Q1: Can you tell us a little about your background and your company?
A: I was born in Ethiopia to Armenian parents. Growing up as an émigré, I was particularly struck by how close-knit the local communities were, where people across generations coexisted harmoniously. This had a profound effect on me. I was immersed in the full spectrum of human experience—from the joy of communal celebrations to the shared sorrow of collective grief. It taught me early on the importance of collaboration, mutual inspiration, and navigating the discomforts and delights of living closely together.
The onset of the civil war forced my family once again to immigrate, this time to Australia. This, too, was formative: I was introduced to racism, loneliness, and feelings of isolation. Watching my parents’ struggles, both financially and socially, gave me a deeper understanding of the need for belonging and the resilience required to overcome adversity.
Given how instrumental these experiences were in shaping my personal and professional journey, I think starting Radial Change was the natural next step—a consultancy dedicated to fostering supportive cultures in the workplace that help organisations nurture their employees to inspire delivery.
Our mission is to address common workplace challenges like conflict, lack of engagement or a sense of empowerment. Radial Change consequently cultivates cultures of alignment, understanding and focus. Working with start-ups to mature multinationals in boardrooms & through the hierarchy, the unique approach of Radial Change is now widely considered the foremost systems practice for optimising team empowerment to be both autonomous and aligned with business strategy.
Q2: What inspired you to start your business?
A: I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, driving me to create and lead a business that reflects my values and experiences. I took inspiration from Dame Stephanie Shirley, the pioneering entrepreneur of a female-run software company in the 1960s, who revolutionised the world of work by challenging a culture that failed to see her value. Like her, I sought to establish an alternative working structure that acknowledges the multifaceted roles we play in life.
My transition into coaching was born out of a need for flexibility as I tried to balance my personal responsibilities with my professional ambitions while trying to bring about positive change within the corporate world. But this choice also gave me the freedom to pursue my desire to help others strive for excellence.
Drawing from relational systems coaching, I co-founded Radial Change with my husband to create a unique approach that empowers businesses to embrace change, resolve conflicts, and align culture with strategy in an era of rapid transformation.
Q3: What strategies helped you secure funding and scale your business?
We’ve been really fortunate that since launching, our growth has been organic. This has allowed us to prioritise things that matter to us, like sustainability and reputation over rapid expansion. We have never borrowed money or sought outside investment. Instead, we have managed our growth entirely through revenue, reinvesting back into the business to ensure we remain in full control.
This has worked because our reputation has been our most powerful asset. Rather than relying on aggressive marketing or external funding, our work has spoken for itself, leading to steady growth through referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations.
But being a founder is about knowing how to embrace change. As we look to the next phase of our growth, we are now carefully assessing growth strategies that align with our vision while maintaining the integrity of what we have built.
Q4: What have been your biggest successes so far?
A: One of my greatest achievements has been supporting hundreds of sole entrepreneurs and training over 2,500 people in developing the skills needed to build stronger relationships. Helping inexperienced coaches grow into confident professionals while fostering a sense of community to combat loneliness has been incredibly rewarding.
Balancing two major roles—running Radial Change while serving as the Global Head of Business Development—has also been a significant milestone. This dual responsibility has required continuous learning and adaptability while ensuring both strategic growth and meaningful impact.
Navigating the pandemic was another defining moment. With 23 global partners, we successfully transitioned from in-person delivery to a fully virtual model, maintaining continuity and deepening our international reach.
Beyond that, I’ve worked closely with the coaching industry to address the challenges posed by tech-driven coaching platforms, ensuring that human connection and the value of skilled coaching remain at the forefront in an increasingly digital world.
Q5: What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
A: Since starting Radial Change, we’ve faced three major challenges:
- Brexit: The decision to leave the European Union conflicted with my core values. Many of our clients are still working through the consequences of this decision.
- Pandemic: The onset of COVID-19 necessitated a rapid reassessment of our business model. However, by embracing the new digital solutions, we were able to develop a virtual service offering. Not only did we not lose any work, we actually expanded our market share. We managed to achieve this without resorting to furloughs.
- Post-Pandemic: The same digital solutions that helped us pivot during the height of the pandemic also lowered the barrier to entry, leading to increased competition. We have been deliberate in evaluating our market positioning to ensure alignment with our long-term vision, focusing on our unique strengths and enabling us to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Q6: What are your plans for the future?
Our main focus is to influence digital technology by upskilling our team and clients, ensuring that our collective voice contributes to the future of work. While the future is uncertain, what is already becoming abundantly clear is the paradox of increased digital connectivity leading to social isolation. There is already a loneliness epidemic in this country, and remote work will only make it worse. What I’d like to see is workplaces that prioritise human interaction, bringing people together, and cultivating communities where meaningful relationships can flourish.
Q7: What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs?
A: Trust your instincts and remain true to your voice. Remember, your unique perspective is a valuable asset; let it guide you through challenges and toward success.
Q8: What are your top three tips for entrepreneurial success?
A: My top tips are pretty simple, really. Number 1, regularly remind yourself why your venture is important to you; number 2, make sure you have enough set aside to keep yourself going when times are tough; and number 3, recognise that your responsibilities will shift as your business grows. Always take time to reassess and adapt to what the business needs. As a bonus, while it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or consider stepping back at times, before making such decisions, consult with a mentor, coach, or advisor first.
Q9: Who are five people who inspire you the most, and why?
A: The five people who inspire me the most are:
- Dame Stephanie “Steve” Shirley: A trailblazer in the tech industry, Dame Stephanie founded an all-woman software company in the 1960s, pioneering remote work and redefining opportunities for women in technology. Her philanthropic efforts, particularly in autism research, are particularly inspiring.
- Anne Boden: As the founder and former CEO of Starling Bank, Anne Boden revolutionised the banking sector by creating a customer-centric, digital-only bank. Her courage to challenge traditional banking norms and her dedication to serving customers’ needs are truly inspiring.
- Julia Gillard: The first female Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard became world famous for her powerful speech addressing misogyny in politics. She continues to champion women’s leadership through her work at the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership.
- Angela Rayner: As Deputy Leader of the UK Labour Party, Angela Rayner brings determination and resilience to her role, advocating passionately for workers’ rights and social justice.
- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: Serving as Africa’s first democratically elected female president in Liberia, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in empowering women. She remains a formidable advocate for women’s political participation worldwide.
Q10: What are your favourite inspirational or motivational quotes?
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style.” – Maya Angelou
Q11: Where can our readers connect with you?
Readers can connect with me through Radial Change’s website at radialchange.com, where they can learn more about our services and initiatives.
For professional networking and insights, I am active on LinkedIn.
