Anya Smirnova, Co-Creator and Lead of Mindful Return UK

Anya Smirnova is a transformational women’s coach, mum of two, blogger, podcast host and former lawyer. As a coach, she loves taking women on a journey of self-discovery, helping women find the kind of fulfilment that truly nourishes the person and their work.

Prior to coaching, Anya dedicated 13 years to a legal career in a global law firm, working in London, Moscow and Singapore. Her transition from lawyer to coaching came from her own experience of two big life changes – bereavement and becoming a mother.

Both experiences shifted Anya’s perspective on what it means to lead a fulfilling life. They also gave her a passion for helping others who might also need to steer life’s challenges towards a positive energy – allowing them to nurture self-growth and find fulfilment.

Anya sees health as a fundamental, and often overlooked, ingredient to personal and professional success. She holds specialised training in executive coaching and health. Anya was invited as one of 12 speakers at the Governmental roundtable 2018 on improving the UK’s postnatal care; recommendations are now included in the NHS England Longterm Plan 2019.

Anya, her husband and their two boys live in London. Her family is a mix of Russian, British, French and Italian cultures; one day she plans to write a book on bringing up multicultural tri-lingual children. When not coaching, Anya loves to spend time with her family, go on long walks, watch movies, read fiction and play the uke.

Anya writes a weekly blog focusing on working mothers in her native legal profession. If you are interested in coaching with Anya, learn more here.