Change naturally raises questions, but it can also be a chance to look ahead. That’s the approach Ela Slutski is bringing as the new Managing Director of Cirrus Assessment. With years of experience in software and a genuine passion for education, Ela sat down with us to talk about her leadership, her vision, and what’s next for Cirrus.
Here’s our conversation.
Q: Ela, for those who may not know you yet, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
“I’ve been in the software industry pretty much my whole career. I started right out of university and never really left. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work in a lot of different roles, including Head of Services and Chief Operations Officer just at Cirrus alone, which has kept it interesting and given me a pretty wide view of the industry. I won’t go into my full career timeline – that would take a few interviews – but that’s me in a nutshell.”
Q: Leadership changes naturally come with questions. What would you say to customers and stakeholders who are wondering how this transition might affect them?
“Any time there’s a change in leadership, people are bound to wonder what it means for them, and I think that’s fair. It’s a good time to pause, take stock, and think about where we’re headed. While change can feel a bit uncertain, it can also bring in fresh ideas and new energy.
We’re not suddenly changing direction. We’re building on what’s already here and finding ways to make it even better. And we’re doing it with our customers, not separately from them. Our focus is still on working side by side to create something that reflects what they really need and want.”
Q: You’ve had such an interesting career, from starting your own business to leading teams at Cirrus. What’s driven you through it all?
“At the core of everything I’ve done is wanting to make a difference. I know that sounds big, but even small changes can have a real impact on people’s lives.
I’ve always believed education should be open to everyone. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have for personal growth and for building a better society, and I care deeply about that.
And as a mother, the idea of building a better future isn’t abstract to me. It’s something I think about every day. I’m also really passionate about seeing more women in leadership, especially in education and technology. When I see women stepping into those roles, it gives me hope. It’s something I care about on a professional level, but also in a very personal way.”
Q: How has working closely with customers shaped your plans for Cirrus’ future?
“Spending time with customers, really listening to what they’re dealing with and what they’re trying to achieve, has shaped so much of how I think about the future. You can’t build something meaningful without understanding the people you’re building it for.
Customer insight isn’t just a nice bonus. It’s the foundation for knowing what’s coming, for innovating in a way that actually matters, and for creating real value.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the best ideas and the best solutions come out of collaboration. That’s how I see the future of Cirrus: growing alongside our customers, listening, learning, and creating what they genuinely need.”
Q: Post-COVID, many expected assessments to stay online, but we’re seeing some shifts back. What’s your take on this trend?
“I don’t think we’re really going back to the way things were before. What I’m seeing is more about finding balance. Some organisations are bringing certain assessments back into test centres, but that’s only part of the picture.
Most aren’t ditching digital tools or going back to paper exams. Instead, they’re moving toward a hybrid approach — a mix of online and in-person that works for their specific needs. It’s similar to how many workplaces have settled into a mix of office and remote work.
The key thing now is flexibility. Digital assessments aren’t going anywhere. What’s changing is how organisations combine different approaches to get the best results for them, and I think that’s a positive shift.”
Q: How do you see Cirrus supporting organisations through these changes?
“For me, it all comes down to creating real value for our customers. And that’s going to look a little different for every organisation, because no two are exactly the same.
That’s why flexibility is such a big part of what we offer. Whether it’s mock exams, formative assessments, or high-stakes testing, we adapt to the needs, the context, and the level of complexity each organisation has.
It’s not about a one-size-fits-all platform. It’s about partnership — understanding what matters to you, being agile when things change, and supporting you along the way. As the assessment world keeps shifting, our job is to help you move through that with confidence.”
Q: Cirrus has always been about reducing stress in the exam process. What does the next phase of the company look like?
“That’s still the goal — keeping things as stress-free as we can. No stress, no surprises, just a sense of certainty. We want customers to feel confident in the process, and that comes from having technology they know they can rely on.
One exam can really change someone’s life. It might sound like I’m overstating it, but it’s true, and it’s why we take our work so seriously.
Going forward, I want us to focus even more on our customers, build trust, and make changes with them, not just for them. We’ll keep innovating, but in ways that actually match what people need and where assessment is going. And, who knows, maybe we’ll add a little magic along the way.”
Q: Any sneak peeks at what’s coming next?
“Well, I wish I had a crystal ball… actually, maybe I do if we’re talking about adding a bit of magic.
In all seriousness, we can’t ignore how fast AI is moving right now. At Cirrus, we’re already looking at ways it can actually help – things like AI-assisted authoring, and making marking and candidate feedback faster and more useful.
There’s more we’re working on, but I’m going to save a few surprises for later. Let’s just say the future looks promising… and you’ll have to follow us on LinkedIn to see what’s next.”
Q: Final thoughts—if there’s one message you’d like to share with Cirrus customers and stakeholders, what would it be?
“First of all… thank you. The trust and support we get from our customers and partners means the world to us, and I don’t take it for granted.
We’re really excited about what’s ahead. This is a moment for new ideas, growth, and working even closer together. We’re not just here to back you up — we want to grow and adapt alongside you.
We’ll keep listening, keep improving, and keep finding ways to create value together. The future’s full of opportunities, and I can’t wait to see what we can build with you.”
Cirrus is heading into its next chapter with a clear focus: putting people at the centre of everything we do. Technology is a big part of our story, but it’s never the whole story. The real impact comes from listening to our customers, understanding their challenges, and building tools that make their lives easier. That means staying flexible, adapting when things change, and making sure our innovations solve real problems.
Under Ela’s leadership, the goal is simple: work with our customers, not just for them. Whether it’s embracing new possibilities with AI, making exams less stressful, or finding better ways to support diverse needs, the direction is rooted in empathy and collaboration. The future of Cirrus isn’t just about better assessments. It’s about creating experiences that put humans first, every step of the way.
