Meet Liana Naudi. By day, she supports people with identifying the greatness in themselves, by night, she’s a wife and a stepmother to a wonderful son.

Liana believes that every individual holds greatness within them. That belief sparked in her the passion to identify the best ways to can help individuals tap into their greatness. Not everyone knows how to discover their own strengths and push beyond their fears.  Therefore, Liana aims to coach individuals on how to thrive with confidence while navigating through the highs and lows of life.

What made Liana decide she should venture into coaching?

When she was promoted as a Director, the first thing that she did was seek a coach. In fact while she has moved to coaching other individuals now, she still uses coaching services. This to ensure she continues strengthening herself in the process. “Continuing my personal coaching journey, while I too coach others, helps me greatly. I believe having a thinking partner can help you become more effective, brainstorm in a psychologically safe space, as well as overcome blocks. Through coaching, I learnt to step into my strengths. I discovered my passion for contribution,” Liana explained.

Liana admits how stepping into the role of a Director created new but interesting challenges for her. These challenges allowed her to work and reflect on finding her voice and her purpose. They also allowed her to overcome any sort of self-doubt and strengthen her confidence. Stepping into this new chapter in her life meant she needed to look within and around her. She had to understand her skills and any potential gaps in order to evolve into a better version of herself. This allowed her to become a better leader in the process. A self-awareness journey allowed her to identify her capabilities and purpose. This led her to step into her strengths and her identity as a heart-centred leader.

What is it that Liana brings to the table?

“I believe I have a lot to offer to people who are going through a similar journey, no matter at what level or context. One may struggle with the new ‘identity’ of a wife, of a stepmother. The latter is an area that helped me grow personally too. I am a stepmother of a 17-year-old with a very rare syndrome, Joubert Syndrome. This experience challenged me and continues to challenge me. A challenge I welcome with open arms. It helps me get closer to him, it helps me grow. It also helps my husband and I grow as a family unit,” she went on to say.

Liana’s personal journey with coaching opened the doors to a new path for her. She started to coach other individuals herself while also balancing working as a Human Resources and Marketing Director within the long-established company Thomas Smith. “I chose to study and obtain the necessary and varied qualifications. During this period, I practiced and attended supervision sessions. Every step of the way I felt alive, fulfilled. I was connecting, contributing, empowering, helping people achieve breakthroughs and creating awareness. I was in my element. This energy kept me wanting more. I continuously aim to study and improve, to be able to serve my clients at a high standard,” she said.

What kind of individuals does Liana work with?

If you are looking to make positive changes in your personal or professional life, then Liana is ready and equipped to help coach you through your success journey. Liana’s coaching experience includes individuals that are early in their careers, first-line managers, senior executives, and c-suite. Liana seeks to understand people’s core needs, explore new possibilities, recognise opportunities, and ultimately empower people to find their voice.

The themes that generally emerge from her coaching sessions are related to confidence-building, leadership futureproofing, support with stepping into a leadership role and voice, team management, putting oneself on the job market and dealing with dilemmas around career moves.

“I work with female leaders, or aspiring leaders too. My belief is that while women leaders have emerged in Malta, there is still more room for opportunities. This does not necessarily mean that women are not given the opportunity. Sometimes women do not take on empowering roles because they might not feel good enough to fill those shoes. Others believe they will not cope with their responsibilities at home. This is a common theme I am facing through my networks, and I aim to tap into their potential,” Liana divulged.

Through her coaching, Liana has supported individuals coming from a variety of industries. These include legal services, shipping, insurance, medical services, recruitment services, human resources, retail, and catering as well as students and individuals seeking to grow personally and professionally. She provides a safe and non-judgemental space where one could explore their thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and challenges. This while setting goals and develop action plans that are tailored to their unique needs and contexts.

Why do clients trust Liana’s coaching methods?

Liana gave here insight on the qualities in her work that allow individuals to trust her as their coach. She explained how trust takes a lifetime to build, but can disappear in an instant. Therefore, one should not assume it will be freely given or be passive about securing it. “The most crucial step is that of establishing a connection with the client. Without this two-way connection, the client will not feel comfortable to share thoughts that are deep and personal. Consequently, there will be no genuine relationship, no trust. Rapport building skills are therefore the basis of a productive and an effective coaching relationship. This leads a coach to help the client reach their full potential. A discovery (also known as chemistry) session can help establish an initial connection. However, I ensure the clients feel heard and understood throughout our journey. I continuously aim to find a way to connect to their values, needs and wants,” she remarked.

What are the coaching methods and elements that make Liana different from other coaches?

For Liana, a coach is someone that is Centred, Open, Aware, Connected and Hospitable. She believes that she can bring all of this into her coaching sessions. This apart from the previously mentioned rapport building skills that ensure that the client feels heard and understood. She consistently aims to find a way to connect to an individual’s values, needs and wants.

“I strongly believe that for cannot draw out deep realisations and insights. I am not afraid to explore new tools or processes. In fact I can draw out the appropriate tool which can be used according to what the client needs at that point in time. Whether during the session, or as an assessment for additional reflection in between sessions. Another element I bring to the table is flexibility. Additionally, I am also committed to self-development, to continuously add value to clients.”

Liana went on to say that “While having a wide knowledge of tools is beneficial, the coach should also have a deep knowledge of oneself: self-insight and understanding.  During my self-reflection following a coaching session, I ask myself questions such as, which areas do I need to develop? Are my values and beliefs getting in the way? This practice helps me gain more knowledge,   understanding, and clarity about myself. Understanding one’s own values, beliefs, and behaviours, as well as understanding own strengths and development needs, can play an instrumental part in being effective. Applying a growth mindset in coaching is a style I am committed to bring in.”

Liana uses empathy, but also challenges her clients…

During her sessions, Liana can be both empathic and a challenger. She watches out for opportunities where she could provide observational feedback. This is what helps the individual grow, while also finding the right balance between positive and constructive. This is at times provided through questioning, to help the client self-reflect. She listens for thinking patterns. Then raises awareness to those patterns, to help the individual break them. Most of us have blind spots engraved in our characters. Her aim is to bring awareness in an empathic manner, showing care and respect, while also facilitating thought.

What elements of Liana’s coaching create a pure connection with her clients?

Liana considers herself to be a heart-centred people leader and this makes her able to build strong relationships. She adapts to the client’s needs, collaborates, motivates, pushes boundaries, asks reflective questions, and above all challenges. Moreover she uses her drive to guide others to open doors that allow them to explore possibilities.

“I can be a strong and energetic communicator, but I am also compassionate and empathic. I empower and follow joy. I listen to co-create… and bring light to strengths and capabilities,” she replied.

Are you ready to embark on your coaching journey?

This is your call to embark on your coaching journey. Liana is ready and thrilled for the opportunity to support you all the way. Get in touch with Liana today and book your first coaching session.