Ilaria Vilkelis is an Executive Coach, Mentor, and Communication Expert.
She tells us that, “A native Italian, I consider myself a world citizen, having lived and worked in five countries and served clients in over thirty. As a communication and productivity coach and start-up mentor, I blend a love of learning and curiosity with academic brilliance, a consulting mindset, and practical execution. My clients leave our sessions motivated and eager to tackle new challenges with a smile.”
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 small city in northern Italy, surrounded by a comfortable, predictable life of school, a handful of friends, and riding lessons. My life took flight when I left home to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration after graduating in Law. The subsequent decades saw me living and working across Europe and the USA, becoming fluent in three languages. A standout professional experience was working with a renowned consultant in Milan in the early ’90s. Balancing motherhood, I turned to coaching in 2001, qualifying as an executive coach while actively participating in Toastmasters International, where I chartered two clubs in Lausanne, Switzerland.
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!”
What brought me to coaching was the profound realisation that meaningful change must start with people. Over time, I observed that all the knowledge and expertise in the world could be rendered ineffective if people are not open to change. Without a willingness to embrace new ideas and adapt, even the most well-crafted strategies and groundbreaking insights will likely fall on deaf ears. This understanding underscored the importance of focusing on individuals—their mindsets, attitudes, and readiness to evolve.
Driven by this insight, I chose to start our company Masters of Impact. This decision was fuelled by a desire to create programs where I could work not only with aspiring leaders and visionaries but also with someone incredibly close to me—my talented son. This venture provided us with a unique opportunity to collaborate, combining our respective strengths and passions to drive meaningful change.
The mission of Masters of Impact is to assist founders and managers whose great ambition is often overshadowed by a lack of effective communication skills. Many of these individuals have visionary ideas and substantial drive, yet they struggle to convey their thoughts and galvanise their teams. Effective communication is a critical component of leadership and success, as it fosters understanding, collaboration, and the ability to inspire others.
In the realm of coaching, my goal is to bridge this gap. Through tailored coaching programs, I aim to equip these talented individuals with the tools and techniques they need to articulate their visions clearly, connect with their teams, and cultivate a culture of open communication and trust. By enhancing their communication skills, we enable them to align their teams with their ambitious goals, driving collective progress and achieving remarkable outcomes.
Moreover, working closely with my son has added a deeply personal and fulfilling dimension to this journey. It’s a rare privilege to be able to partner with a family member in a professional setting, merging familial bonds with shared professional aspirations and keeping the intergenerational dialogue crisp and exciting. Together, we bring a combination of experience, fresh perspectives, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of those we coach.
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?
For young budding women entrepreneurs, ensuring equal opportunities and access to learning resources, technology, and capital is paramount. These elements form the bedrock of entrepreneurial success. Without being able to access up-to-date knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and sufficient funding, even the most promising ideas can falter.
It’s also vital to address any prejudices that might exist. Unfortunately, women often face biases that can range from subtle doubts about their competence to overt discrimination in the business world. Breaking down these barriers is essential for creating a fair and supportive ecosystem where women can thrive as entrepreneurs.
Encouraging resilience, focus, and ambition among young women is crucial. Entrepreneurship is a demanding path filled with highs and lows, and maintaining resilience is key to weathering the inevitable challenges. Staying focused on the goals and nurturing an ambitious mindset can drive continuous progress, even in the face of setbacks.
Celebrating big dreams is important because it fuels the passion and vision needed to create transformative businesses. However, recognising and valuing small, constant wins is equally important. These incremental successes build momentum and confidence, and they can be tangible indicators of progress. Establishing a culture where every small victory is acknowledged can sustain motivation and reinforce the belief that the larger goal is attainable.
It’s also critical for these young entrepreneurs to understand that obstacles and rejections do not define who they are. Failure and setbacks are an intrinsic part of the entrepreneurial journey. What truly defines them is their response to these challenges. By maintaining a growth mindset and viewing obstacles as opportunities for learning and growth, they can transform potential roadblocks into stepping stones towards success.
Support systems and networks play a significant role as well. Encouraging young women to connect with mentors, join entrepreneurial communities, and seek out role models can provide valuable guidance, support, and inspiration. Surrounding themselves with a network of like-minded individuals can foster an environment where resilience, focus, and ambition are the norms.
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?
While I welcome and celebrate gender equality, I find that too often, we focus on differences and gaps rather than on commonalities and bridges. This focus can sometimes unintentionally magnify divisions rather than foster unity. Highlighting disparities is essential for identifying areas needing improvement, but it shouldn’t overshadow our shared humanity and common goals.
When we emphasize commonalities, we create a foundation for collaboration and harmony. Whether it’s our shared ambitions, values, or experiences, recognising what binds us together can pave the way for more constructive and inclusive dialogues.
Moreover, even in the face of discrimination, it’s vital to cultivate a positive narrative. Negative experiences and injustices should not define our progress or our identities. Instead, we can choose to channel these challenges into stories of resilience and triumph. By doing so, we empower ourselves and others to rise above setbacks and continue pushing forward.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
Dream of tomorrow and live in the moment.
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?
Create a ladder with rungs not too far apart so that you can keep climbing. Be bold but practical, be eager, but patient, and celebrate small wins—they quickly add up. When you meet people, scan for commonalities rather than differences, and seek bridges rather than gaps.
