Coach Spotlight: Coach Lina

Welcome to the BOLDLY Coach Spotlight! We’re excited to introduce Coach Lina, a certified executive leadership development coach. Lina holds an ICF - PCC coaching accreditation as well as a Diploma in Positive Psychology. She is based in Melbourne, Australia and has worked with clients across industries including finance, technology, healthcare, construction, engineering, digital advertising and non-for-profits. Let's find out more about Lina!

Can you tell us about your coaching journey? What inspired you to become a coach, and how has your practice evolved over the years?

My coaching journey began over a decade ago, but looking back, I think I was always a coach at heart. My background in HR and leadership development gave me a front-row seat to the challenges people face in their careers—navigating change, stepping into leadership, and managing stress. I saw firsthand how the right support and mindset shifts could transform someone’s confidence and effectiveness.   Coaching (when in HR) provided me with a sense of achievement and really making a difference.  That’s what inspired me to formally step into coaching. 

Before stepping into coaching, I spent over 20 years in HR—working as an HR Director, HR Business Partner, and consultant. I’ve also been a paralegal, an office manager, and an executive leader myself, so I deeply understand the challenges my clients face. I’ve been in their shoes.  Over the years, my practice has evolved to integrate neuroscience, positive psychology, and strengths-based coaching. I continue to learn, grow, and push myself—because as I evolve, so do the insights and tools I bring to my clients. Coaching isn’t just what I do—it’s a way of thinking, learning, and showing up in the world.   Ultimately, coaching makes me happy and puts a smile on my face – that’s why I do what I do.

What are the core values or principles that guide your coaching practice, and how do they influence the way you work with clients?

Three core values shape everything I do: authenticity, growth, resilience, community & giving back, and kindness & respect.

• Authenticity – I create a space where my clients can show up as their real selves, without judgment. Leadership and success don’t come from trying to be someone you’re not—they come from owning who you are.
• Growth – I believe in continuous learning, both for myself and my clients. As an ICF Certified Coach, I’m constantly developing my skills—whether it’s advancing my emotional intelligence expertise, connecting with other coaches, or even learning Arabic (just for fun!). Growth keeps us adaptable, innovative, and open to new possibilities.  Clients come to me because they too want to grow.
• Resilience – The ability to navigate uncertainty and stay grounded is more important than ever. My coaching is about helping clients build their inner resources so they can lead and live with clarity, balance, and confidence.
• Community & Giving Back – I believe in lifting others up, not just in leadership, but in life. I volunteer with the Humanitarian Coaches Network, providing free coaching to those doing incredible work in the humanitarian sector. I also support newly arrived migrants in Australia through the Adult Migrant English Learning Program (Melbourne Polytechnic), volunteer tutoring and helping them practice English so they can integrate more easily. Community is about connection, contribution, and making a meaningful impact—values I carry into every coaching engagement.
• Kindness & Respect – I believe kindness is a strength, not a soft skill. Whether in leadership, coaching, or life, treating others with respect, empathy, and compassion fosters trust, collaboration, and real human connection. Kindness is at the heart of how I show up—for my clients, my community, and myself.

These values influence how I coach—I challenge and support my clients in equal measure, helping them gain clarity, tap into their strengths, and build a sustainable path forward.  These are values I also live by.

Are there any specific techniques or frameworks you use in your coaching that set your practice apart? How do these benefit your clients?

Absolutely! My coaching approach is a unique blend of evidence-based techniques designed to create real, lasting impact. Some of the key frameworks I use include:

• Strengths Profiling – Helping clients understand and leverage their natural strengths to maximize performance and fulfillment.
• Neuroscience & Positive Psychology – Using brain-based coaching methods to create sustainable mindset shifts.
• Mindfulness & Resilience Training – Teaching practical strategies to manage stress and increase emotional intelligence.
• Cognitive Behavioural Coaching (CBC) – Helping clients reframe limiting beliefs and develop more constructive thinking patterns.
• Emotional Intelligence Assessments – Soon, I’ll be fully certified to administer and interpret these assessments, providing even deeper insights for my clients.

By blending these approaches, I help my clients not only achieve their goals but also gain deeper self-awareness, confidence, and the ability to navigate challenges with greater ease.

What are the most common challenges or themes you see emerging in coaching engagements today, especially in 2025? How are these influenced by the current professional and cultural landscape?

In 2025, I’m seeing several key challenges emerge in coaching:

1. Leadership in Uncertainty – With rapid changes in technology, remote work, and AI integration, leaders are navigating uncharted waters. They need to develop adaptability and the ability to lead through ambiguity.
2. Wellbeing & Burnout Prevention – The pressure to perform has never been higher. Professionals are seeking ways to sustain their energy, set boundaries, and create meaningful work-life balance.
3. Authentic Leadership & Inclusion – There’s a growing demand for leaders who are not only strategic but also empathetic and inclusive. People want workplaces where they feel valued and heard.
4. Career Reinvention & Growth – Many professionals are reassessing their careers, looking for purpose-driven work, and seeking new ways to grow.

Having spent years as both a leader and a coach, I understand these challenges deeply—not just in theory, but from personal experience. I help my clients navigate these trends with confidence, using real-world strategies that work.

How do you incorporate research-backed practices or psychology into your coaching sessions to ensure impactful outcomes for your clients?

I’m committed to using evidence-based approaches in my coaching. I draw from research in neuroscience, positive psychology, and behavioural science to ensure that my clients aren’t just getting “feel-good” conversations, but real, actionable strategies.

For example:

• Neuroscience of Change – I help clients understand how habits and behaviours are formed in the brain, so they can create lasting change.
• Cognitive Behavioural Strategies – I use techniques to challenge limiting beliefs and shift unhelpful thinking patterns.
• Mindfulness & Stress Regulation – Teaching clients how to manage their nervous system to improve focus, resilience, and emotional intelligence.
• Ongoing Learning & Development – As an ICF Certified Coach, I must continue studying, practicing, and learning to maintain my credentials. This means my clients benefit from the latest research and methodologies in coaching, psychology, and leadership development.

By grounding my coaching in research and continual learning, my clients leave each session with practical tools they can apply immediately.

What outcomes or transformations do your clients typically experience, and how do you measure success in your coaching engagements?

Success in coaching isn’t just about external achievements—it’s about personal transformation. My clients typically experience:

Greater clarity & confidence – They gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, values, and leadership style.
Improved resilience & wellbeing – They learn to manage stress, prevent burnout, and sustain high performance.
Stronger leadership & influence – They develop their ability to inspire, engage, and lead with authenticity.
Career & personal growth – They make meaningful career moves, step into leadership roles, or navigate transitions with confidence.

I measure success through client feedback, self-assessments, and tangible shifts in mindset and behaviour. But the real measure of success? When clients tell me they feel more empowered, capable, and aligned with their purpose.

If Lina’s profile resonates with you, request to book a chemistry meeting with her. To learn more about the full range of services BOLDLY has to offer, contact connect@boldly.app.