Expert Spotlight: Mandana Magharai, Career & Business Coach
We’re excited to introduce you to Mandana as part of our International Women’s Day Spotlight Edition! Industrial psychologist, human resource specialist, career and business coach hailing from the City of Music! 🇦🇹
We got to sit down with Mandana to ask about her career transitions from psychology to HR, and now as a career coach, the challenges she faced in the process, and what advice she could give to women who are also looking at a career change.
Home: Vienna, Austria
Languages: English, German
Industries: IT, Software, Law, Banking, Energy
Accomplishments:
- 17+ years in IT, law, banking and finance, oil and gas industry.
Services (Book a session with Mandana now!).
- Career Coaching (CV and cover letter support, job interview preparation, networking tips, and more)
- Business Coaching (confidence building, empowerment, and personal brand development)
- Professional Development
Q: Tell us a little more about yourself!
I am an industrial psychologist, HR specialist, career coach, and mentor from Vienna, Austria. I always had the pleasure of working in global and diverse companies helping people to develop themselves. I am already more than 15 years in the workforce and am still friends with most of them. I am passionate about personal development, coaching, management, leadership assessment, organizational development, and human resources. As a career and business coach and mentor, I love helping people unleash their potential, both in German and English.
Q: What difficulties did you experience/encounter in your early coaching career?
The biggest challenge for me professionally was when I started building up my coaching business during a full-time job and shortly before the pandemic hit us. But because many former colleagues believed in me and my coaching talents and recommended me I was able to start my coaching business successfully. I love talking and being with people, networking, and being interested in the stories behind the person. I am thrilled to be a part of Elletourage to support and get to know as many women as possible. Looking forward!
Q: What specific skills or knowledge can you bring to our community from your experience/background
I studied psychology in Vienna, Austria, and always worked in international companies - especially in talent management, performance management, and career development. I am also a psychological coach working as a career coach. I have a lot of experience, a huge network, and love working with people. I have a lot of energy and take pride in lighting up every client with my positive attitude.
Q: If you could give our mentees and young women 1 piece of advice, what would it be?
Even if you study one subject or have one area of expertise, try to learn and work in as many different areas as possible. Because then you learn what you love and what you don't want. I used to work in theaters, banks, PR agencies, telecommunications - it was fun and I got to know lots of people and industries. This is also beneficial at networking events when you have something to say in a lot of areas based on your gained experiences.
Q: What female role model or leader influenced you in your own journey and why?
When I grew up I didn't have so many female role models. I loved the pride and courage of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind. In reality, I liked women who were adventurous.
Q: Any resources you can share or recommend to our community?
I love listening to podcasts for inspiration like the one from Mel Robbins Podcasts. I love her pragmatic "Just do" attitude" and her dry humour. Also Jay Shetty and his podcast Podcast | Jay Shetty as well as his book "Think Like a Monk.” As a young psychology student, I loved and still love Viktor Frankl and his logotherapy. The 3 pillars of his school are freedom of will, will to meaning, and meaning in life. Also, his books are very moving.
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Find Mandana’s Profile and Book Here