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Hello.

I'm Anya Smirnova, a seasoned leadership and executive coach (coaching since 2015), a 'recovered' solicitor (a 13-year career in private practice) and a working mum of two boys.


My mission is to support individuals in high-pressure jobs go through career and life shifts - because shift happens - and to help employers retain talent. I do this through one-on-one and group coaching, keynote speaking and programme facilitation. 

Examples of shifts I help clients with include: transitioning from expert to leader, authentic leadership, confidence-building, career pivots, parenthood and menopause.

 

My dream is to see a culture shift in professional services - where people can achieve success while maintaining sustainable careers and good mental health, grow from experts into effective people leaders, and work in teams that are diverse and where everyone feels they belong. 

 

I have a particular interest in helping clients address intersectional challenges in their life and work (culture, background, gender), with a focus on helping women leaders find their authentic selves.

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My top value is building trust-based relationships.

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at a glance.

Develop Leadership:

  • New leader: Got to leadership position through technical expertise without leadership training

  • Seasoned leader: Want to improve

  • Question my authentic style

  • "Success with an accent" (cross-cultural lens)

Navigate Critical Career Transition:

  • Moving from expert to business leader (eg partner in law firm)

  • Stepping up to a senior role (eg board level)

  • Ladder, lattice and squiggly career transitions

Get Unstuck:

  • Feeling stuck in your life and career

  • Navigate uncertainty

  • Create significant change & prepare for it

Have I piqued your interest?

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Please get in touch and we will meet for a chat about you or your organisation.

Checklists Download
Executive Coaching, 1-1 Programme

"I highly recommend meeting with Anya […]. Her coaching style is extremely personalised and tailored. Anya does not impose or teach. Rather, she offers tools and guidance that help you set, frame and achieve your goals and find fulfilment in doing so."

 

- Mum of three, senior white-collar crime lawyer, global law firm

  My gift to you.

Where are you in your life and career journey right now?

KNOW YOURSELF to LEAD BETTER

Reflect. Align. Lead.

Who am I? Am I capable? Or have I reached the ceiling of my potential? Can I change or is that it?

When people want to be leaders, they often think about learning leadership skills. And if that does not work, they start to questions if it is within their grasp. While some skills are useful, leadership truly starts with knowing self and how you work with others, your leadership impact.

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Whether you’re stepping into a new role, want to grow as a leader or are changing careers, this is your chance to slow down and reflect how you can lead effectively. And it starts with self.

 

This simple but powerful exercise is designed to help you get clear on your identity and so leadership style - what you’ve inherited, what you’ve chosen, and what truly defines you at your core. Download it, grab a pen and give yourself the space to see yourself more clearly and lead with impact.  

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From Lawyer

to motherhood

The Ultimate Transition Checklist

As a new mum, I was surprised by the many things that transition to motherhood holds that are not spoken about. Now I pass pregnant women on the street, thinking "Someone should tell them...".

 

This free guide "From Lawyer to Motherhood: the Ultimate Transition Checklist" tells what I learned,

in ten stories.  

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Return to Work

After Maternity Leave

Your Pocket A to Z

Going back to work after maternity leave is challenging in any circumstances. Try doing it in a high-pressure job and without your family nearby, and you would want all the support you can get.

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This checklist is your pocket A to Z to a successful transition back to work, personally and professionally. Download it for free.

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Podcast.

#LawyerLifeExperiment podcast is a duo with my wonderful friend and fellow lawyer-turned-coach Frieda Levycky. 

 

In ~30 min episodes, Frieda and I use our experience as lawyers and coaches to address the myriad of day-to-day issues which make every lawyer question whether work-life balance is ever achievable. We know it is!

 

Join us every couple of weeks as we set theories and test out ways to help you have more balance, better health and more fulfilment in your lives.

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Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and other platforms.

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Copyright © 2019-2025 by Smirnova Coaching Ltd.

All rights reserved.

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Smirnova Coaching Ltd is registered in England and Wales. Company number 11769737.

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