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Frequently Asked Questions

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From services and approach to credentials and coaching fit - explore the most asked questions here, or turn to my Coach Concierge for clarity on your specific enquiry.
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Individual Clients

Here you’ll find answers to the questions I’m asked most often. For deeper details, explore the Individual Services page, consult the Coach Concierge, or book a 20-minute chemistry call if your coaching enquiry is clear.

How do I know if coaching is the right step for me right now?

If you’re facing a decision, transition, or repeating frustration that you can’t untangle alone, coaching is likely the right step. The chemistry call helps test that fit before you commit.

How confidential are coaching sessions?

Everything you share stays between us. I work under ICF ethics, which means strict confidentiality — coaching is your safe space to speak freely without judgment or leaks.

ICF refers to the International Coaching Federation; confidentiality underpins a trusted coaching relationship and sustainable positive changes.

Do you offer online coaching?

Yes. Most sessions run over Zoom or Teams, which keeps coaching accessible wherever you are. In-person sessions are possible too, depending on location and scheduling.

What’s the difference between a single coaching session, a course, and a strategy pack?

A single session tackles an urgent issue fast. A course helps shift deeper patterns over time. A strategy pack combines big-picture planning with quarterly check-ins to keep you accountable. Think of these options as levels of a coaching engagement: from targeted support to ongoing support that embeds new ideas and habits.

How does the Lumina profile help me beyond standard personality tests?

Unlike static labels, Lumina maps your personality across everyday, hidden, and high-pressure states. It reveals not just who you are, but how you adapt — giving you a roadmap for growth. Used within coaching sessions to build self‑awareness, executive presence, and effective conflict resolution.

What happens during the 20-minute chemistry call?

We explore your motivation and the challenge you’re bringing. You’ll get a feel for my style, and I’ll check if coaching is the right fit for you at this moment.

How quickly will I start seeing results from coaching?

Some shifts happen in the very first session — a blind spot uncovered, a decision clarified. Lasting change takes repetition and practice, which is why courses or supervision keep progress on track. Effective leaders typically notice improvements in decision making, communication skills, and leadership presence as the coaching process builds momentum.

What are the fees for individual coaching?

The prices for the Services are provided in downloadable brochures available on the respective Service pages and represent the authoritative and up-to-date pricing at all times.

What credentials and certifications does Svetlana Gaidukova hold?

Svetlana brings a mix of business and coaching credentials:

  • INSEAD Executive Coaching Certificate (2025)
  • Accredited Lumina Spark Practitioner (2025)
  • Non-Directive Leadership Certification, Coaching Institute (2020)
  • Flexible Leadership Certification, Coaching Institute (2017)
  • BSc in Economics & Business Administration, Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (2009)

These credentials reflect a results‑focused coaching style grounded in business experience and real‑world practice.

Corporate Clients

Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions I receive from organisations. For more details, visit the Corporate Services page, use the Coach Concierge, or book a 20-minute chemistry call if there is a specific challenge I can support your team with.

What kinds of challenges do organisations usually bring you in for?

Typical cases include stalled growth after fast scaling, culture misalignment post-merger, unclear ownership in P&Ls, or leadership teams struggling to make decisions together. Engagements often focus on team dynamics, managing change, difficult conversations, and aligning leadership styles to strategy.

How long do typical corporate projects last?

It depends on the scope. A focused audit can take 4–6 weeks, while transformation supervision or culture shifts often run across several months to ensure change sticks. The project length also reflects development needs, leadership transitions, and the level of ongoing support required.

Do you work with organisations across industries or specialise in certain sectors?

While my roots are in FinTech and fast-growth companies, I’ve worked with leaders and teams across industries — from global corporates to scale-ups. The common ground isn’t the sector, but the leadership challenges under pressure. This breadth enables practical insights that translate across contexts and team structures.

Can you support both executives and mid-level managers within the same programme?

Yes. Audits and surveys cover the whole structure, and I adapt interventions to each level. Executives align on strategy while operational managers sharpen execution and ownership.

How do leadership and operational team audits actually work in practice?

I combine interviews, observation of live meetings, and structured analysis to uncover hidden dynamics. The outcome is a clear report with actionable steps you can apply right away. You can expect recommendations on communication skills, team building, and leadership potential with clear goal setting and next‑step ownership.

How do you ensure recommendations stick after the audits or workshops?

I don’t just hand over a report. I follow up with leaders, supervise implementation, and help remove blockers so changes become part of daily practice – not another file in a drawer. Follow-through may include coaching sessions for key stakeholders, mentoring check-ins, and practical routines that sustain professional growth.

What does transformation supervision look like day-to-day?

It means staying close to your leadership team — regular check-ins, progress tracking, and real-time advisory. The goal is to keep momentum alive and ensure strategy turns into lived results.

What are the fees for corporate projects?

Once the scope, timing, and number of people involved are clear, I’ll prepare a tailored quote for your organisation. Keynote speaking fees also vary by topic, format, and audience size.

What credentials and certifications does Svetlana Gaidukova hold?

Svetlana brings a mix of business and coaching credentials:

  • INSEAD Executive Coaching Certificate, ICF-accredited (2025)
  • Accredited Lumina Spark Practitioner (2025)
  • Non-Directive Leadership Certification, Coaching Institute (2020)
  • Flexible Leadership Certification, Coaching Institute (2017)
  • BSc in Economics & Business Administration, Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (2009)

These credentials reflect a results‑focused coaching style grounded in business experience and real‑world practice.

Speaking arrangements

Here you’ll find answers to the questions I’m asked most often about my keynotes. For more detail, explore the Keynote Speaker page or reach out to discuss how I can contribute to your event. Keynotes are done in person or virtually and talks can be adapted for different organisational levels and event goals.

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What topics do you usually speak on?

I speak on leadership blind spots, “violent politeness” in teams, executive isolation, and the coaching tools that help leaders and organisations break through hidden barriers. Related areas include leadership development, team dynamics, and leading through change. Some talks are delivered in a TED Talks–style format for fast, focused impact.

Do you travel for speaking engagements?

Yes. I speak at events worldwide, both on stage and virtually. Format is flexible — whether it’s a global conference, internal company event, or a webinar for distributed teams. I speak in English and Russian languages.

What kind of audiences do you usually speak to?

I speak to senior leaders, boards, and full organisations at conferences and company gatherings. Whether it’s a C-suite audience or 1,000+ delegates, my talks land because they mix real boardroom stories with practical takeaways.

How long is a typical keynote?

Most keynotes run 30–45 minutes plus Q&A, but I adapt length and format to fit your event.

Do you customise your talk for each audience?

Yes. Each keynote is tailored to your industry, event theme, and audience profile so it feels relevant and actionable.

Can you also run workshops alongside the keynote?

Absolutely. Many organisers combine the keynote with an interactive workshop or panel to deepen the impact. This pairing supports professional development and reinforces learning on the job.

What are your speaking fees?

Fees vary depending on topic, format, and audience size. Once event details are confirmed, I’ll provide a tailored quote.

What credentials and certifications does Svetlana Gaidukova hold?

Svetlana brings a mix of business and coaching credentials:

  • INSEAD Executive Coaching Certificate, ICF-accredited (2025)
  • Accredited Lumina Spark Practitioner (2025)
  • Non-Directive Leadership Certification, Coaching Institute (2020)
  • Flexible Leadership Certification, Coaching Institute (2017)
  • BSc in Economics & Business Administration, Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (2009)

These credentials reflect a results‑focused coaching style grounded in business experience and real‑world practice.

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