“When I started coaching sessions with Irina, I had only a strong feeling that what I was doing was making me unhappy. Other than that, I had no idea of what else I could or would want to do. I was burned out on a job that started as a fulfilling and promising career but had run its course, leaving me jaded and unmotivated. Figuring out the next steps in this state of mind felt daunting. Slowly, imposter syndrome crept up again.
Together, we worked on identifying my strengths, walked down a few ‘what if’ scenarios and crafted a networking plan that helped me connect with several new and accomplished professionals. This widening of my network helped me better understand career trajectories, job application strategies and even new job titles (helpful when setting up job alerts).
But what I consider the most valuable outcome of our sessions is having my confidence back. Being able to understand my strengths, finding helpful ways to own and communicate my achievements and figuring out what I want from now on are priceless results that came out from her amazing guidance. I have since connected her to some of my close friends and previous coworkers and hope everyone has a chance to go through her life changing coaching.”
Milene Brownlow, PhD
“I searched for Irina when I was passing through a challenging time at work. I was finishing my first postdoc, and I lost the purpose of many things that used to motivate me. I have done therapy before, but I never did coaching. I was not sure exactly what to expect, but everything was too overwhelming and difficult to handle.
Irina initially asked about my goal, what do I want to achieve with the sections. Everything started with helping me make a CV, and how to search and apply for positions. However, as we went deep into the sections, she always used to ask me “What is your goal?”, and that progressed to understand what was happening to me, in the world around me, and how could I handle things I cannot change and take the best experience and learning from it.
I can say that Irina changed my life in a very positive way. She guided me to understand my patterns, to not lose myself to bad thoughts, and mostly, how can I search in me what I want for my life.
Now, I feel more prepared to face challenges and changes. It was an experience with great self-learning and growth, not only at a professional level but also at a personal one. For this reason, I recommend it to anyone interested in coaching.”
Priscila Romagnoli, PhD
“No matter how confused I was about an interview or an important meeting regarding my career, Irina was the person I would seek help from. She has the knowledge of how to organize your own thoughts in your mind. Consequently, you will end up after talking with Irina knowing more about yourself and what you want to achieve. Even when I thought I am prepared for the interview or meeting, conversations with Irina would make me think about the situation in different ways and hence empower me to be more prepared and confident. I learned a lot from her, lifelong organizational techniques, that I will never forget.”
Zakaria ziadi, PhD
“When I came to Irina, during the 2nd year of my postdoc, I was thinking of applying for a researcher position. But at the same time, I had a feeling that I’m blindly going through a route of which I’m not sure why, and therefore I cannot tell where I want to go. I realized the transition from postdoc to researcher position is a gigantic jump, for which we are not well prepared through our academic journey, professionally and personally.
Together we discussed what are my real motivations, and how can I distinguish them from “false” motivations and reasonings (that emerge from negative thoughts and unconfidence)
What I value in her approach is the combination of personal and professional considerations. Therefore, the meetings had both therapeutic aspects considering my emotional drives and fears; when at the same time, the sessions were very much practical and aim-driven, therefore with specified outputs and results for each session.
A big extra for me is her past experience as a scientist in academia, which made it easier for me to communicate my stress and doubts, but also to state aims, as this is her familiar zone and jargon.
As our sessions went on, it became clear to me that this type of consultant should be mandatory to any postdoc, at this critical junction in our career.
Thank you for your guidance,”
Nurit Eliash, PhD
“With Irina’s guidance and motivation, I have discovered my own strengths and learned how to leverage them in my work, career transition, and even personal lives. Thanks to Irina’s advice, I have successfully transitioned into the big wide world a.k.a industry, and her advice continues to keep me motivated every day. Her workshops on communications, career planning, CV writing, and most importantly, strength discovery helped prepare me for the challenges of transitioning into the industry and at my current job. She is a kind, insightful, and empathetic mentor who listens to your needs and guides you to your individual path in a strategic way. You will definitely be enlightened whenever you speak with her.”
Hong Huat, PhD, MD