We were lucky to catch up with Fenia Bozionelou recently and have shared our conversation below.

Fenia , appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

A real moment of struggle in building La Route Coaching, wasn’t just about business obstacles, but hit me on a personal level.

In my quest to make La Route Coaching a success, I started facing panic attacks and an anxiety disorder. It was bizarre because I’d never dealt with that kind of thing before. What began as a genuine passion for coaching started turning into stress and negativity. There was no feelings of fulfilment anymore.

The breaking point came when my obsession with instant success pushed me too far. I wanted to see results “yesterday”. I ended up burnt out, landed in the hospital, and had to go through surgery. What was supposed to be a fun journey building my brand became this mad rush to hit some imaginary success deadline.

I didn’t realise how tough it is to handle everything when you’re a one-person show. I had to learn new stuff way outside my comfort zone, deal with people I’d never met before, negotiate in a language that’s not my first, and, sadly, face some discrimination because of it.

It hit me hard – the reality of being the only person responsible for everything. I lost track of things, and it felt like I was wandering in the dark.

This whole experience taught me a big lesson. I now understand that success isn’t just about reaching some external goals. It’s also about taking care of myself and finding a balance. It’s about keeping it real and not getting caught up in this crazy pressure we put on ourselves. It’s about listening and understanding to what I really want, who I really am. Through all this mess, I figured out that taking care of my mental well-being is just as crucial as making business moves. Having fun, being curious, stop taking my life so seriously, and having no expectations, just being open to the everyday gifts that come for me, this is what I call success! And yes I am successful!

Fenia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a business psychologist, leadership coach, and the brain behind La Route Coaching. I bring the value of (self) awareness. (Self) Awareness is knowledge. Knowledge is power. It’s the power within. Power is leadership. Leadership is creativity. Creativity is life.

My journey started a few years ago, when I decided to leave my family, home, friends and my comfort zone behind in Greece, starting an exciting adventure in London. I was on a mission to figure out my passions and life direction. After one year in the new city, I graduated with an MSc in Occupational & Business Psychology from Kingston University. Proud moment, I tell you!

I secured my first full-time job in London and started dreaming about having my own company. A few months later, La Route Coaching came to life , initially as a passion project while juggling the 9-to-5 hustle. I even dabbled in podcasting with the Career Mindset Podcast. Life was a rollercoaster, to say the least.

So, I made a bold move. I left my full-time job to focus on personal healing, self-awareness and growth. Using personality assessments, I reconnected with my authentic self, embracing my uniqueness. This transformation made me a leader in both my career and personal life. Now, I’m all about helping others believe in themselves, find their center, and make the impossible, possible.

I’m on a mission to make leadership accessible to everyone and break down the walls of discrimination, especially in creative industries where outdated norms still linger. I want to empower leaders, bridge communication gaps, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion for a more inclusive workplace.

Imagine a world where patriarchy is a thing of the past, where everyone stands on equal ground regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. I’m dreaming of a future where people are empowered to lead fulfilling lives, realising their dreams, and creating a psychologically safe world where authenticity thrives.

My services include leadership coaching programmes for individuals and teams. My approach aims to help individuals become better leaders in both their personal and professional lives. Self-discovery is crucial element. By knowing our strengths, values, and aspirations is the first step to building a life we love and be successful. My main tools to create self-awareness are personality assessments which guide us in leveraging strengths and improving areas that need a little tender loving care.

La Route Coaching is committed to shaking things up. I work with organisations to kick out outdated norms and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. I help the teams create an effective communication by learning the art of expressing themselves confidently and assertively for better collaboration and understanding. In the creative realms, I’m here to inspire innovation and imagination, making sure all voices are heard and valued. Creating spaces where everyone can express themself without fear – that’s my priority. Flourish personally and professionally in a judgment-free zone.

That’s me and La Route Coaching in a nutshell. I’m here to help you thrive, lead, and embrace your awesomeness!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One significant lesson I had to unlearn was my definition of success that it is solely defined by external achievements and tangible outcomes. Early on in my entrepreneurial journey, I found myself constantly chasing milestones, believing that hitting certain goals or securing specific achievements would validate my success. The backstory here is rooted in societal expectations and conventional measures of accomplishment.

As I gave my energy into reaching these external markers, I started neglecting the internal aspects of my journey – the personal growth, the learning experiences, and the joy in the process. It wasn’t until a pivotal moment, marked by burnout and a reevaluation of my priorities, that I realised the misconception in this mindset.

The unlearning process began as I confronted the question: What does success truly mean to me? I had to shift my perspective and understand that success is a holistic concept. It encompasses not just external achievements but also internal fulfillment, well-being, and the positive impact I make on others.

This shift allowed me to appreciate the journey itself, embracing the daily progress, setbacks, and the evolution of my skills and mindset. Unlearning the narrow definition of success opened up a world of possibilities and allowed me to find joy in the present moment rather than constantly striving for a future validation. It became a transformative lesson that has reshaped my approach to entrepreneurship, fostering a healthier and more sustainable mindset for both myself and my business.

Any advice for managing a team?

In team management, a vital piece of advice revolves around the crucial role of awareness. According to the La Route Coaching model, one of the most important responsibilities of a team leader is to truly know the individuals on their team – to understand their unique strengths, values, and weaknesses and learn how to blend them together harmoniously. This insightful knowledge helps the team leader to adjust their management approach to align with the varied personality traits within the team, fostering trust and effective communication.

This depth of awareness contributes to the creation of a work environment where individuals feel safe, happy, and motivated, resulting in heightened productivity and a willingness to channel energy and effort towards achieving company’s targets. The outcome is a positive cycle – a well-informed leader, attuned to the unique attributes of their team, lays the foundation for success by nurturing a culture of understanding, collaboration, and individual empowerment, ultimately leading to increased profits.

In addition to this, managing a team and keeping morale high is crucial for a thriving and productive work environment. Effective communication serves as the cornerstone, fostering transparency and trust. Setting clear expectations ensures that each team member understands their role, preventing misunderstandings and empowering them to perform at their best. Regularly recognizing and appreciating the team’s hard work contributes to a positive culture, boosting morale. Encouraging team bonding activities fosters a sense of camaraderie, creating a more motivated and resilient team.

Providing growth opportunities and supporting work-life balance demonstrates a commitment to the team’s well-being, motivating them and contributing to a positive atmosphere. Leading by example, involving the team in problem-solving, offering regular feedback, and creating a positive work environment are additional keys to successful team management. It’s essential to adapt our approach based on our team’s dynamics, ensuring continuous improvement and genuine care for their well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laroutecoaching.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laroutecoaching
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laroutecoaching
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feniabozionelou
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQUp3yKkrlxVvvuKMTMZOA