I am an international professional, and it comes with challenges and gifts.

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Let me unpack it. 

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Having lived on three continents and transitioned across multiple cultures, four languages (Russian, Latvian, Hebrew, and English), and several career paths, I have faced my share of challenges. The biggest one was feeling different, not fitting in – an outsider. First, my new host country’s languages had almost nothing in common. That meant that meaningful connections with my peers – on social and professional levels – were elusive. Next, cultural norms, food, traditions, and communication styles were left to interpretation and assumptions – a definite hit or miss there too. I needed a bridge, and I was the only one who could build it.

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My bridge-building “crew” consisted of curiosity to examine the challenges, such as intercultural dynamics, up-close (as real or perceived), drive to learn new skills, acceptance of mistakes as necessary for growth, and courage to ask for help. The gifts came in the form of pride in the wealth of knowledge and the richness of experience that comes with multicultural experiences – gifts I could share to enrich others. Of course, the gifts became more obvious as I gained competence, connections, and confidence. 

 

My personal experience is what motivated me to learn more and become an educator, a coach, a consultant, and a facilitator. I have made it my life’s mission to share my experience and expertise with others who work across cultures and languages or have international professionals on their teams. I’ve been there – done it, and now I want to help YOU to confidently bridge communication, culture, and style divides to reach peak performance and results, gain recognition, successfully approach high-stakes conversations, deliver engaging presentations, spearhead team initiatives, develop and implement company-wide strategies, build strong professional and personal relationships – and do it all with calm and boosted confidence.

 

My Coaching Approach

I am a naturally friendly, curious, and optimistic person; therefore, to create trust and safe space for my clients to begin their journey, we establish a personal connection as the foundation of our coaching relationship. The 4-step-process – assessment, exploration, application, and re-assessment – provides the necessary structure for the rest of the coaching duration. It enables the client to establish a starting point, envision success, plan strategies, and create accountability for sustained follow-through, all the while addressing stress and overwhelm through mental fitness and self-care. 

 

Qualifications and Credentials

In addition to over 25 years of experience coaching, training, and consulting international leaders and C-suite of global Fortune 100 and 500 companies, I bring to the table the following experience, education, and credentials:

• Business experience in International Operations with Solomon Brothers Smith Barney 

• 18 years of Academic experience in several universities, including Columbia and the New School, NY as a lecturer, assistant professor, and a program coordinator 

 

Certified Executive Coach – Center for Executive Coaching 

PCC - Professional Certified Coach, International Coaching Federation (ICF)

CPQC – Certified Positive Intelligence and Mental 

Certified Results Coach - NeuroLeadership Institute

Certified Brain Based Coach - NeuroLeadership Institute

Certified DISC Behavioral Assessment Practitioner - TTI Success Insights

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate - USF Corporate Training and

Professional Education

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Click here for a detailed listing of certifications click here. 

 

Associations and Volunteering

Russians for Ukraine Org. – worked with Ukrainian refugees on the border in Poland as a translator and coordinator for medical and mental health staff 

Train the trainers – teachers and program facilitators 

ICF NJ, on Program Development Committee  

 

Education

• B.S. in International Business Administration and Marketing

• MA in Education (curriculum design)

• MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

 

Areas of Expertise

• Executive and Leadership Coaching

• Cross-cultural communication coaching and training

• High stakes conversations  

• Communication skills for international professionals coaching and training

  • Clarity of speech/accent management

  • Presentation, facilitation, participation 

  • Business writing

• Career development

• Positive Intelligence/Mental Fitness 

  • Overwhelm, stress, and time management

  • Self-management

  • Work/life balance

  • Peak performance

 

Interesting Facts About Me

Professionally trained classical pianist

Dog “whisperer” – rescue, rehabilitate, train, spoil

IDF – Israeli Defense Forces

Jewelry designer

Avid social justice and earth advocate and protector

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