Breaking Barriers: Alena’s Journey from Corporate Success to Soulful Leadership
Success without fulfillment led Alena to a turning point—one that reshaped her entire path. Leaving behind the high-pressure corporate world, she embraced a journey of self-discovery, authenticity, and impact. Now, as the founder of a globally recognized enterprise, she empowers others to lead with purpose, balance, and alignment.
Alena, can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your journey from a corporate executive in Ukraine to an empowered entrepreneur?
Certainly! My journey began in Ukraine’s competitive corporate world, where I quickly rose through the ranks in the international fish industry. I achieved measurable success—scaling businesses, landing major deals, and earning recognition as a top performer. But while the accolades were satisfying on the surface, I felt deeply unfulfilled.
I was disconnected from my purpose, and my success came at the expense of my well-being. Burnout became a wake-up call, forcing me to reevaluate my life. Leaving the corporate world wasn’t easy, but it was necessary to align my work with my values.
Today, as the founder of I AM Creation Retreats and Alonafish OU, an 8-figure globally recognized enterprise, I dedicate my life to helping others achieve authenticity, alignment, and meaningful impact.
You’ve had a successful career in international business, but at one point, you experienced burnout. What was the turning point that made you seek a different path?
The turning point was the moment I realized that my relentless pursuit of external achievements was not sustainable. I had been pushing myself to the brink, ignoring the signals from my body and emotions.
Despite reaching career milestones, I felt hollow inside. That’s when I decided to attend my first transformational retreat. It was a pivotal moment that allowed me to step away from the constant noise of achievement and reflect on who I truly was.
This retreat became the foundation for a profound shift in my perspective and the beginning of my journey toward a more fulfilling life.
How did your first transformational retreat shape your understanding of leadership and self-alignment?
That retreat changed everything for me. It introduced me to leaders who modeled a different way of being. They lived with an authenticity and alignment that I had never encountered before.
These individuals demonstrated what it meant to be coherent in mind, body, and heart. They led with purpose, clarity, and empathy, inspiring those around them in ways that I hadn’t thought possible.
For the first time, I saw a new way of leading—one that wasn’t about proving your worth through constant hustle but about creating impact through alignment and authenticity. I knew I wanted to embody that same coherence in my own life and leadership.
You advocate for mind-body-heart coherence in leadership. Can you explain how this approach impacts the way leaders perform and interact with others?
Mind-body-heart coherence transforms how leaders perform and interact with others. When leaders achieve this alignment, their decisions become more thoughtful, purposeful, and empathetic.
They create environments where trust thrives, inspiring collaboration and shared vision. Coherence allows leaders to connect deeply with their teams and communities, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
This alignment also ensures that leaders can sustain their energy and avoid burnout, as they are no longer pushing against their inner signals but working in harmony with them.
What does authentic leadership mean to you, and how do you incorporate it into your business and retreats?
Authentic leadership means leading from your true self. It’s about embracing vulnerability, aligning with your values, and fostering trust through transparency. For me, authenticity is not about projecting perfection—it’s about showing up as you are, with integrity and courage.
By being open about my own journey, including moments of struggle and growth, I aim to inspire others to embrace their own authenticity. This creates deeper connections, stronger teams, and a shared sense of purpose.
In a world that often prioritizes hustle culture, how do you help leaders find success without sacrificing their well-being?
In a world dominated by hustle culture, I focus on helping leaders reconnect with their purpose and values. True success doesn’t require sacrificing well-being; it comes from alignment and balance.
I encourage leaders to integrate intentional pauses, self-care practices, and moments of reflection into their routines. By shifting from relentless doing to intentional being, they can create impact while maintaining their energy and passion.
What are some practical steps leaders can take to achieve mind-body-heart coherence in their own lives?
The journey toward coherence begins with self-awareness. Leaders need to clarify their values and understand how their thoughts, emotions, and actions align—or don’t align—with those values. Practices like journaling, meditation, and daily reflection can foster this awareness.
Reconnecting with the body is equally important, whether through breathwork, yoga, or mindful movement. Small, consistent practices help leaders stay grounded and cultivate the resilience needed for sustainable leadership.
How do you ensure your work and life align with your personal values, and how can others do the same in their leadership journeys?
I ensure my life and work align with my values by regularly reflecting on my priorities and evaluating where I place my energy. Alignment isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s an ongoing practice of checking in with yourself and making adjustments.
For others, I recommend creating space to ask important questions: Are your actions aligned with your values? Does your work inspire you? If not, what changes can you make? Alignment begins with honesty and the willingness to evolve.
In your opinion, what are the most significant barriers women face in leadership roles, and how can they overcome them?
Women often face societal expectations to conform to traditional leadership models, which can make it challenging to lead authentically. They are often told to suppress their intuition and emotions, yet these are some of the most powerful tools we have as leaders.
Overcoming these barriers starts with self-belief and embracing the unique strengths women bring to leadership. Building supportive networks and advocating for one another can create spaces where women can thrive.
In your upcoming book Women Gone Wild: The Leadership Edition, what key message do you hope to convey to aspiring leaders?
The central message of the book is that leadership begins within. By embracing your authentic self, aligning your actions with your values, and leading with integrity, you can create meaningful and lasting impact.
I want aspiring leaders to know that they don’t need to compromise their well-being to achieve greatness. Leadership is about more than results; it’s about leaving a legacy of trust, empathy, and transformation.
As the founder of I AM Creation Retreats, what can participants expect to gain from your transformative programs?
Participants can expect a deeply transformative experience that helps them reconnect with their purpose and achieve alignment between their mind, heart, and body.
The retreats are designed to provide clarity, inspiration, and practical tools for sustainable leadership. Through immersive workshops and meaningful connections, participants leave with renewed energy and a clear vision for their personal and professional lives.
How do you envision the future of leadership, particularly in terms of gender equality and empowering women in leadership roles?
I envision a future where leadership is more inclusive and values-driven. Empowering women to lead authentically is key to reshaping leadership on a global scale.
When women step into their power and lead with empathy and purpose, they inspire others to do the same. This creates a ripple effect of positive change, paving the way for a more collaborative, compassionate, and equitable world.
