A visionary life coach, hypnotherapist, speaker, and author, she transforms lives through resilience and personal growth.
From overcoming adversity to exploring over 100 countries, her journey inspires others to break free from limiting beliefs, embrace new experiences, and take charge of their own stories with confidence and purpose.
Can you share a little about yourself and your journey? What led you to become a life coach, hypnotherapist, speaker, and author?
I had a challenging start in life. My mother was just 16 when she gave birth to me and considered giving me up for adoption. Fortunately, I was blessed with a loving grandfather who took me in, and I grew up with him and my grandmother, who provided me with the care and love I needed.
However, when I was 10, my grandfather passed away, and my grandmother, though incredibly kind and loving, was unable to provide the guidance I needed during those formative years.
At school, I was bullied for being different—specifically for not having any parents in the traditional sense. This early hardship instilled in me the importance of financial independence. From a young age, I understood that financial freedom was key to shaping my future, so I started working at 13.
I cleared tables in a ski lodge and cleaned hotel rooms in the summer to save money for language lessons, as I dreamed of leaving the small village where I was born. I never quite felt included, and my heart longed for distant places, even as a young person.
As I grew older, my dreams began to take shape. I found work as a tour guide in Greece, and it was there that my transformation truly began. This was the turning point that sparked a passion for exploration, self-discovery, and growth.
Years later, after traveling the world and raising two children, I felt a deep desire to share my knowledge and experiences with others. This led me to train as a life coach and hypnotherapist, as I realized I needed specific tools to help others. After publishing my book, The Soul Kit – First Aid for the Soul, I sought public speaking opportunities to further spread my message and inspire others to take control of their own journeys.
You’ve had such a diverse and dynamic career—from life coaching to public speaking and even hosting a podcast. When you look back, was there a defining moment that set you on this path?
The defining moment of my life came when I ventured abroad, leaving behind a place where I was constantly labeled and judged. It felt like an opportunity to start anew. However, I soon realized that simply leaving a location doesn’t change who you are. My low self-esteem traveled with me, lingering beneath the surface.
It wasn’t until I immersed myself in personal development books and enrolled in a course with Tony Robbins in 1989 that I began to take control of my life. I learned that our lives are the sum of the choices we make, and while we cannot control what happens to us, we always have the power to choose how we respond.
When we move from the passenger’s seat to the driver’s seat of our own lives, the possibilities become boundless. This profound realization ignited a desire in me to share what I had learned with others, which is why I decided to train as a life coach.
Traveling to over 100 countries is a dream for many. What is it about travel that has shaped your perspective on life and human connections?
Every journey, every place I visit, brings me face to face with different cultures, beliefs, and ways of life. Yet, despite our vast differences, I’ve realized that at the core, we all share a common thread. We all want to be happy, to feel safe, and to find meaning in our lives.
No matter where we come from, what language we speak, or how different our surroundings may seem, this simple truth unites us all. This realization has made me more empathetic and connected to the world around me.
It’s humbling to see how, despite the varying circumstances and challenges we face, we are driven by similar desires and hopes. We all seek love, security, and fulfillment. And perhaps, it’s in understanding this shared humanity that we can foster more kindness, compassion, and unity in our world.
Your work revolves around helping people break free from limiting beliefs. What’s one of the most common mental barriers you’ve seen, and how do you help clients overcome it?
The most crucial step in personal growth is identifying the limiting beliefs that hold us back, as many people are unaware of their existence. These beliefs were often formed during childhood, when our habits and values were shaped.
Once we become aware of what is limiting us, there are various NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) techniques available to either dissolve these barriers or reframe them, allowing us to rewrite our narrative and unlock our full potential.
You believe stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth. Was there a time in your own life when you had to take a leap of faith despite uncertainty?
At the age of 19 and a half, I embarked on an adventure that would change my life forever. I accepted a job with a Greek travel agency in Rhodes, a decision I made with nothing more than a phone conversation with the owner. Back then, smartphones and the convenience of sending photos or documents didn’t exist, so I had no way of knowing exactly what I was walking into.
All I had was a recommendation from someone I’d met through a small ad I had placed in a magazine. Looking back, I had no real idea what I was getting myself into, but that uncertainty became the beginning of something extraordinary.
It was the start of a journey that opened up the world to me, a journey that would shape my life and perspectives in ways I never could have imagined. That moment marked the beginning of a beautiful life of travel, one that would continue to unfold in remarkable ways, with endless opportunities, lessons, and memories. Life was never the same again.
Your podcast Most Memorable Journeys dives into fascinating travel experiences. Is there one story or guest that has stuck with you the most?
All of my guests are truly fascinating, and I have a deep love for people. Everyone has a unique story to tell, and I find great joy in learning from their experiences and the way they navigate life’s challenges.
My curiosity about other cultures—along with their food, customs, and traditions—drives me to constantly seek new insights and perspectives. Every encounter is an opportunity to grow, and I’m always eager to embrace the richness of human diversity.
You’ve built a career in coaching and speaking, but you also lead hiking tours. How does being in nature connect to personal transformation?
The hiking tours came about as a way for me to reconnect with my passion for being a tour guide and to seize a new opportunity. They allow me to combine my love for people and nature, while also pushing my own physical boundaries.
Some of these hikes can be quite challenging, especially given the heat in places like Greece and Cyprus, where I lead the tours. But every step is a rewarding test of strength and endurance, and I am grateful for the chance to share these experiences with others.
Leading the Global Woman Club in Cyprus and New York must have been an incredible experience. What do you think is the biggest challenge women face in business today?
Where do I begin… Women often find themselves needing to work much harder than men to prove their worth. They bring life into the world and, in most cases, are the primary caregivers, shaping the next generation.
Yet, they are frequently under intense scrutiny, facing criticism and judgment that men seldom experience. Many women find themselves financially dependent, which, combined with societal pressures, can make the prospect of starting a business feel daunting. These challenges, while complex, also highlight the resilience and strength that women continue to demonstrate every day.
You’ve spoken on stages worldwide. Do you ever feel nervous before stepping in front of an audience, and if so, how do you manage it?
I always feel a sense of nervousness before stepping on stage, and I truly believe that the day I no longer feel nervous is the day I’ll have to stop speaking. The best way I’ve found to overcome stage fright is through preparation.
Knowing exactly what I want to say, rehearsing in front of a mirror, and practicing my body language and vocal variety all help me feel more confident.
I also visualize the success of my speech, imagining the audience enjoying it. Before I take the stage, I do calming breathing exercises to center myself, ensuring that I’m ready to deliver my best performance.
You wear many hats—entrepreneur, speaker, coach, mother. What’s one non-negotiable habit that keeps you grounded and balanced?
That’s a great question. I wouldn’t say I have any non-negotiables because I tend to go with the flow and adapt easily to different situations. However, if I had to pinpoint one, it would be my walks on the beach or in nature, as well as the time I spend enjoying coffee with my friends. These moments are important to me and help me recharge.
There are many misconceptions about personal growth and life coaching. What’s one myth you’d love to debunk?
When someone tells you that they can change you, run… Nobody can change you, only you can do that. Of course, people can support you and help you achieve your goals but you have to do the work yourself. There is no overnight success, it’s a lot of work and that’s why it is important to like what you are doing.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women who want to follow their dreams but don’t know where to start?
Think big, but avoid overthinking. Set clear goals and break them down into smaller, achievable steps using the SMART method. If things aren’t going as planned, explore alternative approaches, but never give up. Remember, there are no mistakes, only valuable experiences.
Consider finding an accountability partner, mentor, or coach to guide you, especially in the early stages. Ask yourself, “What can I do today to move closer to my goal?” and take immediate action.
Looking ahead, what’s one goal or dream you haven’t achieved yet but are excited to pursue?
At this stage of my life, the most important priority is taking care of my health, ensuring both my body and soul remain in good shape. I still have so many dreams and a long list of places I’d love to visit and share with my audience on my podcast.
One aspiration I have is to travel and meet podcast guests in person, rather than recording remotely over Zoom. Ideally, I would love to secure a sponsor to help sustain my podcast.
Additionally, I hope to be invited to speak on stage, where I can share my experiences and wisdom with others. Inspired by the incredible work of Louise Hay, I aim to continue spreading love and light in the same way she did..
