Martina Matochová is a transformational coach specializing in life strategy, career, and leadership. With a deep passion for empowering individuals, especially women, to unlock their potential, she helps others pursue their dreams and lead fulfilling lives. Energetic, adventurous, and always striving for personal growth, Martina is committed to living a life of purpose and guiding others to do the same. From overcoming adversity to discovering her true calling in coaching, she has embraced her journey, working from anywhere in the world while inspiring others to follow their paths to success.
Could you briefly introduce yourself in less than 100 words?
I’m a transformational coach specializing in life strategy, career, and leadership, driven by a deep passion for guiding individuals to unlock their potential and pursue their dreams. Energetic, ambitious, and always seeking personal and career growth, I tackle challenges head-on, always climbing toward new heights and pushing beyond my comfort zone. I love travelling, backpacking, and embracing every moment. I’m committed to a life of purpose and fulfilment. I support others, especially women, in carving out their place in the sun, inspiring them to lead lives they’re proud of and to keep reaching for more.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I grew up in the Czech Republic, and at 15, I sought something different and moved away from my hometown to attend a school specializing in German. My grandmother advised against going too far, which only fueled my determination to pursue this path—ironically, I later learned she had done the same at my age. Those years were challenging; living in a dormitory, I faced bullying from other teenage girls and battled intense homesickness. My escape was to focus on my studies and excel academically.
Immediately after graduating at 18, I took my first flight to the Canary Islands to work in a hotel before beginning my Bachelor’s degree in German for Business. During my studies, I spent a year as an Erasmus student at a university in Germany, which inspired me to pursue my master’s in a German-speaking country. Although I wanted to study in Vienna, the cost of living was prohibitive, so I sought ways to make it work. I conducted thorough research, prepared application materials, took professional photos, and submitted an impressive portfolio. Ultimately, I secured a scholarship, chosen from 150 international applicants for my unique approach.
This experience taught me to first decide what I want, then find a way to achieve it. After an incredible year in Vienna, I moved to Germany to pursue a master’s in International Management. I seized every opportunity to grow, obtaining additional scholarships, serving on the student board, and working alongside my studies. In my final year, I decided to pursue a second master’s in Project Management, enabling me to graduate with two degrees in just three years.
I initially planned to either stay in Germany or return to Austria to start my career, but I knew I needed to speak English to remain competitive. I applied for graduate programs in English-speaking countries, which led me to my first job in Scotland. I thought I would only stay for the duration of the graduate program, but ten years later, I’m still here. Although my English skills were limited at the time, I focused on what I wanted to achieve rather than what I lacked. This mindset paid off when I secured a full-time job in logistics, despite having previously disliked both logistics and English during my university years.
While managing my studies and early career, I also endured an abusive relationship, prompting me to take the much-needed break I had been longing for. I was ready to quit my job and go backpacking to clear my mind. When I surrendered control and embraced the uncertainty, my circumstances shifted. My company allowed me to take four months of unpaid leave to prevent losing me, making me the first employee to do so, despite many doubting I could. The lesson? Don’t listen to others’ fears!
I backpacked through South America, and since then, I’ve visited 40 countries. Upon returning from my sabbatical, I had a clearer vision of what mattered to me: personal growth and helping others, particularly in career and leadership. I began studying coaching and never looked back. For years, I pursued coaching as a side gig, unsure it could become my career. However, life has a way of pushing you toward your true calling. When management changes led to a toxic work environment, including a bullying boss who drove many away, I experienced burnout.
After returning, I knew I wanted the freedom to do what I loved and work from anywhere, not just where I had to. Realizing there were no coaching positions available, I decided to create my own path. I took the leap, left my job, and began contracting while pursuing further certifications. It was crazy stressful when I realized I was actually unemployed and had to make it work while living on my own abroad. I sat down and started to think about what I could do with what I had. In the first months, I started to teach German, accommodated tourists, and cleaned friends’ houses while working on growing my business. Today, I’ve made that vision a reality. This year, I coached my clients while being in the USA, the UK, Thailand, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and the Czech Republic. Being my own boss is challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding, and I can say I did it!
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business/initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it?
I had reached a breaking point. After enduring a challenging corporate environment and a toxic work culture, I realized I wanted more than just a job; I craved a career that aligned with my values. I wanted to grow in the direction I believed was right for me, embrace change, be free, work from anywhere, and engage in something fulfilling and meaningful. I also wanted to inspire others by coaching them to reach their dreams and desires.
The idea to start my coaching business emerged from my journey of self-discovery and transformation. I recognized the importance of emotional intelligence, personal growth, and leadership development—not just for myself, but for others who might be struggling in similar situations. My experiences—both struggles and successes—ignited a passion in me to support individuals in finding their purpose and unlocking their potential.
Saying “YES” to this path was fueled by my passion for personal development and my belief in the transformative power of coaching. I knew that by creating my own coaching initiative, I could fulfill my purpose and inspire others to fight their fears and pursue their dreams. It was about taking ownership of my journey and helping others take charge of theirs. This motivation and vision pushed me to take that leap and make my dream a reality.
It’s a cliché, but I truly felt that inner calling to pursue this career for years; I just didn’t know what it would look like. I decided that if I couldn’t find the right job for me, I would create it myself, wanting to look back and know I fought my fears. From frustration to creation!
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
If given the opportunity, I would love to see a world where more women fight their fears and break free from societal programming. I want to encourage them to recognize their worth, find their voices, and pursue the things that truly matter to them. I believe that opportunities are often there; we just don’t go for them. The world is missing a vital female energy; entrepreneurship often leans towards overly masculine approaches, which is fine to a degree, but it creates an imbalance that affects us all in the larger context.
I envision a future where individuals consider the bigger picture of their actions and contributions, understanding how their steps today impact not just their own lives but the collective tomorrow. In my coaching practice, I see so many women with incredible ideas who are held back by fear, low self-esteem, or a lack of a supportive network.
Imagine the change we would witness if there were more women out there making things happen and then lifting other women up, showing them that they can achieve their dreams too! This ripple effect of empowerment and support could create a profound shift in our world.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women’s leadership is an essential force for change in today’s workplaces, and there’s a growing desire for more women in leadership roles. This push signifies the need for diverse leadership—not just more people leading with masculine energy in a traditionally male-dominated way. Women should not feel compelled by their environment to lead, behave, or be respected only when they adopt “manly” approaches. Instead, they should be encouraged to lead authentically, drawing from their unique energy and wisdom. This shift could create something new and valuable that benefits everyone, rather than merely ticking boxes to show gender diversity in leadership.
Important to mention is that I often encounter situations in my practice where hardworking and ambitious women are undermined by their male bosses or even by female colleagues. It seems to be expected when men pursue their ambitions but viewed as exceptional when women do so. This dynamic contributes to the stereotype that it’s hard and exhausting for women to reach the top of the pyramid. Women should be able to achieve leadership positions without their natural ways of being and acting being seen as a “soft version” of proper leadership.
However, it’s disheartening when women reach leadership positions just to fulfill quotas. Every woman should feel empowered to step into the role authentically.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
If given the opportunity, I would love to see a world where more women fight their fears and break free from societal programming. I want to encourage them to recognize their worth, find their voices, and pursue the things that truly matter to them. I believe that opportunities are often there; we just don’t go for them. The world is missing a vital female energy; entrepreneurship often leans towards overly masculine approaches, which is fine to a degree, but it creates an imbalance that affects us all in the larger context.
I envision a future where individuals consider the bigger picture of their actions and contributions, understanding how their steps today impact not just their own lives but the collective tomorrow. In my coaching practice, I see so many women with incredible ideas who are held back by fear, low self-esteem, or a lack of a supportive network.
Imagine the change we would witness if there were more women out there making things happen and then lifting other women up, showing them that they can achieve their dreams too! This ripple effect of empowerment and support could create a profound shift in our world.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women’s leadership is an essential force for change in today’s workplaces, and there’s a growing desire for more women in leadership roles. This push signifies the need for diverse leadership—not just more people leading with masculine energy in a traditionally male-dominated way. Women should not feel compelled by their environment to lead, behave, or be respected only when they adopt “manly” approaches. Instead, they should be encouraged to lead authentically, drawing from their unique energy and wisdom. This shift could create something new and valuable that benefits everyone, rather than merely ticking boxes to show gender diversity in leadership.
Important to mention is that I often encounter situations in my practice where hardworking and ambitious women are undermined by their male bosses or even by female colleagues. It seems to be expected when men pursue their ambitions but viewed as exceptional when women do so. This dynamic contributes to the stereotype that it’s hard and exhausting for women to reach the top of the pyramid. Women should be able to achieve leadership positions without their natural ways of being and acting being seen as a “soft version” of proper leadership.
However, it’s disheartening when women reach leadership positions just to fulfill quotas. Every woman should feel empowered to step into the role authentically, where they can contribute to their company’s growth. We need to actively support, embrace, and celebrate female leadership in all its forms.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
My personal mottos are: “What you don’t change, you choose,” and “Paths are created by walking them.”
The most important lesson I’ve learned in my personal life and professional journey is that it is absolutely worth pursuing what feels right for you, even in the face of fear or discouragement. People often project their own fears and insecurities onto you, especially when you’re venturing into uncharted territory or pursuing something they wouldn’t dare to try themselves.
I’ve also learned the significance of tuning into your vision for what you want to achieve and finding the path to get there. It’s essential to ask yourself whether what you’re doing today is bringing you closer to where you want to be. Moreover, any struggles or setbacks you experience will eventually start to make sense in hindsight.
One crucial realization is that no one else truly knows what’s right or wrong for you; the path you create is the right one for you. Ultimately, we all have the answers within us, which is why I love coaching—it’s a process of uncovering those insights within myself and others. Whatever you do, be true to yourself and things will turn out to be right for you.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
I would like to share my personal ten commandments:
- Before making any decision, ask yourself why you are doing it and for whom.
- Create a vision of your best life and ask yourself if whatever you’re doing today is bringing you closer to that vision.
- Don’t give up on your dreams; the right people will align with your path instead of blocking your way.
- If something is on your mind and you constantly think about it, go for it. You’ll either win or learn. It’s true.
- Stop limiting yourself by age; the things that are truly meant for you will come at the right time.
- I would rather be alone than with the wrong person.
- Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your dreams.
- Learn how to switch off and take a rest now, or you will regret it later.
- Invest in yourself, and the rest will follow.
- Enjoy the ride!
