# Elena Petrova

> Elena Petrova is the founder and CEO of Ad Astra, Inc., a language-services company established in 2010, and the host of Connected Conversations. She began her career in interpreting and language instruction in Russia before moving into language-services management and business development in the United States. Her work combines cross-cultural communication, language technology, interpreter development and community dialogue.

- **Role:** Founder and CEO at Ad Astra, Inc.
- **Organizations:** Ad Astra, Inc., AdAstraConnect, Connected Conversations
- **Education:** The George Washington University
- **Known for:** Founded and leads Ad Astra, Inc., established in 2010., Led Ad Astra when it appeared at No. 4,267 on the 2024 Inc. 5000., Hosts Connected Conversations, with episodes featuring language professionals, educators and community builders.

## Career timeline

- **Before 2010** — Provided spoken-language interpreting and instruction in Russia, including work for diplomats, schools, media organizations and the Zenit football club; later moved into language-services management and business development in the United States.
- **2010** — Founded Ad Astra, Inc.
- **2023** — Appeared on Success Beneath the Surface with Deborah Fell, discussing cultural understanding, team values and AI.
- **2024** — Began hosting Connected Conversations; the podcast archive dates its first episode to May 29.
- **2024** — Ad Astra was included in the Inc. 5000, ranked No. 4,267.
- **2026** — In her July anniversary essay, described completing AdAstraConnect and plans for the Ad Astra Skills Academy.

## Achievements

- Founded and leads Ad Astra, Inc., established in 2010.
- Led Ad Astra when it appeared at No. 4,267 on the 2024 Inc. 5000.
- Hosts Connected Conversations, with episodes featuring language professionals, educators and community builders.
- Ad Astra announced completion of a SOC 2 Type II audit and achievement of ISO 9001 certification in 2024.

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — Published Sixteen Julys on July 25, reflecting on Ad Astra’s anniversary, AdAstraConnect and plans for the Skills Academy.
- **2026-08** — Hosted Lisa Mae Brunson for episode 56 of Connected Conversations, discussed in an August 5 company blog post.

## Links

- Website: https://ad-astrainc.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-petrova-toolsie
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectedconversationspodcast

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/elena-petrova
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23