Evgenia Baikova is a distinguished mindset strategist and coach, deeply committed to empowering female entrepreneurs to break through their barriers and reach their utmost potential. Utilizing a strengths-based philosophy, she equips these visionary women with the necessary tools and confidence to make assertive, impactful decisions that fast-track them towards their ambitions. Evgenia is a certified Co-Active Coach and Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. She also holds Gallup StrengthsFinder certification, providing strengths-based coaching for teams and individuals.
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 a medical family where both my parents were doctors. Their work took us to different cities and countries, which gave me a unique opportunity to experience diverse cultures and communities from an early age. These constant moves, while sometimes challenging, helped me develop adaptability and a deep appreciation for different perspectives. Watching my parents work with patients from various backgrounds sparked my interest in human behavior and relationships. This naturally led me to pursue management and human resources at university, where I could blend my multicultural experiences with my passion for understanding how people work together.
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?
My journey began in corporate HR, where I worked my way up from Assistant to HR Director. But everything changed when I discovered coaching. It was completely different from my HR experience – instead of providing ready solutions, coaching focused on helping people find their own answers through powerful questions and self-discovery. What truly excited me was seeing how coaching transformed people’s lives. When clients discovered their own solutions, the impact was far deeper and longer-lasting than when they were simply told what to do. This made me realize that by starting my own coaching practice, I could help people in a more meaningful way. My approach is built on a simple but powerful belief: you can’t separate someone’s work life from who they are as a person. We bring our whole selves to work – our values, experiences, and aspirations. By coaching the whole person, not just their professional side, I help clients create authentic and lasting changes in both their careers and personal lives.
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?
As someone who has worked with many professionals throughout my career, the change I want to see is a shift from measuring success purely through external achievements to recognizing the importance of personal wholeness and authenticity. I especially want young women to know that they don’t have to fragment themselves to fit into traditional business molds. Success shouldn’t come at the cost of who you truly are. Instead of trying to separate your ‘professional self’ from your ‘personal self,’ bring your whole, authentic self to everything you do. I envision a business world where we value emotional intelligence as much as technical skills, where leadership includes vulnerability alongside strength, and where success is measured not just by profits but by the positive impact we have on people’s lives. To young women entrepreneurs, I want to say: Your unique perspectives, experiences, and way of being in the world are your strengths, not limitations. When you build your ventures from this place of authenticity, you don’t just create successful businesses – you create meaningful change that ripples out to touch everyone around you.
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 today is evolving in powerful ways, moving beyond simply adopting traditional leadership styles to creating new, more inclusive approaches that benefit entire organizations. What I find particularly exciting is how women are increasingly bringing their authentic selves to leadership roles, rather than feeling pressured to fit into conventional models. However, I believe the next frontier in women’s leadership isn’t just about breaking glass ceilings – it’s about mastering essential inner skills that many of us weren’t taught. Self-advocacy is crucial among these. Too often, women wait to be recognized rather than confidently communicating their value and achievements. Learning to advocate for ourselves isn’t about bragging; it’s about owning our worth and ensuring our contributions are visible. Equally important are self-awareness and self-belief. Self-awareness helps us understand our unique strengths and leadership style, while self-belief gives us the courage to use them. When women truly believe in themselves, they lead from a place of authenticity rather than trying to meet others’ expectations of what a leader should be. I see these skills – self-advocacy, self-awareness, and self-belief – as the foundation for a new kind of leadership. When women master these internal tools, they don’t just succeed individually; they create spaces where others can thrive too. This isn’t just about women supporting women; it’s about creating a more balanced, effective, and human-centered approach to leadership that benefits everyone in the workplace.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
The most important lesson I’ve learned across both my personal and professional journey is deceptively simple but profound: never make assumptions about people and always meet them where they are. Early in my career, especially in HR, I thought I needed to have all the answers. But through coaching, I discovered that true connection and growth happen when we let go of our preconceptions and truly listen to where someone is in their journey. This principle has transformed how I work with clients and live my life. Everyone’s story is unique, their challenges personal, and their path different. When we drop our assumptions about what someone ‘should’ do or who they ‘should’ be, we create space for authentic growth and real solutions. My personal motto has become: “Meet people where they are, not where you think they should be.” This approach builds trust, fosters genuine connections, and allows for transformative change. It reminds me to remain curious, to listen deeply, and to honor each person’s unique journey without judgment. In both life and business, this philosophy has taught me that the most powerful impact comes not from giving people answers, but from being present with them exactly where they are and supporting them in finding their own way forward.
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?
To all young women starting their journey, I want to share something powerful I’ve learned: Your uniqueness is your strength, not a limitation. Don’t feel pressured to fit into someone else’s mold of success or leadership. The path you’re on may sometimes feel uncertain or challenging – I remember feeling this way during my transition from corporate HR to building my own coaching practice. But remember that growth happens when you trust your inner wisdom and stay true to your values. Here are a few truths I wish I’d known earlier:
- Your worth isn’t just in what you achieve, but in who you are as a whole person.
- Self-advocacy isn’t bragging – it’s an essential skill that helps you create the impact you’re meant to make.
- Self-awareness and self-belief are as important as any technical skill you’ll learn.
- Don’t be afraid to take up space and use your voice, even if it shakes at first.
Most importantly, remember that you don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Meet yourself where you are, be patient with your growth, and trust your journey. Your unique perspective and way of doing things aren’t just valid – they’re needed in the world. Success isn’t just about reaching the top; it’s about staying true to yourself while making a meaningful difference in others’ lives. When you lead from this authentic place, you not only achieve your goals but also inspire others to do the same.
Your website link:
