Having the opportunity to work with Ioana as her mentee [in the Soulfuls “Dreamers and Doers” 2024 cohort] was an absolute privilege.

When I was paired with her, I was thrilled at the prospect of learning from her insights on running a business and structuring life as a freelance coach. Initially, I thought I only needed guidance on the technical aspects of starting a freelance career. However, as we connected over Zoom during our sessions, our conversations naturally expanded beyond the technicalities to explore the emotional nuances of my freelance journey. We discussed everything from the overthinking after my first networking coffee, to the thrill of booking my first gig, and, of course, navigating the ever-present imposter syndrome. Ioana’s thoughtful and curious nature made each interaction feel deeply meaningful.

I’ve always found it challenging to process my emotions, often choosing to push aside tricky feelings and focus on the ‘practical’ elements.

Ioana encouraged me to pause, reflect, and truly engage with how I was feeling in any given situation. Though initially uncomfortable, this practice taught me that emotions and professionalism are not mutually exclusive; feelings and business can indeed coexist.
It was this introspective work, guided by Ioana, that made my experience as a mentee not only deeply personal but transformative. She encouraged me to celebrate both my successes and my rejections – a ritual I plan to carry forward into this journey. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to work with Ioana. Her wisdom and encouragement have left an indelible mark on this formative period of my freelance journey.