I realized long ago that the world needs more stories about women who create real change—and she is one of them. With her roots in Belgrade and London, she has built a global presence, running her business from the United Arab Emirates to New York. Olga Kiendler is a true woman of inspiration, empowering others to transform their lives and businesses for the better. She is the recipient of one of the most prestigious awards in the professional world—often called the “Oscar” of business. Her journey is proof that miracles are possible, and her story will both move and inspire you.
Recently, you received the prestigious “Stevie Awards” in New York—congratulations on your success. Could you tell me more about the award and the event itself?
Olga Kiendler: The Stevie Awards is a prestigious accolade, equivalent to the Oscars in business. This year, I won the award for “Women in Business,” specifically as the best executive/leadership coach in business.
The ceremony hosted over 300 attendees, with 1,500 nominees from renowned corporations like DHL, KPMG, Al Jazeera Media Group, Nutanix, Dell, and others, alongside innovative startups contributing to social development, ESG, and technology.
There’s also an award for your work received in the United Arab Emirates. How is it working with clients in the Middle East?Olga Kiendler: Working in the Middle East brings specific challenges and opportunities, given that the market blends tradition and contemporary business practices. Clients from this region demonstrate high ambition and a strong commitment to personal and professional growth. The differences are often subtle rather than foundational, as people’s needs and desires fundamentally revolve around security, connection, purpose, growth, and freedom.
Working in that part of the world is an incredibly inspiring experience.
You are a leadership coach working with people at all levels within corporations, especially those at the helm of large businesses. Having been in leadership positions yourself and now serving in advisory roles while running your own business, what do you find to be the greatest challenge for leaders striving to progress to the next level?
Olga Kiendler: Leaders often face internal challenges, such as:
Lack of awareness of blind spots: Leaders in high positions often receive filtered or sugar-coated feedback. Without a clear self-view and understanding of their actions’ impact, identifying areas for improvement is tough.
Fear of losing control or authority: Changes often involve admitting mistakes or adapting, which leaders may perceive as threats to their position or reputation.
Limiting beliefs and emotional barriers: Deep-seated beliefs about what is possible or desirable can constrain leaders. Emotions like fear, insecurity, or ego often interfere with rational decision-making.
Overload and lack of introspection time: The fast pace of business doesn’t always leave leaders enough space to pause, reflect, and focus on personal development.
Resistance to change due to habits: Successful leaders may cling to methods that worked in the past but are now outdated. Breaking established behavior patterns can be challenging.
Dependence on external validation: Leaders focusing on external success markers—like financial results or accolades—may neglect internal growth and long-term changes.
Perfectionism: Sometimes the most unhappy people, as perfection is impossible to achieve.
Lack of purpose and legacy.
How do you help top corporate leaders, who are already successful, become even more successful?
Olga Kiendler: True leadership involves not only managing teams and companies but also leading a fulfilled and, as much as possible, balanced life. I don’t associate leadership with a role or position. I believe we are all leaders of our own lives. I assist leaders in recognizing moments that call for change—whether professional or personal—and help them implement these changes with clarity and confidence. A successful leader builds harmony in relationships, as strong interpersonal bonds are key to long-term success and personal happiness. There is purpose in what they do and ideally they are leaving their legacy behind. Not everyone has this figured out.
Often, achieving even greater success requires radical change. I support my clients through these challenging transformations, whether they are personal or business-related.
I believe balance in life is not a luxury but a prerequisite for effective leadership. OK TRANSFORMATION Coaching helps leaders identify what truly matters to them, set priorities, and align their energy with what drives and fulfills them. A leader who successfully balances business pressures and personal life becomes not only more resilient but also more inspiring to their environment.
What does leadership mean to you, and what do you focus on when working with clients?
Olga Kiendler: To me, leadership is all about freedom, courage, and responsibility. The freedom to make decisions aligned with your values and your authentic selves, the courage to face challenges, and the responsibility for your actions are key traits of any successful leader. It is daring to find and live your purpose, to create a legacy.
It is important to emphasize that “humbleness” and “vulnerability” are strengths, not weaknesses—qualities that enable deeper connections with teams, family, and friends. By working on these aspects, leaders become more authentic and connected, both with themselves and others.
In addition to working with large teams and individuals, you also conduct 1-on-1 sessions using the RTT program you completed under one of the best in the world, Marisa Peer. Can you tell me more about it?
Olga Kiendler: Besides working with teams and leaders, I provide individual sessions using Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), a technique I mastered under Marisa Peer. RTT combines principles of hypnotherapy, neurolinguistic programming, and cognitive-behavioral therapy to quickly identify and resolve the root causes of issues hindering personal progress. It harnesses the power of the subconscious mind.
Who governs our lives—ourselves, our consciousness, or the subconscious we hear so much about?
Olga Kiendler: Our lives are largely governed by the subconscious, which accounts for about 95% of our mental processes. It stores our beliefs, memories, and habits, often shaping our reactions and behaviors without our conscious control.
What are the greatest transformations you’ve witnessed thanks to this powerful technique?
Olga Kiendler: I’ve witnessed significant client transformations through RTT, including overcoming deeply rooted fears, boosting self-confidence, and breaking free from long-standing behavioral patterns that held them back. Decision-making is greatly influenced by the subconscious.
One of my most impactful successes involved a client, a highly successful businessperson, who contemplated suicide due to a belief that happiness was unattainable. Today, that individual is happy and thriving, having moved to another continent to pursue a purpose in building schools, hospitals, and infrastructure in underprivileged areas. It was all about belief and conviction. Your thoughts shape your life. I’m proud to have been part of this transformation, which gives meaning to my work—a necessity for success in what I do.
How long does it take to reprogram the subconscious?
Olga Kiendler: Reprogramming the subconscious can take weeks to months, depending on the complexity and depth of ingrained beliefs. A combination of techniques like RTT and ongoing coaching can accelerate the process.
What changed in your life after you applied this technique to yourself?
Olga Kiendler: It felt like waking up, like seeing the world with fresh eyes. I was amazed at how differently one can view the same thing after just one session. I finally felt light and free.
You graduated from the London Business School. What is the most important lesson you’ve taken from London, living and working in one of the world’s best cities for life and business?
Olga Kiendler: You never know what one “Hello” can bring. Stay open-minded, always curious, and keep learning throughout life. That’s how you’ll remain among the most interesting and successful people.
At the same time, self-awareness is key – don’t lose your authenticity in the sea of people striving for success. Follow your heart as much as your mind. Never tire of challenges; each challenge is an unmistakable opportunity. And one more thing, especially relevant for global cities: “Not all that glitters is gold.” Be cautious and don’t lose yourself in the pursuit of money and success.
The holidays are approaching, and many people make big plans for the next year while reviewing the current one. This trend often leads to dissatisfaction. How can one stay grounded during this time of big plans and self-reflection?
Olga Kiendler: I’ve never understood why a year serves as a benchmark for success. Why are these 365 days so significant in judging our achievements or failures?
Each day is a new day and another chance. In business, we set goals, work on projects, and have deadlines. But why measure yourself as you measure work?
Traditional personal goal-setting feels outdated. Listen to yourself—are you happy? What needs to change in you to achieve that feeling? Let that be your goal. Sometimes it’s change; other times, it’s acceptance. Be kind to yourself. If your goal is financial, set steps to generate income. If it’s a relationship, work on it—seek professional help if needed. There’s a solution for everything. If you’re making transformative decisions that impact others, work on finding the best solution for everyone. Let that always be your goal.
How can people work with you?
Olga Kiendler: Collaboration begins with initial consultations to identify your needs and desires. From there, we create a tailored plan that may include individual sessions, workshops, or a combination of approaches, depending on your specific requirements.
What does Olga see as the ultimate must-have in 2025 for someone looking to change their world?
Olga Kiendler: As in any other year—determination and taking responsibility for the change we desire. The strength and courage to be authentic and true to ourselves. To share our talents and skills with the world. To give and accept, and never settle for anything that holds us back.
Mental stability is crucial, especially in times of frequent changes and challenges. I emphasize mental hygiene and brain training as essential practices for everyone.
Is there a book you’d recommend to those venturing into entrepreneurship or leading large teams?
Olga Kiendler: Anything by Brené Brown!
In this era of abundant advice and information, how can one stay composed and truly lead their own life?
Olga Kiendler: In an era overwhelmed with information, critical thinking and clear priorities are essential. Focus on personal values and goals to filter unnecessary information and maintain mental clarity. Keeping a sharp focus on what matters to you and how to achieve it is key.
What is your message for people ready to change but unsure where to start?
Olga Kiendler: Start with yourself. Discover who you are deep down. Who were you before becoming who you are today? What makes you happy and fulfilled? What are your beliefs and convictions? How do you feel, and what would you do if freed from what’s holding you back? If you could be anyone, do anything, or feel any way—what would that look like? Find someone to help you with that journey.
