Natalya Berdikyan is Founder and CEO of Life by Design, an executive coaching company “help[ing] individuals and organizations grow beyond borders and boundaries.” A truly global citizen, Natalya hails from the former Soviet Union and has lived in 6 countries; she speaks 4½ languages. A former executive for a multimillion dollar chocolate producer in Belgium, she has sold confections all over the world.
I found it fascinating to learn about confectionary global preferences – for example, Natalya’s almond sweets are gifted on specific occasions, depending on the country:
Belgium – to welcome newborns
Italy – to celebrate marriage
Luxembourg – for communion
Portugal – at Easter
Norway – on Valentine’s Day
Natalya used a “pull” strategy to enter each market: trade shows allowed her to assess the current landscape then develop unique, differentiated products. Focusing on innovative color creation, distinctive merchandise, and special packaging for holiday and special occasion gifts, the company’s custom manufacturing option also meant made-to-order adjustments – for one, customized ingredients to meet changing consumer demands for healthier treats. Retailers and distributors were inevitably “pulled” in, attracted to the opportunities for originality and increased market share.
The company catered to three major outlets:
As co-owner of the confectionary company, Natalya met with clients worldwide and during her travels, developed a cultural intelligence that fueled her success. She recalls her early confusion in the US when asked: “How are you doing?” No one expects an answer, she says, it’s used as a greeting! She had to learn how to stop answering the question.
In the very middle of running a successful company and a perfect life full of parties, money, and achievement, Natalya realized she felt unhappy. Upon slowing down to figure out why, she realized that she had bought into society’s rules about what success looks like, and a life full of wine, money, sugar, and limiting beliefs did not feed her soul.
Drawing on that experience, and the belief that anyone can thrive – not just survive – through life changes, Natalya launched Life by Design, an executive coaching firm designed to help entrepreneurs and leaders build the life they want. She provides coaching, training, and holistic retreats to improve people’s energy so they can become better leaders in business and in life.
If you’d like to talk to Natalya, you can reach her on LinkedIn or through her website.
Links:
More About Natalya: https://www.lifebydesign-academy.com/about-natalya
Website: https://www.lifebydesign-academy.com
Contact: contact@lifebydesign-academy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalyaberdikyan/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@natalyaberdikyan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalya.berdikyan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalyaberdikyan/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Tech, Logistics, Environmental Impact, and Translation - Show #107
Confronting Investment and Equity Injustice with Purpose - Show #106
Building an Export Business Through Organic Growth - Show #105
Your Mindset Changes the Game - Show #104
Look Within and Leverage - Show #103
Bringing Renewable Energy to the Amazon - Show #102
Delaware, the Eastern Gateway to the US - Show #101
Envisioning Africa’s One Payment System - Show #100
Revolutionizing International Agriculture Trade - Show #99
Funding Diversity in the US - Show #98
Water, Nuance, Translation, and Hiring - Show #97
Hotels, Buyers Journey, and Translation - Show #96
“ResQ” – Translating Science into Fun for Kids - Show #95
From Startup to Global in 4 Years - Show #94
HairClub Goes Global - Show #93
Global Partnerships - Show #92
Clarifying Customs Paperwork and Regulations - Show #91
Will CryptocurrencyTranslate to Global Currency - Show #90
Duties, Taxes, Global Payment - Show #89
It Appears We Are Late to the Market - Show #88
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
The Marketing Secrets Show
The Agile Brand™ with Greg Kihlstrom
B2B Agility™ with Greg Kihlström
AI Explored