Anouk O’Leary
Search for balance
For a very long time I struggled with low self-confidence. I was always trying to do everything “right,” and when I didn’t, my inner critic made sure I knew it. Even when I did get things right, I still found ways to put myself down. There was no off switch — just the pressure to try harder. When I entered the professional world, things didn’t go as planned. My first job was a mismatch, but it helped me learn what I didn’t want, which eventually led me to something much better. After some time, everything seemed to be going well on the surface, but I was constantly stressed and never truly setting boundaries or prioritizing my own well-being.
Having a family eventually forced me to find some kind of balance between work and life, but the boundaries I set were still too loose. One day, despite having a great job in the financial industry and a loving family — both of which I was deeply grateful for — I realised I had reached my breaking point. My mental and physical health were suffering, and if I didn’t make a change, it wasn’t going to end well.
Power of inner work
That moment of realization became the turning point in my life. Slowly but surely, I began the process of taking better care of myself — setting healthier boundaries, doing deep inner work, and uncovering the beliefs that were holding me back. I reconnected with what really mattered to me, and I took small but meaningful steps to align my daily life with my true purpose. That’s also when my confidence finally began to grow - not because I was doing more, but because I was being more true to myself.
At first, I was on this journey alone — reading books, listening to podcasts, and reflecting on my own. But as I started working with coaches, I began making more significant changes — changes I wouldn't have been able to make on my own. The process was transformative, and I became fascinated by the power of inner work. That’s when I knew I wanted to help others in similar situations reconnect with their true selves, create lives they love — with confidence.
This journey led me to coaching. Now, as an ICF-certified life coach, I’m here to support you in finding balance, setting meaningful goals, and making lasting changes that align with your values - this is my purpose.
I believe that creating space for people to be heard, empowered, and able to live with intention is an important step toward a better world, a mission that feels especially relevant today.
