(6 min read)
High School Years
During high school, I often found myself listening to my friends and helping them navigate their challenges. I was fortunate enough to discover my life’s purpose before entering college: “to help people help themselves.” This insight led me to pursue a degree in Guidance and Psychological Counseling.
College Years
In college, I became intrigued by Human Resources (HR). I realized I wanted to work in a business environment, focusing on talent development and driving impactful business results. I also strongly desired an international career that would allow me to travel the world, which led me to join a multinational company in Turkey.
Early Career
I launched my career at 3M, where I worked alongside two highly respected HR leaders. They developed HR practices that became best-in-class standards within the company and across the region. As an HR generalist, I quickly gained exposure to all facets of HR. I also had the opportunity to train regional HR leaders who visited Turkey for onboarding, share best practices, and nurture my passion for developing others. Working in a diverse, multicultural environment truly energized me.
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
After some time, I felt the need to step out of my comfort zone and push myself further. Although it wasn’t the most conventional decision, I wanted to transition from a “country role” to a “regional role.” So, before turning 30, I took the leap and accepted my first regional position to establish the Center of Expertise (COE) structure for HR in the Central and Eastern Europe Area.
Many colleagues from Turkey questioned my decision, asking, “Are you crazy? Why leave such a great role in Turkey for a regional one?” My response was simple: “Why would I be crazy? I joined a multinational company to work across cultures and not limit myself to my home country.”
Broadening My Horizons
I truly found what I had been searching for.
I continued to push my boundaries and expand my horizons. Within 1.5 years, my responsibilities would encompass Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Less than three years later, I was leading the HR function for Central and Eastern Europe.
This journey exceeded my expectations. I had imagined taking on such a role much later in my career, possibly as my final job before retirement.
Yet, there I was, in my early 30s, becoming the first woman appointed as Area HR Leader for Central and Eastern Europe. I was the youngest member and the second woman to join the Area Management Operating Committee. This role opened up a new horizon I had never envisioned.
What followed was a shift in perspective. When I first transitioned to a regional role, many colleagues were hesitant, but over time, the idea of staying in a country role became less attractive. More people now aspire to take on area roles, and they have become the preferred career path. It felt as though I had helped change the game.
Four years later, I was managing the HR function for more than 30 countries, overseeing 5,000 employees. Once among the lowest, the HR Opinion Survey results moved to the highest in just four years. The Central Eastern Europe HR team began introducing best practices that were adopted company-wide.
Relocation to a New Country
A few years later, another exciting opportunity arose. The company’s CHRO asked me to relocate to 3 M’s headquarters in the US to take on a global role. At that time, I was fortunate to work with an executive coach who helped me carefully consider this major move.
I accepted the offer and relocated to the US at 37, taking on global Executive and Leadership Development responsibility. My team and I launched three new programs targeting different experience levels, from top executives to senior managers, all within a year. These programs were a resounding success, making a significant impact. Our CEO highlighted them as a “game-changer” and a competitive asset during the 2016 earnings call.
The next step was integrating a “coaching culture” into the company. We identified and trained ten internal coaches across various countries and regions, further elevating the company’s leadership development initiatives.
I thought I was just getting started. But in just 2.5 years, I found myself leading the company’s most prominent business HR function on a global scale. I traveled the world, working with a team of top executives across diverse functions. I visited numerous countries, meeting with talent and learning firsthand about their challenges and opportunities. More than a dream had come true.
Reflections
As I reflect on my journey, I find myself in a place I could never have imagined.
I was fortunate to work alongside many remarkable executive coaches throughout these transitions. Their guidance accelerated my growth, helped me easily navigate change, and bolstered my confidence, enabling me to take bolder steps.
Over my 20-year career, I also worked with 20 leaders from 10 different nationalities. Each of them taught me invaluable lessons, shaping my perspective and approach in unique ways.
I’ve been fortunate to have a family that empowered me from the very beginning. But beyond that, I was blessed to find my life partner—my husband—who has been an unwavering source of support throughout this fast-paced and unpredictable journey. His support has been one of the critical factors in my success.
Looking ahead, I asked, “What’s next for me?”
The Choices We Make
There are always choices to be made. I could have stayed with the company, or I could have moved to a new one. I could have climbed the corporate ladder quickly—this was the safe path. Or, I could have left my comfort zone and sailed toward new horizons.
There is always something new to learn, yet deep down, I knew I wasn’t pushing myself enough. I needed to step beyond the familiar walls of the company that had shaped me.
Once again, I was fortunate to work with an executive coach who helped me listen to what my heart was telling me. With their support, I was able to navigate this courageous decision and move forward.
The Path That Fulfilled Me
The reason I chose HR was simple: to help people help themselves. Throughout my 20-year career, I found the most fulfillment in interacting with people, helping them discover their dreams, unlock their potential, and create meaningful development opportunities through mentoring, coaching, and program design.
After an exhilarating and fast-paced career in the corporate world, I wanted to reach more people and have a broader impact in the next chapter of my life.
The Sailboat: A Metaphor for Growth
This purpose reminds me of a sailboat embarking on a journey toward new horizons, continuously exploring the unknown. As my sailboat moves forward, I see sailing as a metaphor for the coaching journey. It represents a new beginning, filled with fresh adventures and learnings. It all starts with leaving the safety of the harbor—stepping out of our comfort zone—and setting a clear destination.
However, we also need a true North—a compass representing our values—to guide us on our journey.
The waves of the ocean and the wind symbolize the obstacles—”limiting beliefs”, “mindsets”, and “the things that hold us back”—that can slow our progress. But we can navigate these challenges and sail more smoothly toward our goals through adjustment, shifts, and change. It all begins with setting a destination, being open to exploration, learning, change, and taking action.
Paying It Forward
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with many exceptional executive coaches and leaders who helped me achieve my dreams. Now, as an executive coach, consultant, and leader, my mission is to help other executives, leaders, individuals, and organizations do the same—to help them reach their goals faster, create positive change in their lives, and make a lasting impact on the world.
The Coaching Business and My Life Purpose
Coaching is about creating awareness. It fosters an environment where shifts and changes can occur, leading to the achievement of desired goals. Through coaching, individuals can unlock their full potential, positively impacting themselves, their teams, and their businesses.
It’s an incredible journey to walk alongside each unique individual, helping them reconnect with their big dream and guiding them, step by step, toward their goals.
This journey is not just about others—it’s also a way for me to fully embrace my life purpose: “Help people help themselves.”
