Hi, I am Aleksandra, I love to learn and grow through change, and I've spent the last 10 years helping individuals, leaders, and organizations do the same. After struggling with expressing myself for most of my youth, I've spent more than 20.000 hours developing my self-leadership and coaching skills in the past 5 years. It changed my life. I'd be happy to help you get there faster. If you need a kind listening ear or help with making a decision, reach out to me, here or on LinkedIn.
My Mentoring Topics
- Change & Transformation
- Communication
- Personal Growth & Coaching
- Leadership
- People and Team Development
- Organization
J.
19.February 2023I had a very interesting mentoring session with Aleksandra. I found talking with Aleksandra most interesting because she also holds knowledge in psychology. We talked about change management and the impact of a diverse group of employees. Another interesting thought of Aleksandra is the connection between habits and change management. I really enjoyed the session with her.
K.
16.December 2022Aleksandra is a great mentor! I had a really nice time talking to her and got very inspired by her story and experience, that she openly shared with me. She's a great listener, and she gave me very good tips and opened up some new perspectives. If you're looking for someone to support you on your transformation journey with empathy and great insight, Aleksandra is your person!
G.
7.November 2022I really enjoyed the session with you. I found you to be a great listener and you were able to really break down the vague topic into small chuncks which we could focus on individually. You also gave me clear actionable adivse which I took with me after the session. Lastly, you asked me good questions which brought me to some conclusions during the session.Thank you for all of it :)
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You Can Heal Your Life
Louise L. Hay
Key Facts and Insights from "You Can Heal Your Life" The power of thought and affirmation: Our thoughts and words have the power to shape our reality. Resentment, criticism, and guilt are destructive mental patterns that lead to disease in the body. Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of healing: We have to forgive ourselves and others to move forward. We are responsible for our experiences: We create our own reality, and we have the power to change it. Love and approval are essential to our wellbeing: We must love and approve of ourselves. Change is a natural aspect of life: We have to accept change and be willing to let go of the old to welcome the new. Our bodies are mirrors of our inner thoughts and beliefs: The body can be healthy or ill depending on our thoughts. Every problem has a solution: We can find the solution by changing our thought patterns. It's never too late: We can begin the healing process regardless of our age or circumstances. Our beliefs about ourselves and life were shaped during childhood. However, as adults, we can change these beliefs. An In-depth Analysis of "You Can Heal Your Life" "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise L. Hay is a transformative book that explores the connection between our mental and physical health. It is grounded in the principle of self-love and the law of attraction, asserting that our thoughts, beliefs, and words directly impact our experiences, including our health. The power of thought and affirmation is a major theme in the book. Hay emphasizes that our thoughts are powerful tools that can either create a positive or negative reality. This aligns with the psychological concept of self-fulfilling prophecy, where our expectations and beliefs influence our behavior and interactions, often leading to outcomes that confirm these beliefs and expectations. Hay provides practical tools, such as affirmations, to help readers change their thought patterns and create a more positive reality. Hay also delves into destructive mental patterns, such as resentment, criticism, and guilt, and how they lead to physical diseases. She substantiates this with numerous case studies and her personal experiences. This idea resonates with the field of psychoneuroimmunology, which studies how our emotions and thoughts can affect our immune system and overall health. Forgiveness is another pivotal aspect of healing according to Hay. She asserts that holding onto past hurts and resentments only harms the holder, not the person who caused the pain. This idea is echoed in psychology, with studies showing that forgiveness can lead to improved mental and physical health. Personal responsibility is a core message in the book. Hay posits that we are responsible for our experiences and have the power to change our reality. This is similar to the concept of locus of control in psychology, which refers to the extent to which people believe they have control over the events in their life. Love and approval are essential for our wellbeing, according to Hay. She emphasizes the importance of self-love and self-approval, arguing that we cannot truly love others or seek their approval until we love and approve of ourselves. This aligns with psychologist Carl Rogers's concept of unconditional positive regard and Maslow's theory of self-actualization. Change, Hay argues, is a natural and necessary aspect of life. We must be willing to let go of the old to welcome the new. This is reminiscent of the Buddhist concept of impermanence and the psychoanalytic concept of letting go of past traumas to heal. The body as a mirror of our inner thoughts and beliefs is a central tenet of the book. Hay suggests that our physical health is a reflection of our mental state. This is supported by the field of psychosomatic medicine, which studies the relationship between mental and physical health. Every problem has a solution, according to Hay. She asserts that we can find the solution to any problem by changing our thought patterns. This reflects the cognitive-behavioral approach in psychology, which focuses on changing maladaptive thought patterns to solve problems. It's never too late to begin the healing process, says Hay. Regardless of our age or circumstances, we can always choose to start healing. This echoes the concept of neuroplasticity, which suggests that our brains can change and adapt throughout our lives. Finally, Hay discusses how our beliefs about ourselves and life were shaped during childhood. However, as adults, we have the power to change these beliefs. This is in line with cognitive psychology and the concept of schema restructuring, which involves changing maladaptive beliefs and thought patterns that were formed in the past. In conclusion, "You Can Heal Your Life" is a powerful book that emphasizes the connection between our mental and physical health. It offers practical tools and insights to help readers change their thought patterns and beliefs, heal from past traumas, and create a more positive and healthy reality.
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Leading Change
John P. Kotter
Key Facts and Insights from "Leading Change" Change is a process, not an event: Kotter emphasizes that change is not a single occurrence, but rather a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Eight-step process for leading change: One of the most significant contributions of the book is Kotter's eight-step process for managing change effectively. The importance of a sense of urgency: Kotter stresses the need for creating a sense of urgency among employees in order to drive change. Creating a guiding coalition: A cross-functional, committed team is crucial for leading and managing change. Developing a vision and strategy: A clear vision and strategy act as a roadmap for change, guiding all actions and decisions. Communicating the change vision: Effective communication of the change vision is essential to ensure understanding and buy-in from all stakeholders. Empowering employees for broad-based action: Removing obstacles and empowering employees at all levels are key to implementing change effectively. Generating short-term wins: Celebrating early successes helps to build momentum and reinforce the change process. Consolidating gains and producing more change: Kotter emphasizes the need to consolidate early wins and use them as a platform for deeper changes. Anchoring new approaches in the culture: Lasting change requires embedding the new ways of doing things in the organization's culture. Role of leadership: Leadership plays a crucial role in driving and managing change, and it is as important, if not more so, than management. In-Depth Analysis of "Leading Change" John P. Kotter's "Leading Change" is a seminal work in the field of change management that offers practical insights and a structured approach to leading change in organizations. The book is based on Kotter's extensive research and experience, and it presents a systematic, eight-step process for effectively managing change. Kotter begins by emphasizing that change is a process, not an event. This is a critical insight that challenges the common misconception of change as a one-time, large-scale event. Instead, he views change as a complex, ongoing process that needs to be managed carefully and deliberately. This concept is fundamental to understanding and applying the rest of Kotter's approach. The heart of the book is the eight-step process for leading change. This process provides a clear and practical roadmap for managing change, from the initial stage of creating a sense of urgency to the final step of anchoring new approaches in the culture. Each step is crucial and skipping any step can jeopardize the whole change process. Creating a sense of urgency is the first step in the process, which Kotter argues is essential for sparking the initial motivation to get things moving. This involves identifying potential threats and opportunities, as well as communicating these to the rest of the organization. The second step is forming a guiding coalition, a team with enough power and influence to lead the change effort. This coalition should be cross-functional, representing all areas of the organization, and must be committed to the change. The third step is creating a vision and strategy for the change. This vision should be clear, compelling and easy to communicate, serving as a guide for decision-making throughout the change process. Communicating the change vision is the fourth step. Kotter believes that for the change to be successful, the vision must be communicated frequently and powerfully, and embedded in everything the organization does. The fifth step is empowering employees for broad-based action. This involves removing obstacles to change, changing systems or structures that undermine the change vision, and encouraging risk-taking and nontraditional ideas, activities, and actions. The sixth step, generating short-term wins, is about planning for and creating early victories that can help to build momentum and reinforce the change process. The seventh step is consolidating gains and producing more change. Kotter warns against declaring victory too early, and emphasizes the need to use early wins as a platform for deeper changes. The final step is anchoring new approaches in the culture. This involves ensuring that the new ways of doing things are embedded in the culture of the organization, and are tied to success in the marketplace. Finally, Kotter underscores the important role of leadership in driving and managing change. He distinguishes between management and leadership, arguing that while both are important, leadership is essential for driving change. In conclusion, "Leading Change" is a valuable resource for anyone involved in organizational change. It provides a thorough, practical approach to change management grounded in solid research and real-world experience. It emphasizes the complexity of change, the importance of a structured process, and the crucial role of leadership. By applying the principles and steps outlined by Kotter, organizations can increase their chances of successful change.
ViewHow To Win Friends And Influence People
Dale Carnegie
Key Insights from "How to Win Friends and Influence People" The fundamental techniques in handling people: Never criticize, condemn or complain; give honest and sincere appreciation; and arouse in the other person an eager want. Ways to make people like you: Show genuine interest in others; smile; remember and use people's names; be a good listener and encourage others to talk about themselves; talk in terms of the other person's interests; and make the other person feel important and do it sincerely. How to win people to your way of thinking: Avoid argument; show respect for the other person's opinions and never say "You're wrong"; if you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically; begin in a friendly way; get the other person saying "yes, yes" immediately; let the other person do a great deal of talking; let the other person feel the idea is his or hers; try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view; be sympathetic to the other person's ideas and desires; appeal to the nobler motives; dramatize your ideas; and throw down a challenge. How to change people without giving offense or arousing resentment: Begin with praise and honest appreciation; call attention to people's mistakes indirectly; talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person; ask questions instead of giving direct orders; let the other person save face; praise every improvement; give the other person a fine reputation to live up to; use encouragement; make the fault seem easy to correct; and make the other person happy about doing what you suggest. An In-Depth Analysis "How To Win Friends And Influence People" by Dale Carnegie is a seminal work in the world of self-help and personal development. Carnegie revolutionized the field with his practical advice on social skills, leadership, and communication; his insights remain relevant even decades after the book's initial publication in 1936. At the core of Carnegie's philosophy is a profound respect for human nature. He posits that all human beings want to feel important and appreciated, and that by fulfilling this need, you can win their goodwill and influence them. This is the fundamental basis for all the techniques he outlines in the book. In terms of handling people, Carnegie advises against criticism, condemnation, or complaint. This is because such negativity only creates resentment and shuts down communication. Instead, he advocates for honest and sincere appreciation, as well as arousing an eager want in the other person. This is about understanding what the other person wants or needs, and presenting your proposals in a way that aligns with these desires. Carnegie also offers several techniques to make people like you. These include showing a genuine interest in others, being a good listener, and talking in terms of the other person's interests. He emphasizes the importance of sincerity in all these interactions. People are naturally drawn to those who show them respect and appreciation, and are more likely to be influenced by them. In winning people to your way of thinking, Carnegie emphasizes the importance of avoiding arguments and showing respect for the other person's opinions. He also suggests that you let the other person do most of the talking, and try to see things from their point of view. This is a powerful way to build rapport and gain influence, as it shows that you value their thoughts and feelings. Finally, Carnegie outlines techniques for changing people without arousing resentment. This includes praising the other person, calling attention to their mistakes indirectly, and allowing them to save face. By treating people with kindness and respect, you not only maintain their dignity, but also make it more likely that they will be open to change. Despite being written over 80 years ago, Carnegie's insights remain incredibly relevant today. His principles of respect, understanding, and empathy are timeless, and can be applied in a wide range of situations, from personal relationships to business negotiations. His book is not just about influencing others, but also about becoming a better, more compassionate person.
ViewAtomic Habits - An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
James Clear
Key Facts and Insights: Understanding the impact of compound effects of tiny habits. Identifying the Four Laws of Behavior Change as a simple set of rules for habit formation. Recognizing the role of Identity-based habits in personal change. Appreciating the importance of the habit environment and how to design it for success. Applying the concept of habit stacking to create a series of desired behaviors. Understanding the significance of immediate rewards in reinforcing habits. Recognizing the power of a habit tracker as a form of visual measurement. Learning the power of improvement by 1% to achieve remarkable results over time. Understanding the importance of making habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. Recognizing the role of mindset in fostering long-lasting habits. Appreciating the concept of never missing twice as a strategy for maintaining habits. An In-depth Analysis and Summary In "Atomic Habits," James Clear provides an innovative framework for habit formation and personal growth. He introduces the idea of the compound effect of tiny habits, suggesting that minor changes and decisions can lead to significant outcomes over time. This reinforces the principle that success doesn't result from massive actions but from small, consistent steps taken daily. Clear explains the Four Laws of Behavior Change which are: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. These principles offer a practical and straightforward approach to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. They are based on the understanding that our habits are the response to our environment and the cues it provides. The author emphasizes the importance of Identity-based habits. Instead of focusing on goals, Clear suggests that we should concentrate on becoming the type of person who can achieve those goals. This is a profound shift from the outcome-based approach to an identity-based approach, which is more durable and long-lasting. The book further explores the role of our environment in shaping our behaviors. Clear suggests that by designing our habit environment, we can make the desired behaviors easier and the undesired ones harder, thus facilitating positive habit formation. Habit stacking is another powerful tool that Clear introduces. It involves pairing a new habit with an existing one, thereby using the existing habit as a cue for the new one. This technique takes advantage of the neural connections that our brain forms when we establish a routine. Clear also explains the importance of immediate rewards in forming new habits. Our brains are wired to prioritize immediate gratification, so pairing a habit with an immediate reward can reinforce the behavior. Habit tracking is another effective strategy that Clear proposes. It serves as a visual reminder of your progress, providing a satisfying sense of achievement that motivates you to maintain the behavior. The concept of improvement by 1% is a recurring theme in the book. Clear argues that if you get 1% better each day, the benefits will compound over time, leading to remarkable results. This underlines the importance of making small, consistent improvements instead of seeking overnight success. Clear's concept of never missing twice is a practical strategy for maintaining habits. It recognizes that while we may occasionally slip up, it's crucial not to let a one-time mistake turn into a recurring pattern. Finally, Clear underscores the importance of mindset in fostering long-lasting habits. He stresses that habits are not a finish line to be crossed but a lifestyle to be lived, emphasizing the significance of process over outcome. "Atomic Habits" synthesizes complex psychological concepts into practical, actionable strategies. Clear's approach is backed by scientific evidence, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to understand and improve their habits. The concepts discussed in the book align with many established theories in behavior psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science, further validating their effectiveness and applicability. By understanding and applying the insights from "Atomic Habits," individuals can navigate the path of personal growth with greater clarity and confidence. It equips readers with the knowledge and tools to transform their habits and, ultimately, their lives.
ViewThe Courage To Be Disliked - A single book can change your life
Ichiro Kishimi, Fumitake Koga
The Courage To Be Disliked - A Single Book Can Change Your Life Key Facts and Insights Based on Alfred Adler's psychological theories. Encourages a shift from seeking approval to self-acceptance. Focuses on the importance of interpersonal relationships. Promotes the idea that life is inherently simple and uncomplicated. Discusses the concept of "separation of tasks". Emphasizes the power of living in the present moment. Advocates for taking responsibility for one's own life and happiness. Encourages the development of courage to change and face challenges. Critiques the idea of deterministic views of past experiences. Highlights the significance of contributing to the community. In-Depth Summary and Analysis Rooted in the psychological theories of Alfred Adler, The Courage To Be Disliked challenges common perceptions about happiness and personal success. Through a dialogue between a philosopher and a young man, the book explores various themes central to achieving a fulfilling life. **Self-Acceptance Over Approval-Seeking**: One of the core messages of the book is shifting from the desire to gain approval from others to a state of genuine self-acceptance. This is crucial for emotional freedom and self-esteem. The dialogue highlights that constantly seeking validation can be a significant barrier to true happiness. **Interpersonal Relationships**: The book emphasizes the importance of healthy relationships in leading a fulfilling life. Adler’s view is that all problems are interpersonal relationship problems. By improving our interactions and understanding others, we can resolve many of our personal issues. **Simplicity in Life**: Life, according to the book, is inherently simple and uncomplicated. Complications arise from our perceptions and the meanings we attach to events. Simplifying our view of life can lead to greater clarity and peace. **Separation of Tasks**: A pivotal concept discussed is the "separation of tasks," which means discerning what is within our control and what is not. By focusing on our own tasks and not interfering with others’, we can reduce unnecessary stress and conflicts. **Living in the Present**: The book stresses the importance of living in the present moment. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future often prevents us from enjoying and making the most of the present. This aligns with mindfulness practices that encourage present-moment awareness as a path to well-being. **Personal Responsibility**: The narrative encourages taking full responsibility for one’s own life and happiness. This involves owning our choices and actions rather than blaming circumstances or other people. By doing so, we empower ourselves to make positive changes. **Courage to Change**: The courage to change and face challenges is another critical theme. The book argues that while change can be daunting, it is essential for growth and self-improvement. Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it. **Critique of Determinism**: The book critiques deterministic views that our past experiences define our present and future. Instead, it posits that we have the power to choose our paths and actions regardless of our past. This perspective is liberating and aligns with the concept of free will. **Community Contribution**: Finally, the book highlights the importance of contributing to the community. A sense of belonging and purpose is often found through acts of contribution and service to others. This aligns with the idea that helping others can also lead to personal fulfillment. By understanding and applying these concepts, individuals can navigate their lives with greater clarity, courage, and contentment. The book serves as a valuable guide for those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
ViewThe Little Prince - A new translation by Michael Morpurgo
Antoine De Saint-exupery
Exploration of childhood innocence and its contrast with adult perspectives Importance of imagination and creativity The theme of love and relationships Critique of modern society and its values The significance of personal responsibility and discipline Philosophical reflections on life and human nature The use of allegory and symbolism Exploration of loneliness and the need for connection Concept of looking beneath the surface to understand true essence Critique of materialism and superficiality The book is a timeless allegorical tale that delves into profound themes and concepts through the lens of a seemingly simple story. At its core, it contrasts the **innocence of childhood** with the often misguided and superficial nature of adult life. This exploration is evident through the interactions between the Little Prince and various adult characters, each representing different flawed aspects of society, such as the king who craves authority, the vain man who seeks admiration, and the businessman obsessed with ownership. One of the book's central themes is the **importance of imagination and creativity**. The Little Prince’s journey across different planets is a testament to the boundless creativity of a child's mind. It prompts readers to reconsider their own perspectives and the value of thinking beyond the conventional. This theme is further emphasized through the Prince’s relationship with the narrator, a pilot who reconnects with his childhood sense of wonder through their bond. The story also delves deeply into the **theme of love and relationships**. The Little Prince's bond with his rose is a poignant representation of love’s complexities. Despite the rose's imperfections and demands, the Prince learns that love involves patience, understanding, and seeing beyond surface-level flaws. This ties into the broader message that **true essence is often hidden** beneath the surface, a concept encapsulated in the famous line, "What is essential is invisible to the eye." Through its narrative, the book offers a **critique of modern society and its values**. The characters the Little Prince encounters are exaggerated representations of societal flaws such as vanity, greed, and the pursuit of power. These encounters serve as a mirror, reflecting the absurdities and misplaced priorities that often characterize adult behavior. In doing so, the book encourages readers to reevaluate what they value and to seek meaning beyond materialistic pursuits. Personal responsibility and discipline are also key themes. The Little Prince takes care of his tiny planet, pulling up baobab sprouts and tending to his rose. This symbolizes the **importance of maintaining one's inner world** and the discipline required to nurture what truly matters. It’s a metaphor for personal growth and the effort needed to sustain meaningful aspects of life. The book's philosophical reflections on life and human nature are profound. It prompts readers to ponder deep questions about existence, purpose, and the human condition. The allegorical nature of the story allows for multiple interpretations, making it a rich text for reflection and discussion. **Loneliness and the need for connection** are recurring motifs. The Little Prince’s journey is fueled by his loneliness and desire for companionship. This resonates with readers, highlighting the universal need for meaningful relationships and the pain of isolation. By using **allegory and symbolism**, the book transcends a simple children’s tale to become a profound philosophical work. Each character, planet, and event is laden with symbolic meaning, inviting readers to uncover deeper truths about life and human nature. Finally, the critique of **materialism and superficiality** is evident throughout the story. Characters who are fixated on wealth, power, and appearances are portrayed as misguided and unfulfilled. The book champions the idea that true happiness and fulfillment come from intangible qualities like love, connection, and self-awareness. In conclusion, the book offers a wealth of insights that remain relevant across generations. It invites readers to **rediscover their own sense of wonder**, to look beyond the surface, and to cherish the intangible qualities that give life its true meaning. By engaging with its themes, readers can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
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Y.
16.June 2023It was a great session. Aleksandra has good knowledge in people and she has provided great feedback.