetic, a strong listener, and understanding the people behind the roles you fill.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include overcoming access barriers for candidates from developing countries trying to enter U.S. and European markets. At the same time, remote work and advanced recruitment technologies present significant opportunities to connect talent globally and make international placements more accessible than ever.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are empathy, trustworthiness, and helping others succeed, along with working efficiently and continually committing to expanding my own horizons.