Kodirjon Norov | Interview

Kodirjon Norov is an investment professional and Managing Partner at Highland Capital, focused on private equity, strategic investments, and building high-growth businesses across Central Asia. His connection with the United States began through an early exchange program and continued with his studies at a leading U.S. business school, where he was among the first students from Uzbekistan. This experience later led him to work in international finance and gain exposure to Wall Street. In this interview, he shares key moments from that journey — from becoming the first Uzbek student at Wharton to meeting global business leaders and building a career in investment banking. He also reflects on returning to Uzbekistan with international experience and how that perspective shapes his approach to business and investment today. This conversation is part of our Freedom 250 campaign, a series dedicated to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, featuring interviews with prominent Uzbek leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. 00:00 - Who is Kodirjon Norov? 00:20 - Early interest in finance and entrepreneurship 00:45 - First international experience in the United States 01:14 - First steps in business 02:05 - Creating a website about Uzbekistan 03:07 - Setting the goal of getting into Wharton 03:48 - From Uzbekistan to a top U.S. business school 04:32 - Meeting Elon Musk, Leonard Lauder, and Jeff Bezos 06:26 - A personal meeting with Warren Buffett 07:38 - First steps in international investment banking 08:35 - Building a career on Wall Street 09:35 - Returning to Uzbekistan with global experience 10:25 - Issuing corporate bonds for the first time in Uzbekistan 11:04 - The importance of being honest with yourself 12:44 - Advice for young professionals and future leaders