From Corporate Leadership To Holistic Coaching And Mentorship – Exclusive Interview With Jana Zimova

Jana Zimova is a dedicated mother and spouse, juggling the joys of parenthood with a passion for holistic health as a certified nutritionist. In her professional life, she excels as a business steering, finance, and project portfolio manager, while also finding fulfillment as a certified coach and mentor. Beyond work, she thrives in the outdoors, fueled by her love for sports and nature, all while embracing self-development and the art of cooking to nourish both body and soul to become everyday better version of herself.

Jana Zimova, Coach Mentor Nutritionist Sport Advisor

Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.

I was born during the communist era in the 1970s in what was then Czechoslovakia. Despite my parents divorcing just months after my birth, I never let this early experience hold me back. Instead, I developed a strong sense of determination and self-belief that has enabled me to achieve great things. Over the years, I have had the privilege of living in different parts of the world, including Ukraine, Brazil, and Switzerland, where I have gained invaluable insights into different cultures, behaviors, and cuisines. I am proud to say that I have a wonderful partner who I have been with for over twenty years, and we have two amazing daughters. Although our lifestyle doesn't currently allow for pets, we enjoy spending time together as a family, exploring new places and trying new things.

Can you elaborate on how your extensive experience in business steering, finance, and project portfolio management has shaped your approach to coaching and mentoring?

My extensive experience in business steering, finance, and project portfolio management has taught me the value of effective communication. In order to interact with different stakeholders and team members, I have learned to speak their language and understand their perspectives. I have undergone extensive training in situational leadership, active listening, coaching, mentoring, and change management to enhance my communication skills.

With over 20 years of experience in the global corporate arena, what key lessons have you learned that you find most valuable in your coaching and mentoring endeavors?

Throughout my 20-year career in the global corporate arena, I have learned that every individual is unique, regardless of their cultural background. Everyone faces their own challenges, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. My approach to coaching and mentoring is simple yet effective: listen, respect, and avoid judgment.

Your bio highlights your expertise in fostering individual well-being through various avenues such as nutrition, sports activities, and sleep hygiene. How do you integrate these elements into your coaching and mentoring sessions to support your clients' holistic growth and development?

I believe that holistic well-being is essential for a fulfilling life. To achieve this, it's not enough to just work out in the gym a few times a week. It's about adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition, regular physical and metal activities, proper sleep hygiene, stress management, and nurturing relationships. When working with clients, I take a comprehensive approach, addressing all aspects of their well-being through tailored coaching and mentoring sessions.

Could you share an example of a personalized approach you've taken in coaching or mentoring, and the positive impact it had on an individual's journey towards their goals?

As a coach, I believe that clients already have the answers within them. My role is to help them uncover those answers through thoughtful questioning and coaching tools. As a mentor, I provide support and guidance based on my own experiences, but always after careful listening and understanding of the client's situation. By empowering clients to build their own plan with my support, we increase the likelihood of achieving sustainable goals.

Your bio emphasizes the importance of considering everyone's unique needs, habits, behaviors, and environmental contexts in your coaching and mentoring. How do you navigate tailoring your guidance while ensuring it remains effective and actionable?

Tailoring guidance to individual needs involves understanding the client's challenges, health status, habits, environment, feelings, goals, and motivations. Each client is unique, and their plan should reflect that. By empowering clients to build their own plan with my support, we increase the likelihood of achieving sustainable goals.

Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.

While my family is my greatest achievement, I am also proud of the progress my clients have made towards their goals. While I provide guidance and support, their dedication and commitment to change are what truly drives their success.

If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?

If I could change one thing about the well-being industry, it would be to place more emphasis on human-centered and individualized approaches. While technology and apps can be helpful and complementary tools, they should not dictate or replace the human element in it. This would help prevent burnouts and promote a healthier perception of ourselves.

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