Rooted in Freedom
The Future Is Intelligent
How Female Entrepreneurs Can Harness AI Marketing in 2026
Science is sexy
Interview with Orsi Vincze
with Katarzyna Mlynarczyk
Spotlight on Barbara Schwarz
Liz Schmidt-Vachtler's story from Sri Lanka
Editor's Letter
As we step into the autumn and winter season, the days might feel a little darker and the air a little cooler, but this is also the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and dive into stories that truly inspire. Like the ones you’ll find in this issue — from California to Austria, Poland, India, and Sri Lanka.
Once again, we’ve gathered a collection of extraordinary women who dared to dream boldly. Women who turned inner clarity into action and built meaningful, lasting businesses in alignment with their values. Some lead global teams from remote forests, others craft healing products by hand or guide their clients back to themselves with the tools of neuroscience. All of them remind us that there is no one path, only the courage to walk your own.
This season also marks a special milestone: we’ve just celebrated the first anniversary of our Graz-based Women & Business community, and the second birthday of this magazine. What began as a bold idea has grown into a platform for real connection, insight, and purpose-led storytelling.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We hope this issue offers warmth, inspiration, and the quiet motivation to reconnect with what matters most.
Editor-in-Chief
Photo: Alex Mokhan Model: Anita Nemeth-Bogdan
Photo: Alex Mokhan
Model: Marie Ebeling
Science is sexy
I first met Barbara Schwarz at the very first Women & Business Brunch in Graz. From the moment we started talking, one thing was crystal clear: compromise simply isn’t part of her vocabulary. Not when it comes to food, not in relationships, and definitely not in skincare. For her, quality isn’t a luxury — it’s the baseline.
What I found in Barbi was a true revolutionary. Someone who believes science is sexy, skincare is serious business, and women deserve nothing less than the best. That same unapologetic passion and radical honesty pulse through every jar of her brand, Olive & Oliva.
Today you're a well-known figure in the world of natural cosmetics, but your journey began in a completely different space. How did you go from working with luxury jewelry brands and leading regional retail operations to founding your own skincare company?
Not many people know this, but I actually started out as a trader. In my early twenties, I was one of the largest private contract producers in the European popcorn market. I oversaw every single phase of production — from seed development and farming all the way to harvest and sales across Europe and Asia. Then, at 30, I decided I needed something a bit more feminine, so I moved into the luxury space by leading a major jewelry company.
Then came a sharp turn: I married a foreign husband, started a family, and from there came the cliché ‘my child had a skin issue so I decided to fix it myself’ story — except at that point, I was already seeing it more as a business opportunity.
Why natural cosmetics? I know you have a passion for quality in all areas of life, whether it's food, fashion or skincare. But what turned that passion into a business?
I didn’t necessarily set out to create natural cosmetics. But the person I first started learning from happened to be an expert and trainer in that exact field through Austrian economic development programs, so the direction was kind of set from the start. Since then, I’ve moved forward with innovations that still fit within the ‘natural’ category, technically — but I actually prefer to call them gentle cosmetics rather than natural ones.
You produce the Olive & Oliva products yourself in an Austrian workshop. What does a typical day in your life look like behind the scenes of your brand?
I wake up very early — I'm part of the 5 AM club — but then I go back to bed until around 8 to sort through my thoughts and get mentally organized.
After that, I follow a handwritten list to prioritize my tasks: depending on incoming orders, whether they’re from resellers or direct retail via the webshop. I break down the production process to the smallest details so that if anything unexpected comes up, I can react flexibly and on time.
One thing that truly sets your brand apart is its voice. It’s playful, real and unmistakably “Barbi.” Why was it important for you to create a brand that speaks with your own tone, rather than a polished, corporate image?
I’m the kind of uncompromising person who’s never reshaped their personality to gain an advantage — under any circumstances. I live by the principle: if you don’t lie, you don’t have to remember anything.
I see so many makers and content creators breaking under the pressure of maintaining a certain image — one that often has very little to do with the truth. I wanted to bring the exact opposite into cosmetics. This is me. This is what you get. But I put everything I’ve got into it, to the best of my knowledge and ability.
Don’t like my style? That’s fine — you’re not buying my personality, you’re buying my expertise. It’s your choice: do you want to buy into a lie, or into honesty?
Who are the people buying Olive & Oliva? How would you describe your typical customer in a few words?
She (but not exclusively she) is the kind of person who reads ingredient labels like love letters. She shops at farmers markets but still owns a credit card made of metal. Her bathroom looks like an apothecary, and her skincare routine is equal parts ritual, rebellion, and revenge against everything mass-produced.
She’s skeptical of trends, allergic to greenwashing, and doesn’t fall for brands that scream “clean” while whispering parabens. She wants high-performance without the high-drama. She doesn't need a ten-step routine — she needs one jar of something that actually works.
She might be a mom. She might be a CEO. She might be both and still make her own almond milk. She wants transparency, texture, and the truth. She’s not here for unicorn slime and retinol fairy tales.
She finds Olive & Oliva and doesn’t ask “Why this?” She asks “Where have you been?
Your product line is expanding beyond women's skincare into offerings for men and children. Is this a strategic market move, or does it come from something more personal?
When you’re building a business, you build it around demand. And what people will always spend money on is their children — and their health.
Men just kind of stumbled in as customers along the way, and now they’re recommending the products to each other like it’s some underground club.
As for the health side, I’ve recently expanded the line with a CBD range. I’m a strong believer in the mechanism of action behind this ingredient, so for me, it was a natural next step. One thing leads to another.
Many may not know that you're also deeply committed to giving back. From the start you've donated products and supported causes, including Women & Business in Graz. Why is this kind of generosity and community support so important to you?
Giving back and community involvement have always been important to me — when I see the point in it. A lot of people don’t know this, but my family and I donate millions each year.
Not because we feel like we “owe” anything, but because life is often brutally unfair to people who had no say in their circumstances — and you can’t just look the other way. It’s in my blood.
That said, I absolutely hate being taken advantage of. If it’s not genuine, I’m out.
You’re not just a founder, you also became certified in product formulation and skincare science. Why was it important for you to gain that knowledge yourself instead of outsourcing the production to someone else?
Learning to formulate and produce everything myself, instead of outsourcing manufacturing, was originally a practical decision — I simply didn’t have the money for contract manufacturing.
Fast forward to today: I am now a contract manufacturer for others.
The reason I still haven’t handed over my own production? Because I can’t oversee the process or guarantee the quality if I can’t see what’s happening in real time. I’m a control freak, and this is definitely where it shows the most.
The downside? While others are working with industryleading manufacturers and launching glossy products in flashy packaging, I have a small production line, and a lot of it is still done by hand.
That’s also why my packaging isn’t some hyper-modern plastic from a mystery factory in China. I use recyclable jars and bottles from verified European suppliers. You might not get glitter, but you will get traceability.
What’s next for Olive & Oliva? Do you have plans to expand into new markets beyond Austria and Hungary, or are you developing new product lines?
The next step for Olive & Oliva is the development of a whole new CBD infused products in my Longevity Program — further education at its core, supported by personalized product packages, consultations, and… world peace, obviously. I’ll be standing on top of a giant cream jar, waving the flag.
Jokes aside, I truly believe the future lies in education. That’s where I’m putting my focus.
And finally, is there anything else you would like to share with our readers right now?
Why choose Olive & Oliva? Because behind every jar is a fearless, pioneering formulator who offers promising skin — not just pretty packaging. Because I believe in honest communication, where I hold your hand through the journey as your skin improves.
And because while we may not all be friends, we are women — and we deserve the very best.
Photos: Alex Mokhan
Hot Topics from my Cosmetic World
Welcome my name is Barbara and I am going to guide you through the new trends of skincare for 2026, starting now.
The New Age of Skin: Beyond Beauty, Toward Longevity
You know how we used to talk about “anti-aging”?
It’s not about fighting time anymore — it’s about working with it.
Welcome to longevity skincare, the era where beauty isn’t just a serum and a promise, but a strategy. A quiet rebellion against dullness, stress, and everything that speeds up skin fatigue. Thirty used to be „early prevention,” forty was “repair mode,” and fifty was “maintenance.”
Now? The line is blurred. We’re learning that your skin doesn’t really care about your age — it cares about how well you treat it.
AI skin analysis, DNA-based formulas, microbiome mapping — these aren’t sci-fi buzzwords anymore. They’re the new baseline for personalized beauty.
Brands are now using algorithms to tell you which ingredients your skin actually responds to. Some can even track changes in your hydration levels or pigmentation week by week.
Modern formulas don’t aim to smooth a wrinkle; they aim to keep your cells communicating like they did ten years ago. Think mitochondrial energy boosters, peptides that act like personal trainers for collagen, antioxidants that don’t just sit on top of the skin but get inside the micro-structures that make it glow.
Because longevity skincare is not about chasing youth.
The point isn’t to replace intuition — it’s to decode what your skin’s been trying to tell you all along.
It’s funny — we used to rely on magazine quizzes: “Is your skin dry, oily, or combination?”
Now, you can have a serum mixed specifically for your cellular stress pattern.
The Sun Did It — I Fix It
It’s about keeping your skin alive, responsive, intelligent.
Beauty got personal (and a little bit nerdy too)
If you’ve ever felt like skincare is becoming suspiciously high-tech — you’re right.
You don’t buy “hydration.”
You buy your hydration.
WE GIVE YOU YOUR HYDRATION.
And let’s be honest — there’s something deeply satisfying about having a cream that no one else owns. Like couture for your face.
Here’s a brutal truth: photoaging is responsible for up to 80% of visible aging. Eighty.
Which means your fine lines, spots, texture, that tiny dullness on your cheeks — are mostly a souvenir from the sun.
But here’s the good news: we’re not helpless anymore.
New generation sunscreens and after-sun serums are going far beyond SPF. We’re talking DNA-repair enzymes, blue light protectors, and peptides that literally undo UV-induced cell damage.
The goal isn’t to just block the rays — it’s to teach your skin how to recover faster.
To rebuild its defense system at the cellular level, so that one bad beach day doesn’t become a lifetime of pigmentation.
And if you still think SPF is only for summer, think again. The kind of light that ages you most — UVA — passes through clouds, glass, and your car window while you’re scrolling through emails.
If skincare once felt like vanity, it’s now leaning toward vitality.
We’re entering a time where science, sustainability, and self-awareness meet at your bathroom shelf.
Longevity skincare keeps your skin future-proof.
AI makes your beauty personal.
And photorepair gives you the power to reverse what yesterday’s sun has written.
If you would like to try some of my personal creations, contact me at office@oliveandoliva.com, and get 50% off from your first kit of personalized skincare.
Yours: Barbara
FROM PIANO TO PURPOSE:
HOW OKSANA BUILT AN EDUCATION EMPIRE
Kolesnikova began her journey as a classical concert pianist and evolved into the founder of a nationwide education franchise.
Her story is a powerful example of turning passion into purpose and building a business with real impact.
You were born in Russia, spent part of your early life in Kazakhstan, and then moved to the United States as a teenager. How old were you when you arrived, and what do you remember most about that transition — personally and culturally?
When I landed in the United States as a teenager, I was flooded with emotions — excitement mingled with anxiety. What stands out most from that time isn’t just what was new, but what was suddenly missing: the daily rhythms of Kazakhstan, the comfort of familiar faces and friends. I distinctly remember thinking, “I can’t understand what anyone is saying, and somehow, I’m expected to learn and adapt.”
That disorientation became my teacher. I was forced to listen deeply, observe carefully, and adapt quickly. In many ways, that’s the same skill I developed as a musician — learning to listen, to adjust, to find harmony even when things feel unfamiliar or dissonant.
The cultural adjustment was by far the most challenging aspect. Early on, I internalized the belief that being different meant I had to be exceptional just to be seen as equal. As an immigrant child, I felt constant pressure to outwork, outshine, and overachieve just to earn a seat at the table. In time, I realized this relentless drive shaped my character — but I’m determined not to leave that same heavy burden on the young people I mentor today. That’s exactly why creating the foundation became so meaningful to me.
Music has been part of your life since childhood, and your journey as a pianist took you around the world. How did your early passion for piano evolve into a professional career, and what did performing teach you that still guides you today?
Piano wasn’t merely an activity I picked up — it was what anchored me. In Kazakhstan, music was treated as a necessity for every child’s development, as vital as learning to read or do math. But after moving to America, I came to a deeper realization: piano transformed into my connector — my way of communicating and proving myself when words and cultural cues failed. It became my bridge to feeling that I belonged.
Performing taught me what business courses never could: how to manage pressure, read an audience, adapt in real time, recover from mistakes, and understand that preparation and passion together create something that moves people. Every recital was a masterclass in execution, communication, and resilience.
But the most important lesson performance taught me was responsibility to others. Every time I stepped on stage, I wasn’t just playing notes — I was representing everyone who believed in me. I was honoring my teacher’s investment. I was proving something to my family about the value of their sacrifice. That sense of responsibility is what ultimately pushed me beyond performance into teaching and entrepreneurship. I wanted to create opportunities for others to experience what music gave me — confidence, identity, and proof of their own capability.
While living in Beverly Hills and teaching music, you started to notice a growing need for accessible, highquality enrichment programs. What inspired you to take that observation and turn it into a business idea?
Living in Beverly Hills, I watched two things simultaneously. First, I saw immense privilege — families who could afford any enrichment they wanted. Second, I saw deep desperation among families across Los Angeles who wanted the same quality for their children but couldn’t access it. Piano lessons, tutoring, chess instruction, language programs — all were expensive, fragmented, and hard to navigate.
Teachers I worked with kept asking me the same question: “How do I make extra income?” Parents asked: “Why isn’t there one place I can take my child for comprehensive enrichment?” Schools were cutting programs and struggling to fill educational gaps. There was a massive mismatch between what existed and what was needed.
The inspiration was really about frustration with the status quo, combined with the belief that I had a solution.
Your company now serves schools, municipalities, and families through Oksana ® Enrichment Programs and its national franchise model. What makes this model unique, and how do you ensure consistent quality across so many locations?
The Oksana model is unique because it starts with a fundamental belief:
standardized methodology paired with local autonomy. Every Oksana program is built on proven teaching methods and curriculum frameworks, but each location is independently operated by people who understand their community. We provide the blueprint; they execute it with local knowledge. We maintain quality standards through regular communication — not through franchising overhead or operational control that stifles innovation.
excellence in youth enrichment should not be a luxury — it should be accessible and consistent.
The consistency comes from people who believe in the mission, not from rigid compliance requirements. When you hire great educators and give them the tools to succeed, consistency becomes a natural outcome.
That’s when it clicked. I didn’t need to build something new from scratch — I needed to systematize and scale what I was already doing successfully. I knew how to teach piano, how to inspire young people, how to maintain quality. The business idea was simply: what if I could help other educators do the same thing, reach more families, and create a sustainable model for both the providers and the organization?
Many enrichment programs operate independently, without much collaboration. Your child takes chess from one person, piano from another, tutoring from a third. There’s no integration, no holistic understanding of the child’s development. Oksana brings 20+ complementary programs under one brand that actually work together. A student who takes financial literacy benefits from the critical thinking developed in chess. Drama students build the confidence that helps them in academic tutoring. It’s a comprehensive ecosystem, not a collection of disconnected offerings.
What makes it work across locations is simple but rigorous:
You later founded the Oksana® Foundation to support underserved youth through education. Why was it important for you to add a nonprofit dimension to your work, and how do these two sides — business and giving — complement each other?
This question is especially meaningful to me. The Oksana Foundation was born out of a restless feeling — I simply couldn’t accept that the kinds of programs transforming children’s lives in places like Beverly Hills weren’t available to so many talented kids in less privileged communities. That sense of unfairness kept me up at night and made it clear I had to find a way to bridge that gap.
Building a business was never the end goal — it was always the means. The business generates revenue that allows the foundation to provide scholarships, donations, and programming to communities that would otherwise never access these opportunities. Without the business model’s efficiency and scalability, the foundation couldn’t exist at a meaningful scale.
But there’s something deeper, too. The for-profit side allows me to work sustainably. I can pay teachers well, invest in quality, innovate, and remain financially independent. That freedom means I can never be pressured to compromise the mission for profit margins. And the nonprofit side anchors everything — it keeps me accountable to purpose, not just performance.
These two sides don’t just complement each other; they complete each other. The business provides the engine. The foundation provides the conscience. Together, they create a model where doing good and building something sustainable aren’t in competition — they’re inseparable.
Looking back at your journey from young immigrant to CEO and mentor, what advice would you give to women who have big dreams but aren’t sure how to take the first step?
First: You don’t need permission. You don’t need the perfect plan. You don’t need to feel ready.
I started without a business degree, without investment capital, without a complete roadmap. I had passion, desperation, and a belief that something needed to exist. I started teaching piano from a small studio and built from there. Every successful person will tell you they didn’t feel ready when they began.
Second: Your “outsider” status is actually your advantage. As an immigrant, as a woman, as someone without traditional credentials in certain areas — I was never bound by “this is how it’s done.” I could imagine different possibilities because I wasn’t trained to see only traditional paths.
Third: Be willing to fail visibly. I’ve started and stopped business ventures. I’ve made financial mistakes. I’ve launched programs that didn’t work. Every failure taught me more than any success. The fear of public failure kept me small for years — until I realized that the women I admired most weren’t afraid of failure; they were afraid of not trying.
Fourth: You don’t have to choose between ambition and humanity. You can build something that makes money and serves people. You can be professional and emotional. You can be a CEO and a mother, mentor, or artist. Society tells women we have to pick one lane. I refuse that. Build the model that includes all of who you are.
Finally: Start with what you have. I started with piano. I started with a vision. I started with relationships and credibility I’d built over years. I didn’t wait for the business plan to be perfect or the capital to be secured. I took the first small step — and the next step became visible.
Your first step might feel tiny. It might feel ridiculous. But every empire started with someone deciding that their dream mattered enough to take one imperfect action toward it. That’s you. Take that step.
Thank you!
Manifest Your Dream Life
From Professional Dancer and Marketing Manager to Digital Nomad and Manifestation Mentor
The story of Liz Schmidt-Vachtler
Liz, you started your career as a professional dancer and a marketing manager. How did your journey lead you all the way to Sri Lanka — and why did you choose to build your life there?
It all started with a deep desire for freedom — in my schedule, in my creativity, in my work and in the way I live my life. My background in dance instilled in me a deep understanding of discipline, flow, and embodied presence.
For more than a decade, I competed in the lovely boogie-woogie and rock and roll style of the 1950s. It was a space where performance, dedication, and selfexpression came together.
During the day, I worked at a multinational company a typical 8-to4 job in the corporate world. In the evenings, I trained three times a week, and on weekends, I competed, often ten international competitions a year, alongside national championships. Dance was my balance. Work gave me structure, but dance gave me freedom, creativity, and energy.
Over time, though, the corporate routine drained me. Every month felt the same – no innovation, no inspiration, no soul. The system was demanding and mechanical, and I reached a point where I knew deep down: this was not the life I wanted to live.
However, after over a decade on stage and in studios the real turning point came during a period of burnout, I felt the pull toward a more expansive lifestyle, one that allowed space for personal evolution, freedom, and intentional living.
My first visit to Sri Lanka in 2018 felt like a homecoming. I instantly knew something within me shifted. It was love at first sight.
There was an energetic resonance I couldn't ignore. The island's rhythm mirrored the kind of life I was ready to create: connected to nature, anchored in presence, and aligned with a slower, more soulful peace. This island is pure magic, natural, warm, fragrant, spiritual, and real. It’s authentic, raw, bohemian, yet endlessly peaceful. After our first trip, we already knew we would return. After the second, we knew we wanted to stay for a while. Today, I split my year between Europe and the south coast of Sri Lanka, where I live with my family and host retreats for women ready to rediscover themselves.
When did manifestation first become more than just a concept for you? Can you recall your first real “aha” moment that changed your perspective?
Absolutely. For a long time, I thought manifestation was just about vision boards and positive thinking. But the real shift came when I started doing the inner work, I completed a life and business coach training program and several self-development courses. Regulating my nervous system, unpacking my limiting beliefs, and learning to receive with ease. One of my biggest aha moments was realizing that the things I desired weren’t “out there” — they were simply waiting for me to become the version of myself who could hold them and who is already living the life I desire. That changed everything. When I discovered the science of manifestation, I realized that I had been living by its principles since I was a student.
But I think everything started to truly come together when my husband and I began to live more consciously, when we decided to break our big dreams down into smaller, actionable goals.
We suddenly realized that nothing was as unreachable as it first appeared. Everything begins with one small step, and if you keep showing up every day, one day you’ll look around and realize: you’ve arrived.
Liz Schmidt-Vachtler www.limaaya.hu/ instagram.com/limaaya.lifedesign/
Many people think moving to Sri Lanka was one big, brave decision, but in truth, it was a series of tiny steps over many years. When we announced our move in 2023, lot of friends messaged us saying how courageous we were. What they didn’t see was that we’d been working toward this since 2017, through the birth of our daughter, the pandemic, and Sri Lanka’s own economic crisis. And yet, every time, we felt supported
— by the Universe, by our families and by the effort we continued to put in.
The most beautiful part? Back in 2018, during our very first trip to Sri Lanka, I wrote in my journal: “One day, we’ll host a women’s retreat here.” At the time, it was just a sentence. Today, we’re hosting our second retreat, and already preparing for the third, fourth, and fifth. That’s what manifestation truly is: dreaming, believing, acting and staying consistent.
Today, you help women reconnect with their potential and manifest the life they desire. How do you support them through your programs, retreats, and community?
My approach is a blend of grounded coaching and intuitive guidance. In my monthly online manifestation membership — Your Highest Self Club — we work with themed manifestation practices, feminine energy rituals, energetics, embodiment tools and aligned action strategies that are all practical and soulful. Through my retreats (like Manifestation or our Business & Mindset Retreat) , I create immersive spaces where women can truly pause, breathe, step out of their everyday routine, slow dow, grow, reconnect and remember who they are underneath all the pressure. That combination creates an energy that’s almost impossible to describe. When you arrive here, you can literally feel your body, mind, and soul realigning.
We can go deep — clarifying their vision, releasing resistance, and activating their next level with total clarity.
Each retreat is carefully curated, with daily manifestation practices, guided meditations, spiritual rituals, yoga sessions and quality tropical me time together. Watching that transfomation unfold is pure magic. It’s the kind of moment that reminds me why I do what I do.
Both serve the same purpose in different ways, to help women reconnect with themselves and their creative, magnetic power.
“No one ever goes home the same person they were when they arrived.”
“The most beautiful moment is when a woman realizes that her power was never gone, she simply had to remember where to find it.”
What does a typical day look like for you as a locationindependent entrepreneur and mom living in Sri Lanka?
Honestly, it’s uplifting. Every day starts with structure, but it’s no longer driven by rush or pressure. It’s guided by presence, intention and self diszipline. Mornings are short but slow. I drink tea, journal, and do a 20 minutes yoga practise before my daughter heads to school. From there, I step into work: leading mentoring sessions, creating content, managing my business, or preparing for our next launch or retreat. I prioritize white space in my calendar because inspiration doesn’t come from chaos, it comes from clarity. It’s sometimes not easy, but worth it. Afternoons often include beach time, playing, or quiet creation time. Evenings are for family, or programs with friends. And of course like a fempreneur my late evening me time is sometimes working on my lovely projects. My biggest goal is not about balance, it’s about flow, and allowing both motherhood and entrepreneurship to co-exist with intention.
I can truly say I’m living the life I once dreamed of, one where I have time for both myself my business and my family.
You have several exciting offerings — from business retreats to your membership programs. What’s the next big experience you’re preparing for your community?
This October we were organising our Manifestation Retreat, a transformational journey for women ready to step into alignment, inner power, and presence. It’s held in a magical place on the south coast of Sri Lanka, and it’s one of the most intimate, energy-shifting experiences I offer. Beyond that, I’m working on a new immersive mentoring program for fempreneurs that blends soulful business strategy with manifestation and mindset practices scaling their businesses consciously and without burning out. I’m developing a program, that not just about revenue, but resonance, with a strong focus on location-independent female entrepreneurs.
And now, something new is on the horizon. Starting on 23th of March 2026, the Manifestation Retreat will also welcome men for the first time.
It’s going to bring an entirely new energy to the space, and I’m genuinely curious to see how the dynamics evolve. Of course, I’ll continue hosting women-only retreats as well, because the magic of sisterhood and fempreneurs together is unlike anything else. In spring 2026, my husband and I are launching a special Business & Mindset Retreat for female leaders, a powerful fusion of our two worlds.
I’ll bring the mindset and manifestation side, while he’ll share his expertise in online marketing and business strategy. Together, we’ll combine energy work with practical implementation bridging the gap between spiritual alignment and real-world success.
The professional level will be elevated by a lineup of inspiring guest experts. It’s going to be a retreat unlike anything we’ve done before.
And there’s one more Top Secret project, we’ve started preparing our very first international retreat.
I can’t reveal much yet, but I can say it’s something truly special, and it feels like a dream taking shape. Through my German language skills, my degree in German humanities, and my long-time friendships in Europe, combined with my business and manifestation coaching qualification and experience, my expansion into the Germanspeaking market is now finding new meaning and purpose.
“My goal is for manifestation to be more than an inspiring concept, it’s a conscious, practical path that can truly change your life.”
If the retreats speak to your heart and you feel ready to slow down, reconnect, and rise to your next level under the tropical sun, I warmly invite you to join our upcoming Manifestation Retreat this spring.
BEYOND balance. Back to you.
Adrienn Kühl doesn’t just teach clarity. She lives it. Her path took her from a small village in Hungary to Berlin’s corporate world, through the intensity of motherhood, and into the heart of mental coaching. After years of performing under pressure, she chose a different kind of success. One that is rooted in inner alignment and emotional presence.
In this intimate interview, Adrienn shares how she found her voice again, why so many women lose theirs in pivotal life moments, and how neuroscience-based tools can guide us back to calm, clarity, and self-trust.
Photos: Alex Mokhan
You spent many years living and working in Berlin before moving to Graz. What drew you to Berlin originally, and what led you to your current home in Austria?
My journey didn’t begin in Berlin, but with a bold decision at 18, leaving my small village in southwestern Hungary to become an au pair near Heidelberg. That move opened my world. I learned German, experienced a new culture, and started carving out a path beyond the limits I’d grown up with.
After several transitions, I was accepted into the Business Administration program at Freie Universität Berlin. I chose marketing, leadership, and business psychology, and studied full-time while working evenings and weekends. That period showed me what’s possible when you stay committed and open to new paths.
Later, I led international teams in the online gaming industry, worked in customer operations, and eventually managed a company in Malta. These roles taught me what it takes to lead under pressure and how challenging it can be to balance ambition and family. In those intense years, I began using relaxation techniques to manage stress. That shift, from high performance to mindful regulation, became the foundation of my work today.
In 2021, we moved to Graz to be closer to nature and family. It was the start of a new chapter: I realigned my career and immersed myself in mental health, neuroscience, and embodied practices, and discovered the power of neuro-meditation as a tool for real change.
You speak very openly about the internal shifts you experienced after becoming a mother, especially the feeling of losing clarity and connection with yourself. How did that chapter of your life shape the way you support your clients today?
Becoming a mother changed everything. I felt emotionally overwhelmed and torn between my past professional identity and this deep new love and responsibility. I had invested so much in my studies, international experience, and leadership roles, and suddenly I found myself asking: Who am I now?
Trying to juggle it all — work, childcare, expectations — I gradually lost the connection to myself. I reduced my working hours, but something inside had already shifted. I no longer fit into the old framework.
That was the beginning of my own realignment. I started to explore how emotional overload affects our health, our clarity, and our sense of self. What began as a personal search slowly turned into my professional path.
Today, I support women not just with tools, but with deep empathy. Because I know what it feels like when your inner compass is gone, and how powerful it is to find your way back.
Your work combines mental training, neurosciencebased tools, and deep emotional support. For those unfamiliar with “neuromental training,” how would you explain what it is and why it’s so powerful?
Neuromental training brings together neuroscience, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. It goes beyond mindset work, helping calm the nervous system and support real, embodied change.
The core question is: How can I stay clear and capable when I’m overwhelmed inside? We explore inner patterns and emotional reactions and show the body how to self-regulate — even in high-pressure situations. I use neuro-meditation, breathwork, and coaching — all grounded in science, but always practical and personal.
And for those stuck in recurring patterns, I also integrate shadow work to reveal the unconscious parts that often hold us back—like the need to always be perfect or in control.
When you understand what’s happening inside — mentally, emotionally, physically — you stop fighting yourself. And that’s where lasting change begins.
In your experience, what are the key life phases or transitions where women, especially leaders or entrepreneurs, tend to lose their sense of clarity? And why is it so crucial to get the right support during those times?
There are certain life transitions that can cloud our inner clarity—whether we’re leading a team, holding a family together, or navigating deeply personal shifts like motherhood, loss, or unexpected change.
Sometimes it’s a subtle shift — the feeling that a life you once chose no longer fits. Sometimes it’s a turning point: becoming a mother, moving through midlife, or facing a loss that changes everything.
As roles fall away, the questions get louder: What do I truly want? Who am I when I’m not constantly performing?
When clarity is missing, we often freeze in a quiet kind of overwhelm. Deep down, we sense that something wants to shift, but we don’t give ourselves permission to look.
In these moments, having a compassionate sparring partner can be transformational—someone who listens between the lines, asks the right questions, and helps you hear your own voice again. Not from pressure, but from truth.
And it’s not just emotional. When the nervous system stays in survival mode, it’s hard to make aligned decisions. Even if things “look fine” on the outside, we feel tense, distracted, or just… off.
This is where breathwork, neuro-meditation, and nervous system-based self-regulation can make all the difference. These tools bring us back to our needs, boundaries, and inner signals — and with them, to ourselves.
We show up differently: clearer, calmer, and rooted in self-leadership, no matter where or how we carry responsibility.
You’ve been an active part of the Women & Business community. As someone with both corporate and coaching experience, what do you think is the biggest challenge facing female entrepreneurs today?
The biggest pressure often comes from within. Many women carry an invisible load — striving to be successful, lead with empathy, support their families, and stay calm through it all.
This constant “I need to function” disconnects us from our inner stability. But aligned decisions don’t come from exhaustion. They come from clarity, selftrust, and nervous system safety.
We talk a lot about sustainable business, but what about sustainability in how we treat ourselves? So many women skip meals, skip breaks, and skip rest — until their body says: I can’t keep running on empty.
Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s leadership. Because how we treat ourselves shapes how we lead, decide, and connect with others.
Adrienn Kühl
www.adriennkuehl.com/ instagram.com/adrienn.kuehl
For a long time, I thought strength meant doing everything alone. Now I know: true strength is making yourself a priority and not apologizing for it.
Today, I support women who give a lot and are ready to reconnect with the source of their power — not to do more, but to live more consciously, clearly, and on their own terms.
Looking ahead, what excites you most in your business?
Right now, I work mostly 1:1, combining coaching, mentoring, and neuro-meditation to support those who carry a lot — in life, in leadership, or within themselves. This work is personal, honest, and deep, and that’s exactly what I love.
But something new is emerging: more group settings. Small events, team sessions, and retreats. And every time, I see how powerful it is when the right space meets the right impulse — even in high-performance environments.
Many have asked: Can I take your meditations with me? Soon the answer is yes. I’m creating a signature audio series — neuroscience-based meditations for inner strength, nervous system regulation, and reconnection with your most grounded, authentic self.
And if you’re planning a retreat, team event, or gathering and want to integrate science-backed tools that support emotional clarity and resilience, I’d love to bring this work to your space. Let’s co-create an experience that resonates deeply and lingers long after the moment ends.
Ready to move beyond the constant pressure to keep it all together and make yourself a true priority again? I’m here to walk with you 1:1 — coaching or mentoring, not to do more, but to become more of who you already are.
Rooted in Freedom
Your life story could easily fill a book, but if you had to describe who you are right now, how would you express your essence in just a few words?
It is very difficult to define yourself with a few words and for me it is even more difficult because I never had one single path I followed but many. For years I was struggling with this characteristic of mine because we live in a world where it is better to have a successful career or at least a hobby that can mark your way in life. For now I think my passion for travel and yoga might be the key to finding my true self or purpose in life. Work is still in progress.
You’ve lived in many countries around the world, but it seems that India has become a place you return to again and again. What makes India so special to you?
India is special and it is something that everybody can agree with, even those who might not like it and never want to visit it ever. My first trip to India was a pretty general visit, two weeks exploring the Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur). That is something most of the first-time visitors do. It happened in 2011 and it was my very first trip to an exotic country out of Europe. Even though I had dreamt of this trip since high school and wanted to go so badly, I have to admit it was a bit of a shock at first, mostly because of the hectic, crazy life, noise and traffic I saw everywhere. Despite all the odds though, I was sure one day I would go back. And it happened in 2017 during my 14 month SE Asia traveling when I ended up in Kerala, the south of India to do a 200 hour yoga teacher training course. That time I spent two months in the country and it had a long term effect. I fell in love and ever since I have been in and out of India. It captured my heart through my senses, the colours, the flavours, the delicious food, the kindness and curiosity of the people. India is simple but profound, chaotic but calming, horrific but mesmerizing at the very same time and I think this complexity is what touched me so deeply.
How did your journey with ashram retreats begin, and what has been the most transformative part of those experiences for you?
It all started in 2017 when I did my first yoga TTC (teacher training course) there in the south. I loved Kerala, I loved this relatively smaller Indian city called Trivandrum and I was sure it was not my last time there. Two years later, in 2019 I texted my Indian yoga teacher from that course and asked if he knew any place in India where I could practice yoga and that is simple but organized, cheap and offers yoga classes every day. He recommended me to visit the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram in Neyyar Dam, Kerala. As soon as the rickshaw driver parked his tuktuk outside the ashram and I saw the tall coconut trees, the nearby lake and exotic plants, I knew this was The Place. I spent three weeks there and I couldn’t be happier. I enjoyed the calmness and deep spiritual vibe that infused every corner of the ashram and I also loved that it was full of people not just from around the world, but also from all over India. A few years later I went back for two months, then later I decided to become a karma yogi (volunteer) for three months, and recently I have just come back from my last ashram adventure of 8 months of volunteer work. Each time I felt that my stay was great but not enough.
Many people see India as intense or even dangerous, especially for women traveling alone. What has your personal experience been like, and what would you say to someone who feels curious but hesitant?
India is an amazing place, but I totally understand if people have their concerns. I think one has to have a huge amount of curiosity and open mind to travel there and it is not because it’s dangerous but because it’s pretty hectic and chaotic. It is very different from anything you know or ever experienced, it is like traveling in time and space. There is no such thing as normal in India. Forget about normal and be prepared for the unexpected, the mindblowing, the heart-shaking, the crazy and unique. I truly think there is no other place like this. I went to India 6 times, all alone, traveled around the country from South to North, East to West and never felt in danger. People are generally nice, welcoming and curious about you as a visitor, and the places that tourists go to are absolutely safe. Of course you have to have a certain level of confidence as they can be a bit overwhelming when approaching you and asking for a selfie or money but overall it’s a safe place where magic can await around each corner.
Orsi Vincze
From the outside, it feels like you live by a different rhythm than most people, one that’s less tied to status or material success. Is this something you consciously chose, or did it evolve naturally for you over time?
I think it happened naturally but was meant to happen that way. I used to have a socially accepted, so called ‘normal’ life as well, with a normal office job, but I felt it was too tight and narrow for my soul. I always had this adventurous spirit and I made decisions not based on logic but gut feelings and intuition. Even if at a younger age I did not realize this on a conscious level, now I know that I always tended to follow my heart instead of following the socially advised or accepted ways. At 30 I decided to quit my super job at one of the coolest companies of my country and moved to Spain to start from zero, because living in Barcelona had been a dream of mine and I did not want to let it go. During those years I met a few people who traveled around the world with a one way ticket and a backpack. I admired them and this little buzz started to grow in me about doing the same one day. At 39 I had the Big Moment that changed my life forever. My company had financial difficulties and decided to close one of their offices, the one where I was working back then so they fired us and instead of paying back my mortgage with the money I received I booked my one way ticket to SE Asia. I had no idea for how long I would travel. One month became two, then three and all together I spent 14 months in 10 countries having the best time of my life. This experience changed me forever. Not only have I kept traveling as much as possible ever since, but I also decided to never go back to an office job ever. The path is not an easy one because this huge freedom brings lots of instability but I try to be true to myself and my core values and I can say if my life comes to an end today, I will die happily knowing I had a life I wanted.
You now lead small group journeys to India. What are these trips like, and who do you feel they are truly meant for?
The idea came during my second visit to India, when I spent two months at the Sivananda ashram and completed a traditional Ayurvedic cleansing called panchakarma. I had been dealing with thyroid issues and wanted a natural, holistic way to support my healing. The two week therapy was not only physically powerful but also transformative on a mental and emotional level. I felt balanced, calm, and truly connected to myself.
When I started sharing my experience online, friends and followers became curious, and I realized how many people longed for something similar but felt unsure about doing it alone. That’s when I decided to create small-group journeys: three-week trips that begin with exploring Kerala —its nature, food, and culture —and end with two weeks of panchakarma in the ashram. These journeys are meant for anyone seeking deeper connection, healing, and self-discovery in a safe, supportive group.
So if you feel the call to visit India but might also feel scared to go alone, you can join me on my next panchakarma adventure in January. Limited spots are available, so hurry up and send me an email to astuyogatravel@gmail.com
Gratitude Made Me Hotter
(AND OTHER SURPRISING SIDE EFFECTS OF SAYING “THANK YOU”)
Here’s something I didn’t expect to say in 2025: I owe my mental health, social life, and possibly my new glow to one simple thing — gratitude.
Not therapy (though bless it), not green juice, not my new San Francisco zip code. Gratitude. The quiet, slightly cheesy act of saying “thank you” to life — every day, or, let’s be honest, most days.
It all started on September 16th, when I decided to post daily gratitude updates online. I figured it would keep me accountable, maybe boost my mood a little, and gently trick my brain into optimism. What I didn’t realize was that I was about to activate the universe’s secret VIP lounge.
Gratitude, Engage
Within a week, something shifted. I wasn’t spiraling over tiny things. I wasn’t waking up anxious about emails or existential dread (the two genders). Instead, I was calm. Peaceful. Unbothered.
Was I becoming… one of those people? The ones who glow from within and say things like, “I don’t chase, I attract”?
At first, I assumed it was a fluke — or maybe I’d finally reached caffeine nirvana. But no. Gratitude had hacked my nervous system. It was like my brain had gone from dial-up to fiber optic.
The San Francisco Side Quest
Then the magic really kicked in.
Old friends reappeared in my messages like guest stars in the “gratitude cinematic universe.”
New people started entering my life — open-hearted, funny, wildly inspiring humans who felt like I’d known them for years.
I even partially moved to San Francisco, a city famous for its fog and its ability to charge $8 for toast. Somehow, gratitude made it all shimmer. The light hit differently, conversations flowed easier, even the seagulls seemed less judgmental.
It wasn’t that my life got easier — it’s that I got lighter.
Permission
to Change
Sometimes we forget that we’re allowed to evolve.
We outgrow the way we’ve done things. We crave connection, novelty, stability—or even just the satisfaction of being part of something larger than ourselves. That doesn’t mean we’ve failed at entrepreneurship. It just means we’re human.
Taking this job reminded me that we can be multi-passionate and multi-dimensional. We can love what we’ve built and explore what else we’re capable of.
The Gratitude Glow-Up
Let’s be real: gratitude also made me hotter.
Not in a “new cheekbones” way, but in a “people are drawn to my energy” way. The more thankful I felt, the more radiant I became. Strangers smiled. Dogs liked me more. My reflection started winking back like, “You’re doing great, sweetie.”
My anxiety, once a full-time job, clocked out early. I slept better. My creativity came roaring back. Life felt generous—and I swear, it all started with a few sincere thank-yous.
The Gratitude Conspiracy
I’ve come to believe that gratitude is a cosmic cheat code. Each “thank you” is basically you calling the universe’s customer support line and getting transferred straight to management.
It doesn’t erase the hard stuff—it reframes it. Gratitude whispers, “Yes, this is messy, but look at all that’s still working.” It’s the world’s most underrated power move.
And somehow, when you start appreciating what you already have, life responds by giving you more to appreciate.
Curtain Call
Since September 16th, I’ve gained more than peace. I’ve gained presence. My friendships deepened, my joy expanded, and my life started to feel like it was collaborating with me instead of testing me.
So here’s my unscientific, slightly chaotic advice: try it. Write down three things you’re grateful for every day. Big or small—doesn’t matter. “Grateful I didn’t throw my phone during that Zoom call” counts.
Because gratitude isn’t about being perfect or relentlessly positive. It’s about noticing. Grounding. Choosing to see the good, even on the weird days.
And who knows—maybe it’ll make you a little hotter too.
Photo: Alex Mokhan
Model: Nina Kuzmenko
Strategy,
Strategy,Software, and Soul
I first met Kasia during The Break Program in 2022, and she immediately stood out. Her energy, dedication and powerful combination of strategic thinking and creative flair made a lasting impression on me. Even then, her professional background was impressive, marked by notable achievements, prominent brands, innovative ideas, and tangible impact.
Since that time, she has continued to rise. Today she is not only a serial entrepreneur and service design expert
but also a multi-award-winning professional and a global team leader at a Fortune 500 company.
Whether she is leading AI design projects, building software solutions or facilitating sustainable transformation through service design, Kasia does it all with clarity, precision and deep purpose.
In this conversation, I am honored to introduce you to my friend and one of the most dynamic women in tech and strategy, Katarzyna (Kasia) Młynarczyk.
This year, you were named one of the strongest women in IT globally and awarded for your leadership and innovation. What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally at this point in your journey?
This recognition, especially being listed among the "Strong Women in IT", is first and foremost a validation of my mission and a commitment to the community. Personally, it’s a humbling feeling that my approach — blending strategic business thinking, Service Design, and a passion for technology focused on real-world impact (like with Rebread or Sell a Service) — is resonating. Professionally, I see this as a powerful megaphone. As a serial entrepreneur and an expert in Service Design and AI, I believe technology is a tool to solve global problems. This platform allows me to: Enable more women in IT — showing them they can
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successfully combine empathy and a humancentered design approach with strong technical and business acumen.
My decision to live close to nature in Northern Poland stems from understanding that regeneration is a critical component of resilience, which is fundamental for high-level leadership. How do I achieve this? I follow 3 critical points:
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Promote Lifelong Learning — demonstrating that constant adaptation (from volleyball captain to CEO, to a global leader at a Fortune 500 company) and investment in knowledge (like my MBA in Service Innovation) is the foundation for effective Adaptive and Situational Leadership.
You are leading a global, multicultural team at a Fortune 500 tech company while living in the forest of Northern Poland with your family. How did this lifestyle come to be, and how do you balance highlevel leadership with a slower, more nature-centered way of life?
I don't call it balance; I call it deliberate life design centered around my core values of well-being and focus. The shift from the chaotic pace of a startup CEO to a Global Service Design Manager at Equinix allowed me to redefine effectiveness.
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Grounding and Context: Nature provides the context and distance necessary for true strategic thinking. My most important decisions are often made after a run in the forest, not in a boardroom.
Boundaries as Strategy: I apply Agile and Service Design principles to manage my calendar—what is essential is intentionally designed. I know when to switch off so I can switch on 100% for my global team during critical periods.
Technology as an Enabler, not a Trap: As a technology expert, I leverage it for enablement—to lead global projects without the need for constant travel. It proves that technology can serve a deeper purpose: freedom and a sustainable lifestyle.
As a serial entrepreneur and strategist, you’ve built and launched multiple brands across industries. What drives you to keep creating and how do you decide when it’s time to start something new?
I am driven by a deep sense of purpose and my passion for "connecting the dots." I don't create for creation's sake, but for challenging the status quo — whether through digitizing services (Socjomania) or tackling food waste (Rebread). My inner innovation engine is always geared towards solving real, global problems and transforming them into sustainable solutions.I recognize the time to start something new when I spot a systemic gap and feel I have the unique perspective and team to fill it. My three key criteria are:
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A Problem Worth Solving: Does it have a significant social or environmental impact (e.g., Sell a Service as e-waste SaaS)?
Scalability and a Sustainable Business Model: Can it be built from scratch and achieve a viable P&L (as per my Building from Scratch experience)?
Enablement Potential: Will this project allow me to empower others and promote education in a new, critical field.
You specialize in service design and AI-powered solutions with a strong focus on sustainability. What is the biggest mindset shift companies need to make today to stay relevant and responsible in this fast-changing world?
The biggest mindset shift is moving from "profit maximization at any cost" to "strategic, human- and data-led sustainability."
In the age of AI and the climate crisis, companies must understand that responsibility and profitability are not contradictory; they are mutually reinforcing.
Firstly, Service Design meets AI: We must design responsible AI systems that are ethical and humancentered. This means embedding sustainability and data ethics into the very core of the design process, not adding it as an afterthought. This requires leaders who can synthesize knowledge from diverse fields and weigh human needs and social impact equally with technical efficiency.
Secondly, The Power of Education: As someone who just returned from speaking at the SDN Global Conference — the largest Service Design event in the world, a 12-year career milestone — I see that education is the bridge. Companies must invest in upskilling their teams to understand the implications of AI and sustainable practices. The key is adaptive leadership that can guide people through continuous transformation.
As an entrepreneur, you’ve experienced both great highs and difficult lows. What helped you navigate those moments, and how do you apply that wisdom now as a global team leader?
Entrepreneurship is a constant testing ground for resilience and self-awareness. What carried me through the tough times were three pillars:
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Fundamental Resilience: Built over years in sports (from the bench to Captain—my Foundation in Leadership). Sport teaches you that failure is just feedback, and success is the result of consistent effort and team-building.
The Power of Learning (Lifelong Learning): The lows become the most important lessons. My rule is: "True innovation involves taking risks." This wisdom now allows me, as a global leader, to encourage my team to experiment and foster a safe space for controlled failures.
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A Supportive Community: No one succeeds alone. My commitment to networking and enabling others (especially women) is a two-way street. In the toughest moments, that network was my anchor.
This wisdom translates directly into my Adaptive & Situational Leadership at Equinix — I am a leader who can guide with empathy but also make tough decisions based on the hard-earned lessons from my own entrepreneurial journey.
You’ve worked with governments, embassies, tech giants and startups. Looking at your path so far, what’s the one piece of advice you would give to women who want to lead with both vision and impact?
The one piece of advice that encapsulates my entire journey is: "Your sensitivity is your strength, not a weakness. Lead with authentic curiosity and the courage to synthesize."
Too often, women in IT try to fit an outdated mold of leadership. As a Human-Centered Design expert, I can tell you that your natural empathy and ability to "connect the dots" from various disciplines (technology, psychology, business, culture) is a Superpower.
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Cultivate Curiosity: This is what leads to true innovation and enables your continuous development..
Be a Hybrid Leader: Be the strategist, the entrepreneur, the designer, and the educator simultaneously. In today’s world, the most impactful leaders are those who can operate at the intersection of different disciplines.
Invest in Enablement: Remember that true impact is measured not just by your success, but by how many people (especially women) you have helped unlock their own potential.
Anything else you would like to share?
I would like to emphasize that my entire journey — from sports, through my startup exit, to a Fortune 500 role — is not a story about chasing titles, but about continually designing one’s purpose. Leadership is a journey, not a destination. I am deeply committed to the idea that responsibility for technology lies with those who design it.
Therefore, I encourage everyone, especially women: don't wait for someone to give you a seat at the table; design and build your own table. Invest in education, build your community, and use technology to create social good. That is the true pioneering spirit of the digital age.
Katarzyna Mlynarczyk linkedin.com/in/mlynarczykkatarzyna/
2026 will be the year when artificial intelligence becomes an integral part of everyday marketing. For many female founders and business leaders, this transformation is not about replacing human creativity, but about amplifying it. AI allows us to work smarter, communicate more personally, and focus on what truly matters: vision, growth, and relationships.
Here’s how Europe’s most forward-thinking women in business can use the emerging AI marketing trends to strengthen their brands in 2026.
1HYPER-PERSONALIZATION AS THE NEW STANDARD
AI systems are now capable of understanding audience behaviour, emotions, and preferences with remarkable accuracy. Personalization will no longer be a luxury — it will be the expectation.
Try this: Adopt tools such as HubSpot, Brevo (formerly Sendinblue), or MailerLite — all GDPRcompliant and popular across Europe — to tailor your newsletters and campaigns. Combine them with simple analytics from Google Marketing Platform or Piwik PRO to understand your audience better and create experiences that feel truly personal.
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CREATIVE CAMPAIGNS WITH AN INTELLIGENT EDGE
Generative AI now supports the entire creative process: writing, visuals, even video editing. But the winning brands will be those that use technology to elevate human creativity, not to replace it.
Try this: Explore ChatGPT or Jasper AI for content ideas, and Canva Magic Studio or Runway ML for design and short-form videos. These tools are widely used in European creative industries and can help you save time while keeping your authentic voice front and centre.
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VISIBILITY IN THE ERA OF AI SEARCH
Search behaviour is shifting fast. People increasingly ask AI assistants like Perplexity, Gemini, or ChatGPT Search instead of typing traditional queries into Google. Visibility now depends on how trustworthy and expert-driven your content is.
Try this: Build a content library of insightful articles, case studies, or opinion pieces that reflect your expertise. Use Notion AI or Frase.io to structure your topics and ensure they are discoverable by both search engines and AI systems.
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AUTHENTIC BRANDING OVER AUTOMATION
As AI floods digital channels with mass-produced content, the brands that stand out will be those with a genuine, human identity. In Europe, where values like transparency, quality, and craftsmanship matter deeply, authenticity has never been more powerful.
Try this: Share behind-the-scenes stories on LinkedIn or Instagram, or launch a newsletter on Substack that reflects your personal journey as a leader. Use AI only to refine your message, not to write it for you. Your audience wants your perspective — not perfection.
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SMART SYSTEMS WITH A HUMAN TOUCH
The most successful businesses in 2026 will rely on AI-supported systems that automate without dehumanizing. Automation should enhance your brand’s warmth and efficiency at the same time.
Try this: Use Zapier, Make (formerly Integromat), or Airtable Automations to connect your CRM, website, and communication tools. Set up a simple workflow: when someone books a consultation, they receive a personalized confirmation and a follow-up message a few days later. Consistency builds trust.
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ETHICS, TRANSPARENCY, AND TRUST
European clients are highly conscious of data privacy and ethical AI use. Transparency will be a core value of successful brands.
Try this: Use GDPR-compliant AI tools and mention openly when AI assists your content creation. A short note such as “Created with AI support and human editing” builds credibility rather than suspicion. Demonstrating responsible AI use is the new mark of professionalism.
FINAL THOUGHT
For female entrepreneurs, AI is not about becoming more technical — it’s about becoming more strategic. It gives you time to think, space to create, and the power to connect at a deeper level.
The future of marketing in Europe is not just intelligent. It’s intuitive, ethical, and human-centred — led by women who know how to blend data with empathy and technology with heart.
By Dr. Orsi Szabo
Photo: Alex Mokhan Model: Yulya Zakorchevna
Photo: Amelie Mokhan
Model: Sasha
