Professional Background
With over 22 years of experience in Human Resources, I’ve had the privilege of coaching hundreds of people as they pursue career advancement, personal development, and effective team-building. I have supported leading organisations in strengthening leadership and managing change. Since January 2023, I’ve been able to bring this work to my own private practice.
I believe in a holistic approach to coaching, which is why I’ve woven yoga philosophy into my work. As a yoga practitioner of 15 years and a teacher for 5, I’ve seen firsthand how these principles can support and empower people.
My foundation includes a Business degree from the Athens University of Economics and Business, an MBA from Vlerick Business School, professional coaching training from Coach U and the International Coach Academy, and yoga certification from the Sama Yoga school. I have lived and worked in Greece, the UK, and Belgium, and have had the pleasure of working with people from all over the world.
You can learn more about my professional background, on my LinkedIn profile.
A combination of Experiences, Practices and Skills.
My Approach
My approach is a powerful blend of my extensive Human Resources expertise, my deep mindfulness practice, and my own life journey. This unique fusion gives you access to both practical tools and a resilient mindset, and the opportunity to discern what works best for you at each step of your journey. I’ve been on my own journey of significant change, navigating serious personal challenges to turn my life around. Now in my late 40s, my life has completely transformed. You might not need to change that much, or your struggles might be bigger than mine. I know something about changing one’s experience in life, but I am not offering to tell you how I did it. I am offering my coaching skills and many tools you can choose from to travel your own journey. Importantly, I am offering the unwavering belief that living life the way you want is possible!
My Story with Coaching
My personal coaching journey began at age 34. Despite having a good job, financial stability, and great friends, I felt stuck and unhappy. It was during a seminar my manager’s well-intentioned effort to boost my “happiness”, that I encountered a life-changing idea: “There is only one success to be able to spend your life in your own way.” * This resonated with me because I had always felt disconnected from the standard markers of success that surrounded me.
The speaker’s next message was that getting the life you want is not magic; it takes work, but this work is within your control. As someone who valued ownership and responsibility, this approach appealed to me.
The next part was equally groundbreaking; the speaker put emphasis on taking exceptional care of oneself as a fundamental part of the success equation. As a person who had always viewed my life through the lens of duty prioritizing work and studies above all else this was a revolutionary concept. The idea of taking extremely good care of myself in order to achieve what I wanted sounded nice.
For the next eight years, I worked on those principles, making progress but ultimately realizing I needed to accelerate my growth. At 42, I hired my own coach. I needed to find a career that aligned with my health, a professional plan that truly excited me, and more freedom in my life. Three years later, after focused and fulfilling work, I had achieved these goals. Most importantly, I had put the structures around me that allow this to be sustainable.
The journey is ongoing, but I’ve made the foundational changes needed to ensure I spend my life in my own way.
The speaker was Talane Miedaner, a renowned life coach, best-selling author, and a public speaker. Inspired by her work, I later hired my coach from her company – a partnership that truly transformed my life. I also completed my first accredited coaching training at CoachU, the oldest and most established coach training organization, where Talane herself used to teach.
*Quote by Christopher Morley, American journalist, novelist, essayist, and poet
My Story with Mindfulness
My journey with mindfulness began in 2005 while working as a Program Manager for a leadership development firm in Belgium. Our work was about helping top executives from global organizations reach their full potential, and we did this by collaborating with a diverse network of professionals from futurists and psychologists to actors and yoga teachers. It was through this experience that I first discovered yoga and mindfulness.
I was immediately struck by the idea that a truly holistic approach one that unites mind, body, and spirit is essential for unlocking one’s full potential. I started practicing yoga and quickly felt the positive effects on my well-being. By 2009, yoga became a daily ritual. I deepened my practice, studying its philosophy and integrating it into every aspect of my life.
The practice helped me manage stress, boost my performance at work, and connect more authentically with others. To celebrate my 40th birthday, I decided to take my passion to the next level and train to become a teacher. I joined the Sama Yoga school where my teacher’s teacher leads the program. This deeper dive into yoga’s philosophy not only helped me heal past emotional wounds and eliminate chronic physical pain but also brought a new sense of ease to my life.
Soon, I began sharing this transformative practice, offering lessons to friends, non-profit groups, and colleagues. During the pandemic, I offered regular online classes to my coworkers, and later, when we returned to the office, I led sessions at the beginning of meetings and professional gatherings. This is how the Mindfulness for Groups practice the one I now offer to organizations was born.
This practice has given me invaluable tools for navigating life’s challenges and has become an essential part of my identity. I’ve woven the power of yoga and mindfulness into my professional life, and I am passionate about sharing these tools with you.
My Commitment to My Own Personal Growth
As a coach, I will invite you to invest in yourself. Every journey of personal development is unique, and I’m sharing mine to demonstrate that I am deeply committed to the work I do. When you work with me, you are partnering with someone who walks the talk – someone who has invested in their own growth and is dedicated to continuous learning.
Honing My Craft
I am committed to providing you with the highest level of coaching. To continuously refine my skills, I work with mentor coaches to confidentially discuss my clients and enhance my approach. I also participate in group supervision sessions to gain diverse perspectives and guidance. In addition to my Associate Certified Coach accreditation, I am also currently pursuing my Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accreditation with the International Coach Academy.
Investing in My Energy and Mindset
In order to offer my clients the best possible experience, I am working consistently on my own energy and mindset. This includes continuing therapy, which helps me to deepen my self-awareness and find more and more joy in life. My 15-year yoga practice and yoga teacher training have helped me towards that end immensely too (read My Story with Mindfulness for more).
Being a Coachee
To upgrade my life in all areas, I worked with a coach, Judy Heck Lowry, MCC. This was transformational. I got so much energy and inspiration throughout our sessions to do things better. This enabled me to make the shift from my corporate career to running my own business. I achieved way more than I thought I could and built the foundation to be successful long-term. I have had many other coaches who have inspired me and supported me through tough times. I continue to leverage my network of coaches to make my life better, and I am grateful to all.
Accreditation: What It Is and Why It Matters
- Extensive Training: Completing an accredited training program.
- Mentored Experience: Receiving guidance from an experienced mentor coach.
- Demonstrated Expertise: Documenting hours of professional coaching experience.
- Comprehensive Assessment: Passing written and oral exams.
Extracurricular
Beyond my professional life, I have a passion for learning, exploring, and connecting with the world. Originally from Greece, I now live in Athens with my partner. In my free time, you'll often find me with a book in hand, embracing new knowledge, and planning my next travel adventure.