Natalya Berdikyan is Founder and CEO of Life by Design, an executive coaching company “help[ing] individuals and organizations grow beyond borders and boundaries.” A truly global citizen, Natalya hails from the former Soviet Union and has lived in 6 countries; she speaks 4½ languages. A former executive for a multimillion dollar chocolate producer in Belgium, she has sold confections all over the world.
I found it fascinating to learn about confectionary global preferences – for example, Natalya’s almond sweets are gifted on specific occasions, depending on the country:
Belgium – to welcome newborns
Italy – to celebrate marriage
Luxembourg – for communion
Portugal – at Easter
Norway – on Valentine’s Day
Natalya used a “pull” strategy to enter each market: trade shows allowed her to assess the current landscape then develop unique, differentiated products. Focusing on innovative color creation, distinctive merchandise, and special packaging for holiday and special occasion gifts, the company’s custom manufacturing option also meant made-to-order adjustments – for one, customized ingredients to meet changing consumer demands for healthier treats. Retailers and distributors were inevitably “pulled” in, attracted to the opportunities for originality and increased market share.
The company catered to three major outlets:
- Bulk sales to distributors packaging product for multiple brands.
- Co-created, co-branded product for retailers.
- Company-branded product sold direct-to-market.
As co-owner of the confectionary company, Natalya met with clients worldwide and during her travels, developed a cultural intelligence that fueled her success. She recalls her early confusion in the US when asked: “How are you doing?” No one expects an answer, she says, it’s used as a greeting! She had to learn how to stop answering the question.
In the very middle of running a successful company and a perfect life full of parties, money, and achievement, Natalya realized she felt unhappy. Upon slowing down to figure out why, she realized that she had bought into society’s rules about what success looks like, and a life full of wine, money, sugar, and limiting beliefs did not feed her soul.
Drawing on that experience, and the belief that anyone can thrive – not just survive – through life changes, Natalya launched Life by Design, an executive coaching firm designed to help entrepreneurs and leaders build the life they want. She provides coaching, training, and holistic retreats to improve people’s energy so they can become better leaders in business and in life.
If you’d like to talk to Natalya, you can reach her on LinkedIn or through her website.
Links:
More About Natalya: https://www.lifebydesign-academy.com/about-natalya
Website: https://www.lifebydesign-academy.com
Contact: contact@lifebydesign-academy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalyaberdikyan/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@natalyaberdikyan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalya.berdikyan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalyaberdikyan/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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