What if the future belongs not to AI, but to human intelligence, curiosity and meaningful conversations?

In this episode of Curly Talks, I sit down with Dr. Marilyn Atkinson—founder & president of Erickson Coaching International and one of the pioneers of professional coaching worldwide.

Together, we explore the questions that many of us carry quietly inside:

Who am I?
What truly matters to me?
Where am I going?
And who am I becoming?

We talk about why coaching is not about advice but about expanding our attention and possibilities, why leadership begins with responsibility, and why, despite all technological progress, humans still need humans.

Marilyn also shares her remarkable journey of bringing coaching to the Soviet Union and Ukraine at a time when the word "coach" didn't even exist there.

This conversation is for coaches, leaders, lifelong learners and anyone standing at a crossroads, searching for meaning or a new chapter in life.

Because perhaps the most important question is not "What should I do next?" but rather: Who am I becoming?

🎙 Guest: Dr. Marilyn Atkinson
Founder & President of Erickson Coaching International

🎙 Host: Antonina Makarova
Strategic Partner for People, Management & Transformation

Thank you for listening. If this conversation resonates with you, please follow the podcast and share this episode with someone who might need these questions today.

In this episode of Curly Talks, I sit down with Mazurka Zeng, CEO of Bybit EU, to explore leadership beyond titles, the power of multicultural teams, emotional intelligence, and what it takes to build trust across cultures.

Our conversation moves beyond business and cryptocurrency. We talk about mindset, company culture, innovation, decision-making, and the human side of leadership.

Together, we explore:

• what great leaders do differently;

• why calmness is a leadership superpower;

• Asian and European approaches to leadership;

• building high-performing multicultural teams;

• recognizing potential instead of focusing on weaknesses;

• learning through mistakes;

• leading with vision in times of uncertainty;

• AI and the future of leadership.

Whether you're leading a team, building a business, working in HR, or simply curious about how great leaders think, this episode offers practical insights and fresh perspectives.

Curly Talks is a podcast about leadership, personal growth, and meaningful conversations with people shaping the future.

#selfacceptance #transformation #healingjourney #resilience #personalgrowthLife can change in an instant.In this deeply personal conversation, Yuliia shares her journey of surviving a life-changing fire and what it truly takes to rebuild your life from the inside out.We talk about self-acceptance, emotional healing, and the small steps that helped her move forward when everything felt lost.This is not just a story about survival — it’s about transformation, reconnecting with yourself, and finding strength in the moments when life feels the most uncertain.Yuliia also shares how her experience shaped her path as a social worker & life coach and how she now supports others through their own challenges.In this episode, you’ll learn:-What helps you move forward after trauma-How to rebuild your relationship with yourself-Why small steps matter more than big changes-How to find strength when everything feels overwhelming-What true transformation really looks likeIf you’re going through a difficult time or searching for your way back to yourself, this conversation is for you.

Antonina's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoshmyworld/Yuliia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuliia.yalova/Fotografie: @robin_de_puy (Instagram)Sound by: https://www.instagram.com/norbert.digital/

Warning: This episode may inspire you to finally quit the job that’s draining your soul

In this episode of Curly Talks, I dive deep into the inspiring journey of Helena Hornyak, a marketing expert with over 10 years of experience, who stepped away from the 9-to-5 grind and built her own path as a solo entrepreneur. 

In the interview, Helena shares her personal story of why staying within the corporate world wasn’t enough for her and how the need for freedom, creativity, and flexibility led her to pursue self-employment.

We discuss the role of energy in business success and Helena shares her source of energy and motivation - her mentorship program for Solopreneurs. And it is not just a set of tools, but her essence, the very energy that drives her. 

We talk about how to find a perfect balance of structure and creativity, where strategy meets inspiration to fuel growth and why every solo entrepreneur is a puzzle piece making the world a better place.

In this talk we also dive into the personal challenges solopreneurs face — from the shame of not having enough money to the overwhelming feeling of not being enough. 

If you’ve ever doubted your worth, felt lost in your entrepreneurial journey, or longed for more freedom in your life and work, this episode will light the way.

Episode 1: What is “Curly Talks”?

Welcome to the very first episode of Curly Talks — a space where stories breathe, emotions speak, and transformation unfolds.

In this episode, I open the door to what this podcast is really about. I share the soul behind Curly Talks — how it was born from deep curiosity, personal transformation, and the belief that we are all more than our titles, our struggles, or our fears.

As an ICF-certified coach who speaks 4 languages and lives between cultures, I’ve met incredible people with powerful stories. And I’ve walked through my own fires, too. This is a space to explore those stories — how we turn pain into wisdom, crisis into clarity, and moments of doubt into expansion.

Whether you're here for inspiration, healing, or simply to feel less alone in your journey — this space is yours too.

Let’s begin, together!