A Coach Talk About Transformation And Self-Discovery – Exclusive Interview With Simona Lazar
Simona Lazar is an ICF Certified Coach and a specialist in career transition and leadership. She is the founder of Success Insights, empowering people to achieve career fulfillment and life satisfaction by using strengths and doing actions that brings joy. Her mission is to inspire humans to thrive and to unlock their true potential for happiness and success.
Simona is passionate about people, working with clients at all levels of an organization and with entrepreneurs. Simona’s passion for supporting others comes from her growth in overcoming a career shift. With a deep understanding of human psychology, business, and leadership, she brings valuable resources and know-how. She enjoys lifting others up and seeing them achieve their goals by creating opportunities to shine.
Simona Lazar, PCC Coach for Career Transition and Leadership
Who is Simona?
I am a person who has discovered her mission. I truly believe that every person has a meaning and a mission during their life journey, mine is to co-create with people, to teach them how to play with opportunities, to shine and to rediscover free living. I am wildly passionate about coaching, and equally passionate about helping people discover a different way of doing things to live a life with purpose and happiness.
My studies and professional experience cover part of HR and science professional certification. I got a PPC certification at CoachVille, one of the first coaching schools in the world, and a PCC ICF accreditation. After discovering the universe of CoachVille, everything changed. It changed my mindset, my approach around fears, opportunities due to the learning environment, where everyone supports each other without judgement, or bullying. That place is just a special environment where everyone has the chance to be authentic and vulnerable.
What’s the story behind the coach?
Everything started in 2015, with the birth of my boy. I enjoyed the 2-year maternity leave which was a changing swift experience. My previous life before being a mom was much simpler and I mostly played in my comfort zone, going to work 10-12 hours/day, studying, and sleeping (poor hours). My baby boy taught me the meaning of being present and how to go back to basic. His determination to learn everything from scratch, his desire to try again and again, and his fearlessness and joy were totally different from my adulthood experience. My inner directions and dreams were falling asleep. This was the first and most intense pop-up moment, and it was like an immersive brain call.
The second wakeup conscious moment that I remember having popped during the pandemic period, when the effects of fear were multifaceted and complex, impacting individuals and society. I do not want to minimize the negative effects we all experienced, instead I would rather prefer to bring on the spot the positive experiences that impacted lives, like heightened awareness and hygiene practices, community spirit and resilience (fostered a sense of community and solidarity as people came together to support each other and adapt to the new normal), and Increased focus on mental health (increased investment in mental health services and resources, this point was new most a lot of people).
I had some kind of inner knowing that these wake-up moments were happening for a reason. So, I didn’t panic. I coached from 5 clients per week to 11 clients, I didn’t fully replace my income… but I was on solid ground, and then I grew from there. The inner desire to be free and to develop and grow my own company got me out into the world as an entrepreneur and coach…and I never looked back.
What is your business name, and how do you help your clients?
I am the founder of Success Insights, a Romanian company that offers coaching, training, and HR support. All my services are linked to embrace growth, pure transformation, and the desire to create new patterns for living.
Life is about reach out for our dreams and coaching is about bringing together all the tools we already have to live better, I am not saying that players with a dream don’t have problems or tasks, of course they do, but they are not the focus. The Dream and playing better are the focus. This important shift in perspective will become clearer once you feel on yourself the difference between doing (tasks, checks, control planning…) and creating (enjoying the new actions, identifying the challenges, celebrating the little steps, living in the present...).
I think most managers, leaders, trainers, and many other professionals are part time coaches as well, and they can dramatically improve what they are doing by developing a “Coach approach”.
Transformation Coaching is very similar to a butterfly’s metamorphosis, and I can assure you that there is ALSO only one way. Change can bring you back to your old habits, but when you are experiencing a transformation coaching process, you will meet the new version of yourself, and you will never want to get back to the previous one.
Transformation can happen anytime a person endeavors to do something better and personal growth is required. Just about anything we desire to do better, will require some personal growth. Areas of personal growth include confidence, clarity, consistency, resourcefulness, resilience, self-determination, co-creativity, self-expression, self-love, self-worth, and self-awareness, and that’s just the obvious ones. Every person is unique and will identify a unique area of growth aligned with the heart and inner desires.
The role of a career coach: What do you see as the most important role of a career coach?
I see more and more people feeling unsure about their next career move whether it's a promotion within their current field, a complete career change, or simply navigating through challenges in their existing role. A coach helps them explore their options, identify their strengths and interests, and set clear goals.
I also see a lack of self-awareness: Sometimes, it's hard to see ourselves clearly and objectively. A coach can help uncover hidden talents, identify limiting beliefs, and gain a better understanding of what motivates and drives.
A coach acts like a partner and will bring a lot of additional benefits to achieve the desired success:
Objectivity: A coach can provide an unbiased perspective and help you see things from a different angle. Will not offer solution but will conduct you to bring to flight your superpower, your unicity, and the desire to embrace new experiences.
Confidentiality: A safe space to discuss your career concerns and challenges without judgment. A PCC-level coach possesses excellent listening skills.
Tailored approach: A coach will work with you to develop a personalized plan, or even set those goals that meets your individual needs and expectations. You will be in the spotlight and will discover how fun it is to play for your dreams.
If you could change one thing, what would it be and why?
I consider that each employee from any company should have the chance to have at least one discussion with an ICF Accredited Coach. This will bring win-win benefits to both from employees and employers.
Benefits for Employees
Career development
Career coaches can help employees identify their strengths, interests, and goals, and develop a plan to achieve them. This can lead to increased motivation, engagement, and job satisfaction, as well as new perspectives and ways of acting.
Skill development
Coaches can help employees identify and develop the skills they need to be successful in their current role or advance in their careers. This can include technical skills, soft skills, and leadership skills.
Increased work-life balance
Career coaches can help employees manage stress, set boundaries, and achieve a better work-life balance. This can lead to improved mental and physical health. Work-life balance is a trending topic especially after this global pandemic experience.
Benefits for Employers
Increased employee retention
By investing in their employees' careers, employers can show that they are committed to their long-term development and growth. This can help reduce employee turnover and the associated costs, and a long term unique cultural atmosphere.
Improved employee performance
When employees are happy and engaged in their work, they are more likely to be productive efficient and with positive energy. This can lead to improved business outcomes.
Stronger employer brand
Offering career coaching services can help to attract and retain top talent. This can give your company a competitive edge in the job market.
Anything you would like to add, like a conclusion?
Dare to dream big! This is more than just a motivational phrase; it's a powerful way to ignite your life.
Your dream is something you live not something you accomplish. Even if you can live your dream for only 20 minutes each day, will transform your life.
