Chiara Ghinolfi is a ICF-certified Executive Coach driven by transforming potential into peak performance. Her holistic approach blends Social Emotional Intelligence, Neuro Linguistic Programming expertise, and a deep grasp of cross-cultural dynamics. Her career spans pivotal roles in various sectors, from Fashion to Logistics, enriched by leadership in her firms. She has made a significant impact in diverse regions, including Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, leveraging her varied expertise to guide professionals and organizations towards excellence.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
Growing up in Italy as the daughter of an Italian father and a Czech mother offered a unique childhood experience. My mother’s limited Italian and conversations in Czech often made me stand out in public, planting early seeds of feeling different. This sense of being ‘the odd one out” was amplified when my parents divorced when I was nine, a rarity among my peers. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, this theme of difference was a constant, initially casting me in the role of a victim.
However, a pivotal moment came when I embraced this uniqueness, choosing to ‘fit out’ rather than fit in. This mindset liberated me from cultural norms. At 21, I married, became a mother at 22, and welcomed my second child at 27. Embracing a global lifestyle, I moved to China at 29, where I had my third child. Despite the skepticism of friends, my family thrived across five countries, a testament to our resilience and independence.
This journey of self-discovery and defiance of societal expectations laid the foundation for my diverse career. Before coaching, I worked as an interpreter and translator in Italy. Later, I supported my husband in establishing his business in China and across Asia. This path eventually led me to the human resources sector then evolving into my role as a freelance coach. I am profoundly grateful for never allowing others to dictate my life choices, a philosophy that continues to guide me.
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!”
The catalyst for my transition to freelancing was a deep-seated desire for a more intimate connection with people, coupled with a longing to move away from administrative tasks. My passion for engaging and connecting with individuals was so strong that I would have pursued it even without financial incentives. This decision was significantly bolstered by the unwavering support of my husband, whose encouragement and reassurance greatly minimized my anxieties about making such a leap. His belief in me was a crucial factor in my ability to confidently say ‘YES’ and wholeheartedly embrace this new venture.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
My mission as a coach is to create transformative experiences in people’s lives. I remember a time when everything seemed bleak, and I was trapped in a relentless cycle, mistakenly believing it was the norm. A friend’s gentle nudge towards a self-development course opened my eyes, and I am eternally grateful for her support during my transformation.
Inspired by my journey, I aim to facilitate similar breakthroughs for others. Coaching, for me, is about providing the tools for individuals to discover their ‘inner gold.’ Witnessing my clients evolve from good to great is incredibly rewarding and fuels my passion. There’s a saying, ‘Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ That’s my guiding principle. I absolutely love what I do, and it’s an honor to be part of my clients’ journeys to self-discovery and excellence.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
I believe my multifaceted role as a mother of three and a wife, all while pursuing a successful career, is extraordinary. It’s a heroic endeavour to juggle these diverse responsibilities, often underestimated by many.
The skills and abilities required to be a woman, especially in balancing personal and professional life, are often taken for granted. We tend to make everything appear effortless, which is a testament to our strength and resilience. My greatest accomplishment is nurturing a family that thrives on love and support – having children who love me, a husband who stands by me, maintaining a home filled with warmth, and a career that brings me immense fulfillment. All these aspects collectively represent the pinnacle of my achievements.
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?
I envision a world where women proudly embrace and share their roles in society, whether as dedicated housewives, career-focused professionals, or any other path they choose. I want to see a society where housewives are recognized for their invaluable contributions without feeling diminished, and career-oriented women can pursue their ambitions without guilt or shame for where they focus their time.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that every woman, regardless of her life choices, serves as a role model. This includes women who decide not to have children. They too can profoundly impact and inspire the younger generation. There’s absolutely no shame in choosing a child-free life; our existence isn’t solely defined by motherhood.
The most important duty we have is to pursue our own inner peace and fulfillment, whatever form that may take. My message to young women entrepreneurs and all women is “be unapologetically you”. Embrace your choices, stand proud in your role, and recognize that you are contributing to a more diverse and accepting world just by being your authentic self.
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 increasing prominence in the workplace and their breakthroughs in traditionally male-dominated realms are indeed commendable. However, to truly empower women and enhance their positions, we must shift our societal approach and language. Less labeling, finger-pointing, and freedom from feelings of guilt, shame, or any negative emotions, whether internally or externally sourced, are crucial.
I believe the term ‘women leadership,’ while meant to empower, may inadvertently contribute to a sense of otherness and perceived weakness by highlighting gender. To foster true equality and remove disparities, it’s essential to transition towards more neutral, inclusive language. We should focus on ‘human leadership’ – a term that doesn’t single out any specific group but embraces all. This approach will help remove the gender disparity from the equation and encourage a more inclusive, equitable environment for everyone, regardless of gender. At the end of the day we all have one thing in common, we are all human beings.
What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
To the aspiring young women leaders and readers:
- Embrace Independence: Always be the master of your destiny. Let others be contributors to your journey, not the decision-makers. Your path should be self-determined.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Regularly set aside time for yourself – treat these moments as sacred appointments. You are your most important client; cater to your needs and desires with the same dedication you would offer to others.
- Establish Clear Boundaries: Protect your inner peace vigorously. Compromising it for the sake of others can harm both you and your relationships. Strong boundaries are the foundation of self-respect and healthy interactions.
- Be Unapologetically You: Never apologize for being yourself. Your unique qualities and perspectives are your strengths, not liabilities.
- Laugh a Lot: Remember, most of the time, stressing over things is unnecessary. Reflect on past worries that you’ve overcome; you’re still here, still okay right?
Embody these principles in your leadership journey, and you’ll not only inspire others but also create a fulfilling and authentic path for yourself.
Get in Touch with Her:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/chiaraghinolfi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiara.ghinolfi/
