Olga Leemans is a certified life and business coach for entrepreneurs.
She tells us that, “I live in Belgium, but working online all over the world. With over 15 years of experience in international companies, I’ve supported clients, organized processes, and coordinated operations. My passion for coaching led me to leave my office job and pursue my dream of helping entrepreneurs unlock their full potential. I offer individual and group coaching services, along with transformational games and numerology analysis to provide deeper insights. Over the past three years, I’ve successfully increased my prices by x7, reflecting the value I bring to my clients. I’m dedicated to empowering individuals, helping them overcome obstacles, and creating the life and business they desire.”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your professional journey/venture/initiative and what inspired you to choose this career.
I was born in Moscow, Russia to a doctor father and a lawyer mother. Despite financial struggles in the 90s, I grew up surrounded by love and support from family and friends. From a young age, I found joy in giving advice, teaching, and organizing events. I was always a ‘people’s person.‘ I was also interested in astrology and psychology, though I thought becoming a psychologist would be difficult and time-consuming. When it came time for university, I chose to study economics because of family expectations to have a higher education. It’s funny how things turned out because eventually, I started doing what I truly wanted. I learned the art of active listening and asking the right questions, guiding clients to find their own answers instead of simply providing advice. In addition, I use numerology (not economics) to gain insights into a person’s strengths, weaknesses, potential, and more. It’s a fascinating way to know someone and to help answer their question. However, before reaching this point, I spent over 15 years working in various international companies in office roles. These experiences have provided me with valuable skills and perspectives that have shaped my current path.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
After completing university, I moved to Belgium for love. It has been over 12 years now, and I have been living with my husband here. When I first arrived, I faced several challenges such as not knowing the national languages (French, Dutch, German) and having no family or friends. However, I was determined not to settle for just any job and wanted to find an office job similar to what I had in Moscow. I managed to find administrative positions in companies like AIG insurance, Elavon (US Bank), and Insurope. The first few years were tough as I didn’t have a permanent contract and felt uncertain about my future. But then I landed my dream job at Insurope, a network of independent insurance companies. However, only now I realize that I was still trying to impress my parents and pursuing a prestigious and well-paid job rather than something I truly wanted. Turning point in my life was in the beginning of 2020. I was tired of doing things I didn’t want to do (like constantly learning languages, though I always used only English at my jobs) and going to a job that, although I loved it, didn’t feel like it was enough. This realization coincided with the passing of my mother in November 2017, which took time for me to process and seek help from a psychologist. My health also suffered during this time, with physical pain, eye twitches, and sleep difficulties. It was the first time I asked a doctor for antidepressants. A few months later, the lockdown in Belgium began, and I started working from home. This was a turning point for me. I realized that throughout my life, I had spent hours commuting daily. Working from home allowed me to spend more time with my husband, my dogs, and connect with loved ones through virtual calls. It was during this time that I discovered numerology, which had a profound impact on my life, mindset, and relationships, leading me to stop taking antidepressants and start my career within helping professions.
Tell us about your goals, interests, and role models.
For the past 1.5 years, I had the flexibility of working from home while pursuing my studies in numerology consulting and coaching. As I gained experience, I started earning money through consultations and coaching sessions, which led me to establish my own company called Numcoach as a side business. However, when the time came to return to the office, I found it increasingly challenging to juggle my job, business, and personal life. During this time, I was surrounded by a group of individuals who were constantly learning and seeking personal growth. Engaging with coaches, psychologists, and participating in transformational games had a profound impact on my mindset. It even influenced my husband, who also started his own business creating coffee tables and decor from cement. These experiences made me realize that I no longer felt fulfilled in my current situation. I yearned for something more. That’s why, with some fear but unwavering certainty, I decided to quit my job in May, with the guidance and support of my coach. After all, even coaches seek their own coaches! Moving forward, my goal is to continue working independently and expand my business. I aspire to attract more coaching clients, while also assisting my husband in growing his business. Additionally, I want to make time for travel, enjoy life, and indulge in my passion for attending musical festivals and concerts.
Everyone has their own set of challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. Still, the most essential part for others to learn is how you deal with those. Would you like to share with us your challenges and your coping mechanisms?
Dealing with challenges is an inherent part of any entrepreneurial journey. When faced with obstacles, I believe in taking a proactive approach to overcome them. One key aspect that I work extensively with my clients on is self-esteem. It has proven to be incredibly useful, especially when starting something new. Whenever I have doubts or concerns, I make a point to seek support from my coach or work with a psychologist. I believe in actively utilizing help to address and overcome any questions or worries that might arise. Another important mindset shift that I advocate for is the recognition of one’s existing knowledge and abilities. You don’t need to study everything or hold numerous diplomas to be successful. Imagine you say that: “Even completing a single course or having experience in a specific area, I can provide valuable expertise. By acknowledging that I have already taken steps to enhance my skills and knowledge, I boost my confidence. Comparing myself to others who have not pursued similar courses or experiences reinforces the understanding that I possess unique insights and capabilities.” How do you feel now? Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is another challenge that I have encountered on my entrepreneurial journey. To navigate this, I have found that effective planning is crucial. It involves not only scheduling dedicated working hours but also planning for days off, holidays, lunch breaks, and even “doing nothing” days. Prioritizing self-care and incorporating breaks and leisure activities into my schedule helps me stay motivated, refreshed, and focused. In summary, my approach to dealing with challenges involves seeking help when needed, recognizing the value of my existing knowledge, and planning for a well-balanced work-life dynamic. These strategies have been instrumental in overcoming obstacles and ensuring my continued growth and success as an entrepreneur.
What impact do you feel you have been able to create with your work so far and how would you want to grow in the next few years?
It truly is a fulfilling experience to witness the positive transformations in my clients’ lives. Over time, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, including entrepreneurs in helping professions like coaches, teachers, consultants, stylists, beauticians, astrologists, and offline business owners. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing my clients embrace their true potential and gain a newfound sense of confidence and self-worth. Many of them have experienced significant shifts in their mindset, which has had a profound impact on their strategies and overall success. For example, I had a client who, within just one year, experienced tremendous growth in web design, allowing her to leave her job and focus solely on her online business. This newfound success even enabled her to open her own massage salon. It’s inspiring to witness how my clients have become more comfortable sharing their professions with others and understanding how to effectively market their skills and services. By helping them overcome their doubts and develop a clear vision for their businesses, they have been able to achieve their goals and create new opportunities for themselves, increase prices for their services and increase their income. Over the past 2.5 years, I have had the privilege of working with over 50 coaching clients, conducting more than 150 numerology consultations, mentoring over 100 students in online courses about attracting clients, and facilitating more than 30 transformative games. Additionally, I was thrilled to organize a highly successful networking event for 40 individuals within a mere two-week timeframe. These experiences have not only reinforced my love for what I do but have also highlighted the life-changing impact it has on both myself and my clients.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
Yes, indeed. I have already answered it above when there was a question about turning point. This was it for me. Because I found something I love doing. I even stopped learning French because I thought I needed it all my life, and started learning numerology. Then it helped me understand myself and my husband better. That’s why the next step I took was going to study coaching. And as I already mentioned before about having a proactive attitude, this was it. I didn’t wait for the best moment when I would get the certificate in numerology or coaching to start approaching clients. No, I started doing it directly, which gave me a chance to earn back all the money I paid for this course.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
You know, I’ve already mentioned a few things I’m really proud of, but I just want to emphasize that it’s totally okay to change your life even when you’re in your 30s or older. For me, it all started when I decided to become a coach at the age of 32. It was a big step, but it turned out to be amazing. I got to work with so many fantastic people and help them achieve their goals and make more money. And at 34, I actually quit my office job. Can you imagine? I had been working there since I was 17! It was scary, I won’t lie, but sometimes, the scariest things hold the most potential. We’re capable of so much more than we think.
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?
Wow, this is an interesting question. Good for coaching 🙂 As a dog lover, I’m passionate about animal welfare and regularly donate to shelters worldwide. Recently, I’ve been supporting an individual in the Netherlands who rescues birds and other animals. It’s rewarding to know my contributions directly help provide care for these animals. I strongly oppose gender stereotypes and believe in the freedom to love whomever we choose. By accepting and celebrating our differences, we can create a more harmonious world. I believe change starts with individuals and I’m happy to do it with coaching. By being open-minded, loving ourselves more, and fostering forgiveness and understanding, we can create a more compassionate society. Small actions can have a big impact on making the world a better place.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
In both my personal life and professional journey, the most important lessons I have learned revolve around self-discovery and prioritizing happiness. Through tools like numerology, coaching, and self-reflection, I gained a deeper understanding of myself – my desires, aspirations, and the kind of relationships I want to cultivate. I realized that it’s not always about being the best or coming out on top, but rather finding true happiness and fulfillment in whatever I do. As for a personal motto, I don’t have a specific phrase, but the idea of “we have one life” constantly inspires me. It serves as a reminder to live fully, to seize opportunities, and to make the most of the time we have. This mindset energizes and motivates me to embrace new experiences, cherish relationships, and create a life that brings me joy.
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’s leadership today?
Women bring unique perspectives, skills, and qualities to leadership roles, excelling in areas such as empathy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. These attributes are crucial in building inclusive and effective teams. The diverse perspectives that women bring to the table can lead to more innovative solutions and better decision-making processes. There is a belief that having more female presidents and politicians could potentially lead to less conflict and wars. While this is a generalization and not applicable in all cases, the inclusion of diverse perspectives in leadership positions can contribute to more peaceful resolutions. It is encouraging to know that there are many powerful and successful women making a difference in both corporate and entrepreneurial worlds. Their efforts, along with individual changes, contribute to global transformations. Despite the progress made, it is disheartening that instances of abuse and injustice still occur worldwide. However, it is important to acknowledge the achievements we have made and strive for continuous improvement. There is always room for progress and creating a more equitable society for all.
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?
Hey there, young women leaders and the audience reading this! I want you to know that you have so much potential and can make a huge impact in the world. Embrace your unique skills and qualities, and have confidence in yourself. Remember, setbacks and challenges are just part of the journey. Don’t let them discourage you; see them as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and role models who can guide you. Take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Great things happen when you push boundaries. Believe in yourself and your vision, and don’t let anyone define your worth. Support and empower other women leaders. Collaboration and celebrating each other’s successes are key to creating a better world. Stay true to your values and lead with empathy and authenticity. Your voice and perspective matter, and you can inspire positive change. Believe in yourself, embrace your power, and go out there with courage and determination. You’re capable of amazing things, and I can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve!
