Begin by Knowing Yourself – Exclusive Interview With Marianna Štrbíková
Marianna Štrbíková is one of the rare individuals who infuses both passion and wisdom into every endeavour. As a Coach, Chinese metaphysical consultant, and Career & HR Counsellor, she has forged a unique path, blending ancient Eastern wisdom with modern tools for personal and professional growth.
Marianna's journey began in the structured world of Human Resources. She spent over two decades there building a successful career. Over time, something more profound began to call her. There was something she was supposed to do. She became deeply fascinated by Coaching and Chinese metaphysics, two powerful approaches that resonate with her heart. What started as a personal interest soon grew into a calling.
Her courageous decision to leave her job in the corporate world led her to her dream job—her passion. Everything started with her transformative journey. Today, she guides her clients to understand their true selves, unearth their innate strengths, and shape lives and careers that are purposeful and fulfilling. Her coaching is not just a service, but a transformative experience that inspires hope and ignites potential.
Here is her inspiring story, the methods she employs, and how she helps people navigate life with higher confidence, clarity, and a deeper connection to their true potential.
Marianna Štrbíková, Transformation and Career Coach, HR Professional
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
I am Marianna Štrbíková, a Coach, Chinese Metaphysical Consultant, and HR and Career Counsellor. I can honestly say that my work is my passion. I love helping people find the right path in both their personal and professional lives, uncover their true potential, and acquire a deeper understanding of their unique personalities. Supporting others in their growth and transformation is what truly fulfills me. I'm deeply passionate about human potential and the beauty of individual personality development.
You've had a long career in Human Resources. What inspired the transition into Chinese metaphysics and coaching?
After more than 20 years working in HR, I felt a strong pull toward something more profound, something that could help people not just find a job, but find themselves. That's when I turned to Chinese metaphysics, particularly the BAZI technique, a system of Chinese astrology that uses a person's birth data to determine their life path and potential, which I now specialise in. Alongside that, I became a professional coach, career counsellor, and an external HR consultant. All these fields came together in a very natural way for me.
Was there something in your early life that hinted at this future direction?
Absolutely. As a teenager, I was already fascinated by Feng Shui. I would constantly rearrange my room, looking for the best place to study or feel inspired, without realising I was applying Feng Shui principles. That fascination never really left me. While BAZI is now my primary focus, I still use Feng Shui when appropriate. Both are tools that come from Chinese metaphysics and support my mission to help people live more fulfilling lives.
How has studying BAZI influenced your work with clients?
The studying was incredibly eye-opening. It provides me with a deep understanding of how to read a person's inner nature, their strengths, challenges, personality traits, and hidden potential or space for self-development. With BAZI, I can help clients identify their career path that aligns with themselves, where they might face difficulties, and how to use their strengths strategically. It is like holding up a mirror to their soul.
And how does BAZI complement your coaching process?
My most significant advantage is that I can integrate BAZI into my coaching process. It creates a powerful combination. The BAZI spreadsheet provides me with a clear picture of the client's strengths, hidden potential, and formulas that may be holding them back. Some people refer to these as "weaknesses," but I prefer to call them "areas for growth." Many times, what we consider a strength in one context can become a limitation in another, and vice versa.
Once the client develops a deeper understanding of themselves through BAZI, we can, through coaching, eliminate internal blocks, such as limiting beliefs, fears, or doubts, that may be hindering their progress. It is a holistic process that connects insight with action. BAZI shows us what's going on, and coaching helps the client decide what to do about it. This comprehensive approach ensures that clients feel fully supported and understood in their journey of self-discovery and growth.
How do you use these two powerful tools when working with clients?
I love coaching. It's one of the most fulfilling parts of my job. I help clients find answers to questions they often already have within themselves, whether it's how to move forward in life, navigate a business challenge, or find more balance in their daily routine.
For example, I once worked with a client who was a working mom caring for a young child. According to the BAZI analysis, her biggest challenge was managing her time effectively. She couldn't properly divide her time between herself, childcare, family, and work. She left our coaching session with a realistic plan that finally gave her the breathing room she needed.
Another client, who was not interested in a BAZI analysis, was preparing for a challenging project. Through coaching, he not only developed a clear strategy but also created a detailed implementation timeline.
I have learned through experience that the answers are always within us. We need to ask the right questions to find the best answers. That's what I love most about coaching: helping clients see their situation from a new perspective and helping them discover solutions they didn't even know existed.
And you continue expanding your expertise beyond BAZI, right?
Yes, I'm always trying to deepen my knowledge. It is why I would like to incorporate more techniques from Chinese metaphysics, including Date Selection, Qi Men Dun Jia, and Mian Xiang, in the near future. Currently, I occasionally use the Mian Xiang technique to help me read someone's character based on facial features and complement BAZI beautifully. As for the other methods, each has its value and can help a client when it comes to choosing the best day to start a project or making tough decisions. The more tools I have, the more accurate and holistic my guidance is.
How does your background in HR shape your work today?
It plays a huge role. In addition to being a coach and a Chinese metaphysical consultant, I am also a career counsellor. In HR, I filled roles across the entire company, conducted nearly 1,000 interviews, and reviewed countless CVs. I met so many talented people who didn't know how to present themselves well. I could use BAZI to assess a candidate's suitability for a role more effectively than relying on a resume. That experience naturally evolved into what I do now, except I help clients to know themselves better. I also help them to prepare for interviews, polish their CVs and cover letters, and ultimately, present their authentic strengths with confidence.
What is your mission in your current work?
My mission is to open up new possibilities and reveal what people often overlook about themselves. When I completed my Business Coach certification, I experienced the true power of coaching, how the right questions can unlock answers people already carry within them. I live for that "aha" moment, when a client suddenly sees a new direction or uncovers a hidden strength.
You're also involved in professional organisations. Can you tell us more about that?
Of course, I am a proud member of the Slovak Association of Coaches and the Association of Lecturers and Career Counsellors. Being part of these communities not only helps me stay up-to-date with the latest trends and standards in coaching and career counselling, but it also provides me with a platform for continuous learning and growth. It also means my clients receive high-quality, modern support, whether we're working on career strategy or finding greater personal balance.
What advice would you give to someone at a career crossroads?
Don't be afraid to look inward. The answers are often already within you. You need the right tools or guidance to bring them to light. Whether it's through BAZI, coaching, or a combination of both, I help clients discover who they truly are and where they belong.
And finally, what do you love most about your work?
That moment when a client lights up with realization. When they say, "I've never thought of it that way before," or, "Now it all makes sense." That's when I know the work we're doing is creating real, lasting change.
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