In this episode of Women Leadership Reframe, we sit down with Borbála Molnár ("Bori"), Head of Coaching and Mentoring at Nokia. Bori shares valuable insights on building a global coaching culture, the power of presence in leadership, and how coaching can transform both individuals and organizations. With her unique background as a teacher of English and Scandinavian languages turned HR professional, Bori brings a fresh perspective on helping people learn and grow.

Episode Highlights:

• (00:00 - 02:26) Introduction to Bori and her role at Nokia 
• (02:27 - 05:02) The colorful person behind the professional: Bori's journey and Renaissance spirit 
• (05:27 - 08:56) How Bori found her professional calling in coaching and the continuous learning journey 
• (08:58 - 13:10) Whether coach or leader, how to build your presence and listening skills
• (13:21 - 16:01) Breaking down coaching stigmas and misconceptions 
• (16:06 - 22:17) Building a coaching culture at Nokia: From top leadership to global community 
• (22:20 - 24:59) Creating psychological safety through coaching leadership 
• (26:19 - 30:01) How early in career women leaders can utilise coaching to envision their unique leadership path
• (34:15 - 35:41) How to get the most out of coaching when your organisation is providing this resource

About Borbála Molnár:

Borbála (Bori) Molnár is a coach, trainer, facilitator, program designer, mentor and in short, an HR professional. 

As Head of Coaching & Mentoring at Nokia, she currently specializes in leadership, talent and career development, workshops and online training. She has worked as Business TLO supporting various organizations in Nokia, prior to that was Communication and Change Manager for Real Estate in Nokia. She has worked as HR Consultant and HR manager in Hungary, supporting the Nokia Europe region in talent and performance management. She has also worked as consultant, translator and interpreter. 

By education she is originally a teacher in English and a lecturer in Scandinavian languages and literature and is passionate about helping people learn and grow. She is interested in gamification and creating new solutions – linked to leadership development, diversity and inclusion. 

A mother of three, with many hobbies, too little free time and cats at home ensuring she’s moving around.

Key Quotes:

"Being fully present can affect trust-building and create more psychological safety. For example, using active listening. So I think we're not just preaching, but we are showcasing and role modeling as HR professionals."

 ”We still have a stigma, despite all our efforts, when it comes to explaining coaching, the impact of coaching, and why it's probably the most impactful  learning and development method because it's individualized–or I could say customized.”

"Most people who turn to coaching are there because they want to do even better."

"What is really important to me is making an impact, creating value for the individual or in some cases for a team."

"I believe deep down that human coaches will never disappear. The human touch, the human connection is needed."

Actionable Takeaways:

Reframe the Coaching Mindset

• Recognize coaching as a continuous learning journey, not a remedial tool
• Understand that high performers seek coaching to excel further, not fix problems
• Approach each session with curiosity and openness, even if you're unsure what to discuss
• View coaching as a customized, individualized development opportunity

How Leaders Can Create Psychological Safety Through Presence

• Practice "going last" in meetings to encourage others to share their thoughts
• Use active listening techniques, paying attention to body language and tone
• Create regular check-ins (like Nokia's "1in90" approach) to build trust over time

Build a Coaching Culture Through Role Modeling

• Share success stories from coachees who have experienced breakthroughs
• Encourage senior leaders to openly discuss their coaching experiences
• Create opportunities for peer-to-peer coaching conversations
• Demonstrate coaching techniques in everyday interactions

Develop Deep Listening Skills

• Notice not just what is said, but what remains unsaid
• Pay attention to changes in voice tone, pace, and body language
• Create space for silence and reflection
• Practice being fully present without rushing to the next agenda item

Support Early Career Development

• Help identify and challenge imposter syndrome thoughts
• Use coaching to build confidence through focusing on strengths
• Create safe spaces to discuss experiences 
• Connect coachees with relevant role models and mentors

Balance Technology and Human Connection

• Use AI tools for initial assessments and matching
• Leverage technology for tracking progress and scheduling
• Maintain the irreplaceable element of human connection
• Stay open to evolving coaching modalities while preserving core human elements

How A Coachee Can Prepare for Coaching Success

• Come prepared with specific topics or areas to explore
• Reflect after each session on what you learned
• Be open to feedback and different perspectives
• Trust the process and be willing to experiment with new approaches

Connect with Borbála Molnár:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/borb%C3%A1la-moln%C3%A1r-5908171/