💡 What does it mean to pivot with purpose and find strength in therapy?

In this episode, Alina Yarova, founder of Project Pivot Coaching, shares her journey across continents and careers — from Ukraine to the U.S., from consulting to health tech, and now from coaching to therapy in France. Immigration shaped her identity, therapy became a quiet force in her life, and courage guided her through each transition.

Alina reflects on receiving and studying therapy, overcoming roadblocks, and embracing service as a calling. She discusses cultural adaptation, moving to France, and the importance of trusting values and curiosity. Whether you’re navigating change or seeking deeper alignment, Alina’s story offers clarity, courage, and connection.

🔑 Topics Covered:

00:00 Introduction and Reconnection

02:38 Alina's Background and Journey

06:00 Alina's Immigration Experience and Its Impact, going from Ukraine to USA

13:44 Feeling like an outsider - Adapting to a New Culture

17:49 8-year-old Alina and 2025 Alina

19:42 Alina's connection to the world of therapy: from receiving, to advocating, to studying to be a provider

26:56 A sign of strength to seek therapy when you need it

29:22 Finance and patient/therapist fit are two other roadblocks to seeking therapy

31:57 Mark's personal therapy story

34:01 Cultural and Systemic Change in Mental Health Education

37:49 Alina's Journey to Making the Decision to become a Therapist

42:15 Alina's desire to be of service to others

46:11 Embracing Change: Moving to France

50:40 Navigating the Shadow Side of Change: Feel the Fear, but dance anyway.

56:10 Trusting Your Values and Following Curiosity

58:11 How to reach and connect with Alina

01:00:10 Small Gestures have Big Impact. Mark thanks Alina for one all those years ago.

01:06:05 Introduction and Audience Engagement

🎯 Connect with Alina Yarova:

Project Pivot Coaching: https://www.projectpivotcoaching.fr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinayarova

Discover more episodes of *Making Your Mark Podcast* with Mark Bundang — real career stories, growth strategies, and lessons from professionals across industries.

📌 Discovery Optimization:

career pivot strategies, therapy journey, Project Pivot coaching, immigration and identity, mental health advocacy, women in healthcare, expat career change, moving to France, cultural adaptation challenges, small gestures big impact, making your mark podcast