Viana is the CEO, People and Culture Transformation Consultant, DEI Strategist, Anti Racism Advocate, Career Development and Engagement Specialist, Facilitator, Motivational Speaker, Social Entrepreneur and Founder of pRESPECT.
If your business could have a mascot, what would it be and why?
I would choose the Phoenix. The phoenix is a powerful symbol of resilience and transformation. In my work, whether it’s coaching or delivering DEI education, I help individuals and businesses rise from challenging circumstances, stronger and more empowered than before. The phoenix represents emerging from the ashes of adversity with new strength, which aligns with the core of what I do—encouraging growth, renewal, and success, no matter the challenges faced.
What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your own business?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is critical, and one strategy that works well for me is implementing a weekly digital detox. This involves completely removing work-related apps like social media and email from my phone for a set period. It allows me to fully disconnect, recharge mentally, and return to work with renewed energy and focus. It’s an intentional way of drawing boundaries to ensure that my work doesn’t consume every moment of my life.
When faced with unexpected detours on your business path, how do you pivot with grace and resilience, showing fellow women entrepreneurs the way forward?
When unexpected detours arise, I pivot by first grounding myself in the vision and mission that guide my work. Whether it’s addressing sudden changes in the business landscape or overcoming obstacles in client relationships, I view every challenge as an opportunity to realign with my purpose. One example of this is my 18-month collaboration with a large organisation in Scotland, where I helped them reimagine entirely their approach to funding streams for marginalised communities. This required resilience and flexibility, as we had to shift strategies mid-project, but the outcome was transformative—opening up more equitable opportunities for these communities. By leading with empathy, innovation, and a focus on long-term impact, I’ve learned to pivot without losing sight of the bigger picture. I hope to inspire other women entrepreneurs to see detours not as barriers but as new pathways to success.
How do you measure the success of your business beyond financial metrics, such as customer satisfaction or community engagement?
Success for me is measured through the tangible impact I make on individuals and organisations. For instance, in my anti-racism work, I’ve spent 18 months working with an organisation in Scotland, guiding them to develop stronger funding criteria for marginalised communities and helping their communication team become confident allies. The ability to see their growth—not just in terms of meeting quotas or hitting numbers, but in their increased cultural competence, allyship, and willingness to prioritise inclusion—is the true measure of success for me. I also work directly with individuals, such as coaching over 30 investment banking associates to advance in their careers with confidence. Their career growth and the feedback they provide about how our sessions have improved their professional and personal lives are invaluable metrics. My success lies in empowering people to transform themselves and creating environments where individuals and communities can thrive.
Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed significant growth or transformation in your business, illustrating the impact of your services/products?
One of the most memorable moments in my work was when I completed an 18-month partnership with an organisation in Scotland. When we began, the organisation struggled to support marginalised communities effectively, and their internal communication around diversity and inclusion needed more clarity and confidence. By working together closely over this period, I helped them revise their funding strategies to better serve those marginalised communities and coached their communication team to become more confident and proactive allies. The transformation was significant—the organisation expanded its impact on marginalised groups, and their staff also developed a sense of ownership and commitment to ongoing allyship. Witnessing this shift reinforced the power of long-term, focused work in driving systemic change.
Another example is my work with over 30 investment banking associates, coaching them to elevate their career trajectories. These professionals went from feeling uncertain about their roles to becoming empowered leaders in their fields. These moments of transformation are the heart of my work and demonstrate the lasting impact that coaching and mentorship can have on both individuals and organisations. We have recently started to provide a short burst implementation support masterclass that helps people have confident, inclusive conversations and provides a solution to take action.https://courses.prespectacademy.com/
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?
Mentorship and paid coaching have been a cornerstone of my entrepreneurial journey, providing me with both guidance and accountability when I needed it most. My mentors and business coaches have pushed me to think beyond the obvious and encouraged me to embrace bigger goals and take bold steps. They’ve shared valuable insights from their own experiences, helping me navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. Their insights and experience have allowed me to see beyond immediate goals and focus on sustainable, long-term success. In my own work, I strive to be that same force for others. I have used my own learning and the investment I have put into gaining knowledge from those who are doing what I would love to do in the future, and I’ve mentored over 600 job seekers, people seeking new careers or advancement in their current roles, helping them improve their career confidence and advance with practical solutions. Through mentorship, I guide them to see their potential and empower them to take actionable steps toward success. Mentorship and coaching are about creating a ripple effect—it’s not just about passing on knowledge but about inspiring others to believe in their capabilities and drive change in their circles.
What’s your work all about, and how does it make a difference in the world?
At its core, my work is about empowering people and organisations to transform. I believe in the power of individuals to become their best selves and achieve their desired career or life goals. I equally believe in the importance of organisations creating environments where people can thrive. To do this, I often have to navigate complex systems and, at times, jump through hoops of flames—negotiating the removal of barriers to make the path smoother for future generations. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but by persevering through these challenges, I’m able to create an authentic, sustainable impact that not only benefits my clients today but paves the way for those who come after them.
Over the years, I have worked with various clients—from helping investment banking associates gain the confidence and tools to advance in their careers to leading an entire organisation in Scotland through a process of profound transformation in how they serve marginalised communities. In these scenarios, there were many obstacles, but by addressing them strategically, we were able to create long-lasting change. My anti-racism work, in particular, empowers organisations to adopt inclusive practices and live them daily. This involves providing practical solutions, fostering an environment of equity and allyship, and ensuring the organisation has the tools and the commitment to continue evolving toward a more inclusive future.
I make a difference by helping individuals recognise their power and potential and guiding them to achieve their personal and professional aspirations. At the same time, I work with organisations to become more equitable, empathetic, and inclusive spaces. This dual approach ensures that people not only reach their goals but do so in environments that support and uplift them. It’s not just about achieving objectives—it’s about creating lasting change that benefits everyone involved and ensures that the transformations I help facilitate have a ripple effect across communities and industries for years to come.
Get in touch with her:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/viana-maya/
