The Journey to Success: A Industry Lead Interview with a Trailblazing Executive Communications Coach Aleksandra Plazinic PhD 

In this vibrant and informative interview, we chat with a trailblazing Executive Communications Coach and Trainer who has achieved impressive milestones in her career and continues to inspire others. Through her creative and authoritative insights, she shares her favorite memberships, her thoughts on being an industry leader, and the value of attending business events. Get ready to be both entertained and enlightened!

Q: What paid or free memberships or masterminds have provided you the most value?

A: A few years back, I joined Selena Soo's Impacting Millions Mastermind Program. This investment transformed my career as a business coach. It helped me gain visibility, establish media connections, and build my personal brand. The program taught me how to create guest posts and cooperate with various media outlets, from writing articles to TV appearances and magazines. As a result, Arianna Huffington personally endorsed me after I applied these learnings, and my article was featured in Thrive Global. It was truly a game-changer for me.

Q: Are you still active in PR?
A: Absolutely! My PR strategy has evolved over time. I no longer focus on blog posts, but I'm quite active in magazines and podcasts, both audio and video. I believe it's essential to maintain my presence and authority in the industry, which is why I adapt my PR strategies accordingly.

Q: Would you consider yourself an industry leader? Would you use this term?

A: Yes, I do consider myself an industry leader in my space, with the recognition I received as being placed among 150 Women Thought Leaders for 2022 and 2023 by Thinkers 360, and among the Top 10 Business Coach to Look out for 2023 by The New York City Journal with the consistent efforts I make to elevate my career have undoubtedly helped me embrace this title and the responsibilities that come with it.

Q: What is the best business event you have attended, and why?

A: COVID has certainly changed the landscape of events, but before the pandemic, I was part of the Global Woman Club. We used to meet monthly for breakfast gatherings in Amsterdam. It was an incredible experience because it allowed members to network, learn from each other, present their offers, and form valuable connections. The club also brought in guest speakers to inspire and educate us. The atmosphere of collaboration and support made it the most valuable business event I've ever attended.

Q: Do you participate in any summits?

A: Yes, I am an active speaker at many summits. Most recently, I spoke at the Leadership Summit, where numerous industry leaders gathered to share their wisdom, journeys, tips, and insights into their businesses. I find these events incredibly valuable for exchanging ideas and staying connected with other professionals.

Q: What services do you provide as an Executive Communications Coach and Trainer, and who are your typical clients?

A: I help ambitious, professional executives to overcome fear of public speaking, effectively communicate and boost their self-confidence to advance their careers. Lately I have worked mostly with professional  women from the IT industry. For example, I was brought into Microsoft to work with their leadership team to enhance their soft skills and leadership abilities. I find that women in tech are incredibly intelligent and often hold high positions in a predominantly male-dominated field. These women sometimes struggle with self-confidence and communication skills or public speaking when they reach higher positions. Some of them are introverts, and focusing intensely on their careers can make it challenging to work on personal development, especially soft skills. That's where I come in—I empower them to show up authentically and share their valuable insights. I support women in both corporate settings and those running their own professional businesses, helping them elevate self-confidence, present their offers, communicate with clients, and establish themselves effectively.

Q: Is there a book that has helped you throughout your journey?

A: Absolutely! "Playing Big" by Tara Mohr has been a game-changer for me. I loved the book so much that I joined her program certification to become a facilitator. The program is all about overcoming fear and improving communication, especially for women. Once I complete the 8-9 month certification process, I'll be able to coach and facilitate using these new credentials. I appreciate the sense of community in the program and the opportunity to connect with diverse women from various industries worldwide.

Q: What inspired you to pursue your career in your industry, and how did you get started?

A: I felt drawn to this field of education and communications my entire life. My journey in self-development and personal growth began after completing my second master's degree—I wanted to work on myself and become more self-confident. Life coaching piqued my interest, and when I finished my Ph.D.in strategic communciations, I decided to bring all my expertise together and dive into coaching and training. I've been doing this for six years now and have loved every step of the journey.

Q: What challenges have you faced as a woman in your industry, and how have you overcome them?

A: There are many coaches and trainers out there, and one challenge I faced early on was that people didn't always take me seriously due to my positive attitude, enthusiasm, and constant smile. I learned to strike a balance between maintaining my authenticity and adjusting to the market. I cultivated an audience that appreciated my unique qualities and the value I bring to the table. Another challenge was establishing credibility in a field where everyone claims to be a coach or trainer. With my Ph.D., two master's degrees, and international experience with the UN and European Commission, as well as being a lecturer at the Universities, I built a strong reputation by emphasizing the importance of my education and expertise.

Q: How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life, and what strategies do you use to stay productive and focused?

A: Balancing professional and personal life is an ongoing challenge, especially when working remotely. I try to plan my days with work-related and personal activities to create a well-rounded schedule. I focus on prioritizing projects, client sessions, and personal commitments, like having dinner with friends, going on the events or taking a walk. As an extrovert, I need in-person interactions and time for self-care, like working out, to feel fulfilled. By understanding my needs and preferences, I can create a balanced, productive lifestyle that enables me to excel both professionally and personally.

Q: What advice would you give to another woman who aspires to be a leader in their industry?

A: First, establish your goals and purpose—knowing what you want and what makes you happy is essential. Develop your communication skills, collaborate and network with others, as you can't do everything on your own. Seek good mentors and coaches who can support you through various stages of your personal and professional development. Be authentic, work on your authenticity, and focus on self-development and leadership skills. Strive to be the best version of yourself without losing who you are along the way.

Q: For people who aren't introverted or extroverted, what's the best way to build your network? How did you get into networking and making the right connections?

A: I'm an extrovert, so I naturally gain energy by being with people. The first tip I would give is to be genuinely curious and open to meet new people. I love getting to know people on a deeper level and actively listening to their stories. In networking situations, stay curious, ask questions, listen, and genuinely connect without expecting an immediate outcome. The connections you make could turn into friendships, business partnerships, clients, or collaborators. Developing effective communication skills is essential in forming these meaningful connections.

Q: What is your favorite platform for finding clients and networking?

A: My #1 platform is LinkedIn because it allows for transparency—you can see people's real names, positions, education, and professional background. Other platforms can be less revealing or genuine. LinkedIn is an excellent place for making genuine connections, collaborating, doing business, and finding clients, as users are typically interested in professional development and industry trends.

Q: What are your greatest achievements in your career so far, and what are you most proud of?

A: I'm incredibly proud of the impact I make on my clients, especially on a personal 

level—seeing someone who previously couldn't present in front of their colleagues now taking on leadership positions or gaining self-confidence is extremely rewarding. I'm always amazed at how effective the methods I apply are. Working with Microsoft has been a significant milestone for me, and receiving recognition from Arianna Huffington for my article, which showcases the tools and techniques I use in my coaching, has been validating and inspiring.

Q: And then, finally, I was going to ask what words you would use to describe yourself?

A: I am optimistic, open-minded, extroverted, and enjoy connecting with people. I am a lifelong learner—although I have formal education, I continue to pursue informal education in various fields, from communication science to neuroscience, energy healing, and more. I'm always eager to learn new techniques and incorporate them into my coaching practice.

In conclusion, Aleksandra Plazinic, Ph.D. is a passionate, open-minded, and dedicated Executive Communications Coach and Trainer who has made a significant impact on the lives and careers of many professional women. Through her expertise in communication and personal development, she has empowered her clients to find their authentic voices, achieve their goals, and make a difference in their industries. Her enthusiasm for learning and growth, as well as her commitment to helping others, make her an inspiring leader in her field.

I want to say a HUGE Thank you so much, Aleksandra Plazinic, for taking the time to share your invaluable insights and experiences with us. We've learned a great deal about executive communication coaching, the importance of authentic leadership, and the power of networking. Also, Congrats on getting top 30 business coaches to look out for another year in a row, way to show leadership!!!

Some key takeaways from our conversation include the significance of communication skills for women in leadership positions, the impact of mentors and coaches in one's career journey, and the value of authenticity in personal and professional development. Your inspiring story and dedication to empowering ambitious, professional women will undoubtedly benefit many of our readers.

For those who want to learn more about Aleksandra Plazinic and her work, be sure to follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn or visit her website at https://aplazinic.com/. If you have any questions or would like to connect, feel free to reach out to Aleksandra at contact@aplazinic.com.

Don't miss the opportunity to benefit from Aleksandra's expertise – sign up for her newsletter to stay informed and inspired, and keep an eye out for upcoming events where she'll be sharing her wisdom. Thanks again, Aleksandra, for sharing your experiences with us, and we look forward to following your continued success!

If you're an industry leader with valuable insights and experiences to share, we'd love to have you join us for an expert interview in the future. Our audience greatly appreciates learning from accomplished professionals like yourself, and your unique perspective could be a fantastic addition to our series.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@virtuallyadventurous.com if you're interested in participating. We look forward to potentially featuring your story and expertise, allowing our readers to gain valuable knowledge and inspiration from your industry leadership.

Women in LeadershipPersonal DevelopmentCoaching and TrainingAuthentic LeadershipIndustry LeaderNetworking Strategies