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ABOUT.

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"Law, island life and transformation" - here's my story in an alum interview with Norton Rose Fulbright, a global law firm and my former employer.

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Since 2014, I’ve coached hundreds of people through life’s twists and turns with deeply transformative one-on-one and group coaching. It’s both my passion and my mission - I truly have the best job in the world.

 

Prior to coaching, I dedicated 13 years to a legal career in a global law firm, working in London, Moscow and Singapore. Dual-qualified in England & Wales and Russia, I specialised in project finance and M&A in the energy sector.

 

My transition from lawyer to coaching came from my own experience of life shifts – moving countries, trying not to lose myself while adapting to new cultures, bereavement, growing through the ranks in private practice and looking into partnership track, navigating a shocking identity shift after becoming a mother, becoming an entrepreneur and building a business.

 

These experiences shifted my perspective on what it means to be a human, on happiness and success on your own terms, and on what it means to be an effective leader. They also gave me a passion for helping others who are going through change. 


My family is a mix of Russian, British, French and Italian cultures. One day I plan to write a book on 200 mistakes in bringing up tri-lingual children.

 

My husband and I and our two boys live in London. When not coaching, I love walking and talking, watching tennis, reading, trying new things, and snowboarding (with no intention of switching to skis - despite my growing wisdom!).

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Fun fact: My family took a gap year on Reunion Island. There I wrote and voiced the rum production audio guide for Isautier Rums. If you are ever on Reunion Island, the museum is fascinating and the degustation is delicious!

Qualifications & EXPERIENCE.

Professional and personal experience I bring in service of your success and fulfilment:

  • 13-year career as a dual-qualified lawyer at a top-10 global law firm

  • 10+ years of coaching experience, with a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accreditation from the International Coaching Federation - a mark of advanced training, extensive practice, ongoing CPD and supervision

  • Skilled in reputable diagnostic tools like the Hogan suite, Inclusive Leadership Compass 360, and Strengths Profile

  • Strong business, strategic and financial acumen

  • Lived experience of international relocations, career transitions, bereavement, health challenges and parenthood - which inform an empathic yet practical real-world coaching approach

  • Speaker at UK Government roundtable on improving postnatal care (1 of only 12 speakers)

  • Curated book/resource recommendations and a trusted referral network

 

Qualifications:

  • Accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC) by the International Coaching Federation

  • Certified Co-Active Professional Coach (CPCC) with the Coaching Training Institute (CTI), 2015-2022

  • Trained Executive Coaching & Health Coach with the Academy of Executive Coaching (AoEC), 2020

  • Certified Hogan Assessments practitioner

  • Certified Inclusive Leadership Compass 360 practitioner

  • Certified Dare to Lead practitioner

  • Trained Professional Group Coach

  • Qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales, 2011; non-practising status since 2024

  • Qualified as a lawyer in Russia, 2005

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my COACHING approach.

There is an old story about two salesmen sent to a foreign country to assess the market for shoes. Salesman One scouts around for a few days and reports back to the company headquarters: "Research complete. Absolute disaster. Nobody here wears shoes." Likewise, Salesman Two does his research and telegraphs back: "Research complete. Glorious opportunity! Nobody here wears shoes!" 

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We see the world through a narrative we tell ourselves. This internal voice shapes our feelings, fears, decisions, self-image and what we see more present in our life - anxiety or confidence, dissonance or balance, feeling stuck or seeing opportunities. I help my clients connect with the supportive voice, gain confidence in self and learn to use their internal resources. Such self-discovery and integration of internal resources become your powerhouse in meeting life challenges and creating a sustainably fulfilling and successful life.

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To learn more about my approach, continue reading here.

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The first step is for us to have a chat (phone or zoom) to meet each other, clarify the challenges and map out how to approach them. You will get a taster of my coaching and if it feels like a resonant fit, we will agree on the next steps. 

Executive Coaching, 1-1 Programme

"I highly recommend meeting with Anya […]. Her coaching style is extremely personalised and tailored. Anya does not impose or teach. Rather, she offers tools and guidance that help you set, frame and achieve your goals and find fulfilment in doing so."

 

- Mum of three, senior white-collar crime lawyer, global law firm

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All rights reserved.

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Smirnova Coaching Ltd is registered in England and Wales. Company number 11769737.

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