My Journey: From Transitions to Clarity

The only constant in my life has been change — across countries, careers, and perspectives.

Born in Serbia, I moved to the UK at 17, completing a bachelors degree in maths and chemistry at St Andrews before shifting to take masters in Finance at Imperial College London. Like many in 2011, I joined an investment bank —choosing one with an impact: agricultural finance.

At 25, driven by a lifelong dream, I left my job, bought a one-way ticket to São Paulo, and immersed myself in Brazil. Despite a rocky start, I stayed for 3.5 years, first in investment banking, and subsequently launching Sul Americano Naturals, an organic superfoods business. Bootstrapping for three years, I learned every lesson entrepreneurship had to offer — including when to let go. Realizing the business wasn’t scalable, I made the tough decision to close it.

An unplanned transition led me to venture capital. I joined an agri-food VC in Paris, then moved to Munich for a healthtech fund. While the work was exciting, a toxic environment forced me out — a blessing in disguise. What followed was a period of deep self-reflection, therapy, and coaching, where I finally asked: What do I truly want?

Having always been interested in human behaviour and psychology, during this time of introspection I also became fascinated with coaching and pursued education in it. I realized that combining my experience in business, my understanding of people and knowledge of coaching, allows me to support others navigate their challenges and uncertainties on their own journeys of growth.

Just as I stepped away from VC, a perfect venture partner role appeared — coinciding with my first pregnancy. Later, expecting my second child, I stopped asking “Where do I fit?” and started designing my career around my life. I realized I thrive on variety, flexibility, and autonomy — things a traditional job could hardly provide. That clarity led to my portfolio career—one that aligns with my strengths, allows me to be the mother I want to be, and creates multiple income streams. It’s not the conventional path, but for the first time, it truly feels right.

Today, as a coach and thought partner, I guide others who are navigating transitions, and offer them the tools, perspective, and support to create their own fulfilling career paths.