We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anastasia Galka. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anastasia below.

Alright, Anastasia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Today’s world is complex, and it often feels like a juggling act where there is never enough time. Success is about recognizing that the feeling of overwhelm is not a personal failing but a systemic issue. Women make up 47% of the U.S. labor force but hold only 29% of leadership positions. (Pew Research Center) It’s about understanding that you’re not alone in this struggle and that there are actionable tools to help you thrive.

One story that resonates with me is that of a client I worked with, a dedicated working mom in a male-dominated field. She felt like she was constantly on the edge of burnout, trying to balance her career with her family responsibilities.
Through our coaching sessions, we discovered that success for her was a result of addressing the holistic picture. It wasn’t just about work; it was about managing her physiology, making time for her personal life, and achieving a sense of balance. We encouraged her to embrace imperfection, to let go of the idea of being a perfect mom or a perfect professional, and instead to focus on daily rituals that improved her overall well-being.

We implemented strategies like taking short breaks for a walk, dedicating focused moments to connect with her child, incorporating quick workouts into her routine, and fostering meaningful connections with her colleagues. These seemingly small actions had a significant impact on her performance, communication, and overall success. It was about working with stress, not against it.

The key takeaway here is that success isn’t a singular concept; it’s about creating a blend of work and life that works for you. It’s acknowledging the challenges and embracing the imperfections. And most importantly, it’s about recognizing that you are not alone in this journey, and there are tools and strategies to help you thrive.

Anastasia , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started my business because I noticed a concerning trend in the workforce – women were leaving their careers due to burnout and exhaustion. It was clear that a problem needed to be addressed: retaining diverse talent while also considering the well-being of employees.

I saw a lack of knowledge on how to effectively work with stress, understand the human body, and design one’s day to optimize performance. Each person is unique, and through my coaching and workshops, I aim to provide individuals with the tools and strategies they need to thrive in the workplace.

The “lightbulb” moment that many experience during these workshops, where they transition from feeling burdened to leaving with a sense of enthusiasm and readiness to implement these tools, is a testament to the impact of the solutions I offer.

My passion lies in empowering leaders to create effective teams that retain diverse talent. In fields like financial firms, where women make up only 15% of the talent, there is a significant loss of market opportunity and potential. I am dedicated to creating strategic programs that drive lasting change in these areas, ultimately helping both individuals and organizations succeed.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

I’m thrilled about the evolving approach to managing teams effectively, and there’s a lot to be excited about in the world of leadership. Embracing diversity, both in terms of people and their unique talents, is a key factor in team success.

As a leader coaching can be a powerful tool for bringing out the best in you and your team. It allows you to leverage their strengths, acquire practical skills, and become more aware of your biases and shortcomings.

In today’s challenging world, where personal, global, and business issues are constantly at play, providing a supportive environment is crucial. Allowing team members the flexibility to work in a way that suits them, while also encouraging moments of human vulnerability, can lead to significant team thriving.

It’s essential to acknowledge the difficulties and hardships that your team members may be facing. As a manager, showing your imperfections and recognizing the process, not just the end results, is exceptionally important. Be open about your mistakes, your learning journey, and even your personal commitments, like leaving early to attend your child’s track meet. Remember, your team is closely watching not only what you say but also what you do.

One thing I often discover in coaching leaders is a misalignment between what they say and what they do. They might claim to support flexibility and work-life balance, but their actions don’t always align with their words. It’s crucial to understand that your team will take their cues from your behavior and model their actions accordingly. So, as a manager, lead by example, be authentic, and create an environment where your team’s well-being and growth are genuinely valued.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

It’s funny because I often joke that I specialize in stress and resilience, but boy, do I get to practice it a lot!

During the pandemic, my partner had zero work-from-home flexibility, and our 1-year-old was dealing with numerous medical issues. On top of that, we had a child with anxiety, I was trying to keep my business afloat, and there was the added responsibility of caring for a parent with mental illness. I found myself waking up earlier, staying up later, and pushing myself harder than ever before. But eventually, my body reached its limit.

It was during this challenging time that I looked around and realized I wasn’t alone in this struggle. Instead of feeling defeated, I found myself getting angry and incredibly passionate about creating solutions. I recognized that for many women, success wasn’t just about effort and talent; the system itself wasn’t set up to help us thrive.

Rather than playing the victim, this realization empowered me to work with coaching clients, focusing on areas like communication, setting boundaries, overcoming imposter syndrome, and showing them how to achieve their version of success without sacrificing their well-being.

Hitting rock bottom turned out to be a gift in disguise. It opened my eyes to the immense opportunity to address the human side of the workforce, with the potential to increase retention and engagement at the same time. Who doesn’t love a good win-win-win situation?

In the end, my journey taught me that resilience is about finding strength in adversity and using it to drive positive change. I’m excited to continue this journey of helping others navigate their own challenges and thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fiercejoy.co
• Instagram: @fiercejoyco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-galka-she-her-8427101ba/

Image Credits
Angeline Devine Photography Brett Dorian Photography