Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Silvia Foglia, a Career & Business Coach based in Berlin, Germany.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I'm an Italian Berlin-based ICF Trained Coach with 10+ years of experience in fast-growing tech companies, where I managed teams and collaborated with founders and executives. Now, as a Career Coach, I help professionals navigate their career change and development. I'm also a Business Coach, where I support organizations for Continuing Professional Development programs and training that focus on a people-centric approach and social innovation projects. My goal is to help individuals reach their potential and live fulfilling life while also assisting companies in evolving into people-centric organizations by recognizing people as strategic assets and creating impactful solutions.

Tell us about yourself

During the past 20 years, I have experienced two career changes that have been challenging yet rewarding. During these times, I found that looking inward and figuring out what I truly wanted was key to finding my direction. By becoming a Coach, I was able to find the right tools to help professionals find fulfilling jobs and organizations become great places to work. I know what my clients are going through, and being there for me, guiding them, is so fulfilling! Receiving positive feedback from clients about how our conversations have supported them through their career changes and daily work life is deeply motivating and keeps me going in my business.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is seeing the impact I can make in the lives of the professionals and companies I work with. I have worked with hundreds of professionals in the midst of their career change, and every time I receive news that they have been successful in their job search, it fills me with immense satisfaction and joy. I work remotely, which allows me the freedom to work from wherever I want. Last year I worked in five different countries, which enabled me to explore and discover new cultures, people, and places. Bringing with me my yoga and meditation daily routines ensured I stayed balanced and focused, which were my goals when I decided to start up my business.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is economic uncertainty, especially in the beginning stages when you are still trying to establish yourself and find your first clients. Additionally, the bureaucracy involved with paperwork can be daunting, especially for those living abroad and having to deal with different languages. Time management can also be a great challenge when you are responsible for every aspect. These are, on the other side, such great opportunities to grow as a person and a professional!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Develop your (Personal) Mission Statement. What is it? It's a 1-3 sentence text where you write down your purpose and why it matters so much to you: it should capture the essence of why you do what you do. Keep this statement with you and read it regularly! Sometimes you'll find yourself lost, discouraged, and demotivated. Remember the direction you want to go and what motivates you: this will help you to stay focused on your purpose and find your way through the temporary fog!
  2. Surround yourself with a supportive community! Connect with like-minded people who can help you with advice, resources, and moral support, but, most of all, who can motivate and cheer for you!
  3. Believe in yourself and be your own biggest cheerleader. When things get tough, take a few moments to step back, take a deep breath and remind yourself of your mission statement and why you are doing what you are doing. Celebrate every result, even the small ones, and keep going!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://silviafoglia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silviafoglia/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviafoglia/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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