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About Me

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My Story

From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by people, their motivations, dreams, and the dynamics of relationships. Growing up in a society where women faced limitations, I developed a deep appreciation for courage, compassion, equity, and independence. These values stayed with me as I pursued the “safe route” into economics and built a successful career in banking and consulting, living across Istanbul, Barcelona, and Amsterdam.

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Over 20 years, I led international teams, advised global clients, and navigated the pressures of financial crises, regulations, and strategy. While I gained experience, resilience, and adaptability, something felt missing. Becoming a mother to two daughters deepened my awareness: I wanted not just professional success, but a life aligned with purpose. After burnout and long Covid, I found the courage to leave corporate life behind.

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Today, I bring together two worlds: my corporate and leadership experience, and my work as an ICF-accredited executive coach. I support ambitious professionals -especially expat women- who face the same challenges I once did: self-doubt, mind chatter, burnout, and the struggle to balance career and family. My coaching style is intuitive, transformational, and focused on sustainable change- helping you gain clarity, trust your strengths, and move toward your goals.

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Outside of coaching, I find joy in raising my daughters, expressing myself through painting and ceramics, and connecting with nature. These moments remind me daily of the importance of authenticity, creativity, and inner peace, the same values I bring into my coaching practice.

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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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