In an inspiring discussion with Dr Connie Kerali, Eve Ostrovskaya, a certified Transformational Leadership and Matrescence Coach, reveals her journey through motherhood, career challenges, and the internal struggles she faced as a working mother. With a deeply personal narrative, Eve opens up about confronting her inner critic and reshaping her life to empower not only herself but other ambitious women.

The Early Memories

Eve's story begins in a unique household where creativity and magic coexisted. Growing up with a librarian mother and a magician father, she was surrounded by books and wonder, fostering a love for stories and imagination. Though humorous and unconventional, her upbringing set the foundation for a life filled with exploration and growth.

Navigating a Transformative Journey

Eve's life took a bold turn when she left Russia for the UK, driven by dreams of new opportunities despite the uncertainties. Her twenties were marked by rigorous efforts to build a career, never originally considering motherhood as a part of her future. Through an immersive decade of personal and professional challenges, Eve's resilience was tested as she balanced her career ambitions with emerging family responsibilities.

Understanding Matrescence

The transformative period of motherhood, known as matrescence, became a pivotal realisation in Eve's life. She describes it as a period akin to adolescence, where profound physical, psychological, and emotional changes occur. Eve passionately advocates for the recognition of matrescence, emphasising its impact on self-identity and leadership potential. This knowledge fuels her mission to transform the perception of parenthood in the workplace.

The Internal Battles of Rest and Productivity

A significant part of Eve's journey involved confronting her internal belief that "rest equals lazy." Despite external support from her workplace and family, Eve realised that the true source of her exhaustion was an internal drive informed by societal and familial expectations. Her story highlights the importance of redefining rest and productivity to foster true well-being.

Empowering Working Mums

Eve's mission is clear: to empower women in leadership to embrace motherhood as a strength rather than a setback. She addresses the often-overlooked narrative that parents, especially mothers, possess unique leadership skills honed through caregiving and multitasking. Her work revolves around elevating these competencies to reshape leadership dynamics in professional settings.

A New Chapter: Embracing Self-Kindness

Eve's journey in her forties is characterised by a newfound balance between career and personal life. Through matrescence coaching, she aims to help other women recognize their inherent leadership potential and address the societal and internal pressures they face. Her advice centres on self-compassion and understanding that societal expectations are not personal failures.

Connecting with Eve Ostrovskaya

For those looking to learn from Eve’s experience or embark on their own journey of self-discovery, you can connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn, or you can visit her website where she offers flexible coaching through group sessions and one-on-one programs. Eve encourages women at various stages of their matrescence journey to reach out and explore the unique intersection of leadership and motherhood.

Final Thoughts

Eve's candid reflections and accumulated wisdom inspire countless women navigating similar paths. By shedding light on her personal struggles and victories, she opens doors for more inclusive conversations about motherhood and career dynamics. Her work continues to transform lives, offering a guiding beacon to those on the treadmill of life, seeking a moment of stillness and self-acceptance.

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Your Journey Begins Here

If you or someone you know is grappling with similar experiences, know that you are not alone. Speak up, seek help, and embrace vulnerability as the beginning of your healing journey. Whether through trusted friends, professionals, or community resources, finding someone you can confide in can be life changing. I know this to be true firsthand.

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