Listen to Noomii's interview with Borys Pikalov

About Me

My background is quite unusual for a coach. A tech nerd, I've been doing research in theoretical physics and then built a fintech startup (now worth $25 million).

On this journey, I've learned that tech alone is not enough to save the world. Much more people suffer from the hubris of their leaders than the lack of technology.

So I recognized that the real difference I can make is in helping leaders grow and realize their full potential. This is why I started my coaching practice.

For the last few years, I've been providing coaching only to friends, family, my employees and clients of the education NGO I work with. Now I decided to make myself available to a broader community.

As a man of science, I strongly focus on proven, evidence-based techniques instead of "voodoo coaching", so common in this industry. I regularly monitor advances in motivation theory, cognitive behavioural therapy and adjacent fields.

My coaching approach is built on the following principles:
1) Large share of our problems stem not from lack of knowledge but from unprocessed emotions, such as fear or guilt. Therefore, I often guide my clients to the emotional core of issues they are facing.
2) Acceptance of emotions is a path to becoming free of them.
3) Most reward systems tend to substitute intrinsic motivation with extrinsic. Helping clients discover internal motivation yields astounding results.
4) The mere awareness is often enough to initiate changes, so we spend quite a lot of time deeply exploring the mechanics of issues clients face.
5) A key factor in changes being implemented is clients taking responsibility. Therefore, I strongly focus on building commitment.
6) Clients already have sufficient knowledge to solve the problem; they only need assistance in using it and removing emotional obstacles.
6) A trusting, non-judgemental relationship is a vital foundation for coaching.