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Ignite Your Inner Spark!

About Me

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My Story

From a young age, I've been intrigued by people, their motivations, dreams, and the dynamics of relationships. I've always felt a deep-seated desire to enact positive change and contribute to making the world a better place. Growing up in a society where women faced limitations compared to men, I developed a strong appreciation for values like courage, compassion, equity and independence. I also came to understand the significance of integrity, openness, genuine connections, expressing myself with art and the power of humour in navigating challenges, bringing a sense of levity to even the most difficult situations.

 

Despite my inner desires, I opted for the “safe route” and pursued a degree in economics in Istanbul. I began my career in banking in the same city, but after three years, I decided to take a leap and pursue an MBA in International Management in Barcelona, marking my first attempt to shift my career trajectory. This decision opened up new opportunities when I relocated to Amsterdam to work at Credit Europe Bank in 2007. There, I began working at with international teams and clients, travelling to various corners of the globe, and immersing myself in diverse cultures while experiencing several financial crisis requiring strategic thinking, strong communication skills, resilience and adaptability to deal with the pressure to be able to respond to the changing market dynamics and regulations. 

 

In 2018, after 15 years, I made the bold decision to leave my banking career behind and transitioned to working at RSM, a Dutch consultancy firm that is a member of an international network, where I joined a team specialized in combating financial economic crime. I assumed the role of director, overseeing team management, strategy development, and commercial activities. This opportunity allowed me to apply my existing skills in a completely different context, managing entirely new challenges that were further compounded with the Covid -19 pandemic.

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While I found satisfaction in the dynamic environment of the corporate life, I couldn't shake the feeling that something essential was missing. My life went through a profound transformation, when I welcomed my two beautiful and inspiring daughters into the world, beginning in 2013. While they brought immense love and joy into my life, they also presented the challenge of balancing work and family. Ultimately, I realized that my professional pursuits weren't fully aligned with my deep-seated purpose of contributing to a better world and fulfilling my vision of the person and mother I aspire to be. My desire for change became even more pronounced after experiencing a severe burnout surfaced with long-term Covid.

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This unexpected pause allowed me to slow down and discover what I truly want. In 2023, I found the courage to conclude my corporate career to become an executive coach to support professionals facing similar challenges I went through as a professional, expat and a mother with a career. Finally connecting with my purpose, changing the world by enabling people to better understand their inner worlds, make choices accordingly and transform into their authentic selves brings me the incomparable sense of joy, satisfaction and gratitude like I have never experienced before. My corporate background now serves my purpose by enabling me to work with a sense of professionalism, relate to the corporate environment, and easily understand business acumen. I also cherish the contentment of being there with and for my daughters in their journey of discovering themselves and relish moments of connecting with myself through painting, ceramics and spending more time in nature! 

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Regal Spark

Through coaching, I discovered that we all have the potential and power to choose who we want to be, even when we feel uncertain about our direction. This innate ability is present from the moment we are born.

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When we muster the courage to confront our fears, blockages, and limiting beliefs, we create an opportunity to ignite our "regal spark", always present and waiting to illuminate our path toward realizing our full potential.

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Living authentically allows us to pursue our professional aspirations without succumbing to stress or fear. The journey of transformation begins with reflection on our current circumstances and future aspirations. In executive coaching, this introspection is pivotal for cultivating effective leadership and achieving professional goals.

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It is no surprise to find that positive developments in our professional lives often spill over into our personal lives, enriching them in unexpected ways.

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As an executive coach, I am excited to collaborate with you on your journey of self-discovery, guiding you to achieve success with inner peace while becoming an inspiration to those around you!

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Professional Background

   Working Experience 

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  • RSM Netherlands Consulting Services B.V.            2018 - 2023

      Hoofddorp, The Netherlands      

      Director - Business Consulting/Risk & Compliance

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  • Credit Europe Bank N.V.                                         2007 - 2018

      Amsterdam, The Netherlands

       Department Manager (VP)/

       Structured Trade &Commodity Finance 

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  • Yapi  Kredi Bank- UniCredit Group                          2002 - 2007 

      Istanbul ,Türkiye          

       Account Manager- Corporate Banking

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  • CNN TURK TV                                                        2001 - 2002

​       Istanbul, Türkiye

       Content creator of the daily business program “Parametre”

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   Education

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  • United International Business School                       2005-2006 

      Barcelona, Spain                                               

       MBA: Specialization on International Management

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  • Bogazici University                                                  1996-2002 

      Istanbul, Turkiye                                             

      BA: Economics

  • LinkedIn

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Regal Spark Coaching | Songul Balaban

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