When somebody says I’m weird, my response is, “No, I’m just unique and one of a kind.”

Let me tell you a story, not just any story, but my story of turning what some called ‘weirdness’ into a professional superpower.

In the wake of the devastating Russian invasion, my family, mother, close people, and I were compelled to immigrate, an upheaval that forced me to confront the European job market with a background that many considered too conservative.

Here I was, standing in the EU job market with a resume that read more like an adventure novel than a straightforward career path. My experience stretches across domains, technologies, and competencies. In Ukraine, it was an advantage for business, but here, it was often viewed as a potential risk rather than an asset. Apparently, my CV is a bit too colorful for the conservative tastes of traditional European firms. ??

After surviving the adversities of migration, home, and people loss, it was devastating hearing that my diverse background was seen more as a liability than a benefit. They said I was a high-risk hire — too many skills, too much enthusiasm, maybe too many ideas? After all the upheaval, conforming to a narrowly defined role wasn't in my DNA.

Authenticity is a core value of mine, and I believe in leveraging one's true self rather than reshaping it to fit conventional expectations.

As they say, "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails."

So, why not use my so-called 'weirdness' as a unique value proposition? I would never have thought it if connecting with innovation and startup communities wouldn't bring me requests for building fundraising and go-to-market strategies, research growth opportunities, and helping reach product/market fit.

I embraced my professional alter-ego—mentorship and advisement.

Not being in traditional employment wasn't easy, but it has been profoundly rewarding. Consulting businesses appeared to be one of the most rewarding experiences in my life and helped me start building an innovation portfolio.

My approach as a consultant is not about delivering standard solutions but enabling companies to realize their unique visions and meet distinct customer needs through the application of existing methodologies and frameworks without lecture immediately integrating skills and receiving results.

Even though I'm looking for long-term opportunities in companies or venture studios, I've been bringing with me growth mechanisms that have been honed through practical application and refined by failures across various domains, markets, and types of business.

Here’s how I spun my diverse threads into gold:

Empowerment over Execution

Imagine me not as a consultant but as a conductor of an orchestra where every musician plays their part perfectly. I don't play the instruments; I help others make beautiful music. I equip teams with the skills and confidence to navigate through storms themselves because, let’s be honest, I can’t be their umbrella forever!

I never do jobs for clients; I equip them with the understanding and tools to adapt and overcome challenges independently. They never come back with the same issue.

Collaboration over Selling:

Here’s the thing — forcing solutions on people is like teaching a cat to swim; it's possible, but will anyone enjoy it? Instead, I foster collaboration and make sure everyone's on board. True value emerges from genuine collaboration. If a team doesn't see the benefit of our work together, success is unattainable. Therefore, I focus on deep understanding of needs, building buy-in and mutual respect rather than persuading. It's easy when my selling point is "Simplifying decade of expertise in a step plan."

Personalization over Templates

The internet is a treasure trove of 'one-size-fits-all' solutions. But let’s face it, one size never really fits all. I bring a bespoke toolkit, refined by the fires of real-world trials and tailored to fit like a well-made suit. And if you need help? Just shout; I'm there, not with answers, but a strategy to find them together.

Simplicity over Complexity

Have you ever sat through a meeting where the jargon was so thick you could cut it with a knife? Not on my watch. We keep it simple, direct, and actionable—no fluff, just stuff—stuff that works.

In our interactions, you’ll find no jargon or pretense, just straightforward, actionable advice designed to simplify processes and enhance understanding. This approach not only saves time but also ensures clarity and measurable progress toward strategic goals.

Mind Over Matter –?Psychological Insight

Understanding the psychological barriers that stand in our way lets us clear the path toward our goals. It’s about unlocking potential, not just unlocking profits.

My deep interest in psychology and mindfulness enhances my consulting effectiveness. Understanding the root cause, such as shame or lack of confidence, could unlock the team's potential more than any business practice.

Not Only Me But Partnerships

They say you're only as good as the company you keep. I build networks based on shared values and mutual respect. And believe me, it's not just about who you know but how you know them. If I know a service, company, or person who could be better for you, I'll always connect with people between each other.

So, there you have it...

my journey from lost immigrant to ‘Agent 006’, navigating the sometimes murky waters of the professional world with a smile (and maybe a stylish gadget or two). If my story resonates with you and you're looking for someone to shake things up in your product development or strategic planning, let’s chat!

Because, in the end, it's all about making the impossible possible together!