Some might say it happens either/or. Either you make your own choices, and you are seen as a confident person, someone with grit, someone who is ready to stand their ground. Or you constantly adapt to the choices of others – and risk being seen as someone without real conviction or direction. But what if …
Continue reading “Sometimes We’re Choosing, Sometimes We’re Adapting”
Just a few days ago Anthropic dropped a study that looked at millions of real AI interactions to understand which jobs are most exposed to AI and which are less affected. Instead of speculating about what AI could do in theory, the researchers looked at how people actually use AI tools in professional contexts today. …
I never aspired to become an author, but I had my reasons to write a book about coaching. For almost 10 years, I have worked as a coach with people from diverse backgrounds and across different continents, in various industries, and at different career stages. Sometimes, I couldn’t help but notice that people have all …
Continue reading “Why I Wrote a Self-Coaching Book (Even Though I Never Wanted to Be an Author)”
Why do we do good things?
We often talk about purpose and contribution, yet a deeper question remains: do we help others because it is selfless, or because it makes us feel good? Reflecting on my own path through psychology, business, and coaching, I explore egoism as a natural part of human motivation – and why it’s not the problem if fulfillment is a byproduct of real contribution.
Feedback tools won’t fix culture. Discover why psychological safety – not more surveys – drives honest conversations and real performance improvement.
A childhood story about choice turned into a powerful career lesson. Explore how to identify real agency at work, set boundaries, and shape your own professional path.
Self-coaching is accessible to anyone, and many of us already do some of it without realizing it. Morning affirmations on tough days, New Year’s resolutions, a deep breath in a stressful moment, searching for an upside when things are hard – all of these point to an inner capacity to guide ourselves. You are not …
We often think that real change requires a new training program, a better boss, a better time, or more willpower. The truth is both simpler and more empowering: we are designed to adapt, to change, to develop. We don’t realise that the change itself is primarily in our own hands. And I want to show …
My new book, “Become Your Own Coach in 20 Days,” is out today. For almost 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀, I’ve been quietly working on my very first book. It was not easy. I faced self-doubt and questioned myself more times than I can count. I took multiple months-long breaks because I was stuck. I edited and rewrote …
I have coached so many people who, at some point during our work together, said: “Your know what, I understand now – I just need to feel more confident.” And I cannot agree more. We all have so much potential and power within us; all we need is a little boost of confidence sometimes. I always …
Embrace the power of coaching to enhance creativity and ownership in your team. Instead of solely providing answers, encourage problem-solving by asking insightful questions and fostering reflection. The COACH Framework offers vital principles to strengthen leadership and collaboration. Start applying these concepts today to create a more impactful workplace.
Want to elevate your impact as a leader? Learn to coach. I am serious! We know from tons of research and reports from top-tier analytics companies that 𝗯𝗮𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀, not a lack of perks, not salaries, but leadership.And yet… so many leaders are still focused on …
I’ve spent years working with teams and leaders to build authentic and high-performing cultures. Over time, I’ve come to realize that certain leadership behaviors drive me crazy. 🫠1️⃣ 𝐏𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 🫠If your team doesn’t know where they’re headed or why decisions are being made, it’s hard for them to fully engage. Transparency and clear …
https://www.loom.com/share/af219d763a5d4466ae0cd1e73d085b3d?sid=8ce7c7d1-de0f-4d24-9185-69e19d24e096 0:00 I finished a half-year mentoring program with one of my clients today, and I have this wonderful feeling of privilege that I wanted to share with you. 0:13 In our line of work, the coaches mentor mentors, uh, therapists, counselors. We are so privileged to be trusted by other human beings with their …
Continue reading “[Video Post] The Privilege and Gratitude I Have as a Coach”
As many teams dive into annual planning, I keep thinking that we often overlook one crucial factor: 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲?Yes, you heard that right. We naturally draft OKRs and our annual plans, aiming for the best possible outcomes and achievements, considering we will do everything as planned and the world around us will …
Continue reading “Plan for Failure as Well. It’s Inevitable on the Way to Success”
As we are approaching the New Year of 2025, I cannot stop but thinking what have I done in 2024? The time seems to fly so fast… Some of the plans have been not fulfilled, some plans have been over-accomplished, and some wishes have already transformed into completely different asks from the Universe. At the …
Continue reading “Self-Coaching Guide for Your 2024 Retrospective”
We all have an inner dialogue guiding us through life, giving voice to our ideas, concerns, and reflections. But when Burnout sneaks in, this inner dialogue can turn dark and draining, wasting our motivation and energy. Often, it’s hard to recognize Burnout’s voice until we’re already feeling worn out, depleted, and exhausted to move on …
Continue reading “What Would Burnout Say? Recognizing—and Responding to—Burnout’s Voice”
https://www.loom.com/share/c8e02bfe8b6543bd90e2d9d4090e857d 0:00 Hi everyone. I realized that I’m not a fan of the word balance, and we try to use it often. Even I caught myself that once in a while, when I have to congratulate someone with a birthday, I might say something like, “I wish you kind of having more balance in your …
Continue reading “[Video Post] Balance Is a Myth in Today’s Life”
You may have noticed that, as a coach, I work a lot with Strengths and Confidence. My personal journey brought me to the point where I see how powerful it is to be aware of your natural talents and build up your confidence not on the wish to become someone else (like that loud and …
Continue reading “What Strengths Have to Do with Confidence and Other Life Questions”
It’s Friday evening, and I am cooking dinner. I wish I had at least two more arms – I recently had to go on a gluten-free diet, so making dinner became even more complicated. Two sets of pasta dishes from regular and gluten-free noodles will not cook themselves. I am also in a rush because …
Continue reading “We cannot have our wounds healed without properly taking care of them”
https://www.loom.com/share/9a133b50908a4b47a864db86215ba1b2?sid=c669afc2-54dc-4805-bce4-2f382a9d433d Video Created with Loom 0:00 Hi everyone, this week I got some news from the doctor regarding one crazy disease that I kind of for sure will work on and battle it and get the right medication and everything will be fine. 0:18 But this uhm this is an autoimmune disease which means that …
AI-Generated Image There is always an audience for propaganda! With all that is happening in the world, I cannot stop thinking about why extremism, autocratic, and anti-human-rights propaganda that is spreading is so successful across the continents. At some point, it comes to why so many of us cannot get our heads in the right …
Continue reading “The Psychology Behind Propaganda: Why We Fall for It and How to Resist”
Confidence is a multifaceted trait, encompassing presence, self-assurance, and, at times, arrogance. It is vital for personal growth and effective leadership, as emphasized by various experts. Balancing confidence with humility and self-awareness is crucial. Understanding its nuances and embracing its different dimensions can empower individuals to achieve their goals and positively influence others.
https://www.loom.com/share/cc84d1a6139d4fb3a6c7e881001025a8 Hey everyone, in this Loom, I discuss the role of AI in HR and talent management. I explore how AI can streamline recruitment, personalize onboarding, facilitate performance management, analyze employee engagement, automate career development, and conduct exit interviews. While AI can handle certain tasks, it’s crucial for us as humans to focus on building …
I have asked AI to generate an image of how the office of the future will look like. And here I am looking at this picture and thinking – does that even have a point of coming to the office when you are plugged into the VR/AR device the whole day or when you are …
https://www.loom.com/share/7a38b531c8a74e3b8fc9396ed157a259?sid=f1fc70e7-b7f0-4344-a2a1-8a60015f2abe 0:00 Well, it’s not the most popular request in my coaching and mentoring practice, but sometimes it happens. People come to me with requests like: “So I work with that person, and you know, it’s challenging; we have a conflict. How do I change their mindset? Or how do I influence them better?” And …
I started my career in HR 16 years ago with a too-complex generalist role in a fast-growing and turbulent startup. 🚀 It was too complex because my primary job included everything from recruitment and onboarding to business partnering and talent development. One hour, I was interviewing people for marketing, operations, or store managers; the next …
At the very beginning of our “Morning Coffee with Myself” journey, we had that first ‘date with ourselves’ ❤️. Today, after four weeks of self-exploration, it’s just about time to get back to ‘yourself’ with a follow-up letter 💌. But not a standard ‘…thank you for your time in the last weeks. It was a …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | Day 20: A LOVE LETTER TO MYSELF”
In “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” Stephen R. Covey emphasizes the importance of creating a personal mission statement, “Begin with the End in Mind.” He argues that individuals, just like successful organizations, should have a clear understanding of their values, principles, and long-term goals. He introduces the concept of a personal mission statement …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | Day 19: MY PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT”
😌 They say that aligning our lives with our core values leads to greater happiness and fulfillment. But what are these core values that shape our true selves? 😊 There is a simple way to identify your core values. Take a moment to reflect on your current life situation and ponder the question, “What matters …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | Day 18: MY CORE VALUES”
Acknowledging what we do well boosts our confidence and makes it more likely for us to succeed. Only imagine a life in which you are doing what you love and what is in tune with your natural talents. It means you will be more likely to enjoy the process and stand out from the crowd …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | Day 17: MY CORE STRENGTHS”
Life isn’t always a straight line, but that’s what makes it an adventure. Setting our personal goals gives us purpose and direction, keeping us engaged in the pursuit of our dreams. We don’t have to be rigidly attached to the goal outcomes, but they can certainly help keep us focused and moving forward. 🚀 Find …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | Day 16: GOAL SETTING”
🌟 Gain Perspective, Diminish Anxieties 🌟 In the hustle of day-to-day life, it’s all too easy to let anxieties take the center stage, overshadowing our sense of perspective. But here’s a simple exercise: Choose a significant aspect of your life—maybe your career, finances, or relationships. 🚀 Now, invest just five minutes to vividly imagine how …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | Day 15: THE BIG PICTURE”
In psychological terms, acceptance is our ability to acknowledge a situation without a protest or making any attempt to change it. 🧘♂️ Acceptance is not about being passive or opting out, it is about recognizing which aspects of our lives are beyond our control. Many of us find it hard to accept tough or painful …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | Day 14: ACCEPTANCE”
Our heads are full of so many different thoughts daily. According to research, the average person has approximately 60,000 thoughts per day. The paradox of how our brain is designed is that we can only properly focus on one thing at a time, which means that at one point in time all but one of …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | Day 13: FOCUS FOR THE DAY”
Saying “no” is a powerful act of setting boundaries. 🛑 We were all masters at it in our toddler days, refusing the pushchair ride or battling the dreaded broccoli. As grown-ups, uttering that two-letter word becomes tricky; we yearn to please, be liked, and avoid causing offence. Saying “yes” to everything can lead to overwhelm, …
Continue reading “The Morning Coffee With Myself | Day 12: THE POWER OF “NO””
It’s ingrained in our nature to strive for more, to enhance the quality of our lives. 🚀 But, let’s take a moment to appreciate all the good we already have. 🌟 Picture a life without the wonderful people and things surrounding you today. It’s a whole different world, right? 🌍 You might notice that there …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | Day 11: GRATITUDE”
Day 10: FEEL THE FEARS We are hardwired to feel fear – it keeps us safe, after all. But a lot of us are also prone to inappropriate fears: fear of failure, fear of public speaking, fear of leaving bad relationships, whether personal or professional. Inappropriate fears have no positive purpose and they don’t actually …
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Emotions are like a colorful palette of our inner world, with countless shades and patterns waiting to be explored. Unfortunately, we often neglect self-reflection and truly ‘feeling’ our emotions. It’s crucial for our mental well-being to stay attuned to our feelings because they provide essential insights. Our emotions are valuable data sources, guiding us to …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | Day 9: HOW DO I REALLY FEEL TODAY”
Especially in times of stress, Box Breathing has proved to be helpful in bringing relaxation. It is a four-step technique that can reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve attention. Take a moment to reset and recharge with Box Breathing! Step 1: Breathe in, counting to four slowly. Feel the air enter your lungs. Count as …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee with Myself | DAY 8: BOX BREATHING”
Much like computers 🖥️, our brains 🧠 function at their best when they’re not bogged down by too many background tasks. An excess of thoughts can overwhelm our minds, causing them to slow down. To clear our minds, we practice ‘brain dumping’ 🗒️. It’s simple: Take 5 minutes to transcribe every thought from your mind …
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Acknowledging happy moments in our lives is important. This exercise is designed to help you become more aware of the positive moments in your life and to promote gratitude and positive thinking. 😊 🌿 1. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. 🌿 2. Close your eyes and take a few …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee with Myself | DAY 6: THE BEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE 💫”
Mental barriers often block us from pursuing our true wishes, desires, and goals. Sometimes, they even block us from listening to our own basic needs. Simply put, a mental barrier is a limiting belief or assumption that we have about ourselves in regard to our ability, potential, and self-worth. So how can we work with mental …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | DAY 5: SOMETHING IS BLOCKING”
Mindfulness is all about being fully present and attentive to the current moment. It’s a state of heightened awareness where you not only acknowledge what’s happening around you but also within you. 🌼✨ 👀 Our senses are crucial for awareness because they provide us with real-time information about the external world, allowing us to perceive …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | DAY 4: AWARENESS”
Preparing mentally for the day and getting yourself to focus on what is important today is a vital morning exercise. Yes, we might have “that” day, when something unpredictable comes up and there might be distractions you didn’t wish for, but what about you and your needs? How do YOU feel and what do YOU …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | DAY 3: TODAY I AM…”
For the next few minutes, think about the times, spaces, and situations when you felt most energized. Finish this sentence: “I feel most energized when…” Sit with these examples for a few moments. Think of your sources of energy and how you can focus on activities, people, or places that empower you and give you …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | DAY 2: MY SOURCES OF ENERGY”
As with any new meeting, we kick things off with introductions. Since we’re embarking on this journey of ‘meeting ourselves’ each day as a new ritual for the next month, let’s get to know ourselves better. Grab a mirror or open the front camera on your phone, maybe even record a video for a powerful …
Continue reading “Morning Coffee With Myself | DAY 1: START WITH INTRODUCTION”
https://www.loom.com/share/d7d296eb642b4fb98f567e779252d2bd?sid=6e7ef196-2188-4df4-b749-cb2ae32040fa Hello everyone! This is Olya, @YourOwnCoach. My ultimate goal as a coach is to help people live more contentful and happier lives.😌 🌿 I like to say that I coach where personal meets professional! I come from 16 years of experience in the corporate environment and executive roles and I understand how it might …
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Leadership development is critical to any successful business, as it can significantly impact employee engagement, productivity, and overall success. Coaching is becoming increasingly accessible to leaders and managers of different levels and is a valuable instrument in helping people achieve better results in the workplace. Even though we see more leaders working with coaches today, …
Continue reading “Teaching Our Managers to Coach or Just Coach Them: What Can Make a Bigger Impact”
