Valb Training – Mentoring Circle Participant

I have known Marina for several years now and I am a beneficiary of Inova Mentoring Circles.

I joined a Mentoring Circle in 2008 after being made redundant from my job. Marina was the facilitator and supported me with my decision to move into self employment and the experience was very empowering. I have since engaged in other Inova projects and always found Marina to be extremely professional, an exceptional motivator and mentor.

Marina has excellent communication skills and in depth knowledge and understanding of supporting and mentoring people wishing to start a business. She supported me to develop my business idea and to take the necessary steps to put my ideas in place. My experiences at Inova encouraged me to engage in further education and this has been an additional positive outcome. I completed a Foundation Degree in Sustainable Communities and a teaching qualification which have both benefited my business. Marina supported me to put an action plan and a business plan in place. This allowed me to address not just my business needs but covered my emotional needs. I am now a self employed trainer, facilitator and consultant and I have been able to cascade what I learnt at Inova to others.

A key outcome of the Inova project that Marina taught me was the importance of investing in my own self development and to acknowledge my skills, my strengths and weaknesses and to ensure that decisions made were right for me. Marina has the ability to not only make others reflect about their choices but to encourage them to be proactive to make necessary changes to meet their goals and to avoid procrastination. This has helped me to be more aware of opportunities that would have otherwise been missed and to ensure that I followed my dream of starting my business.

I highly recommend Marina as a business coach not only due to her extensive expertise but on account of her empathy and understanding that motivates others. Marina is always professional, aware of the needs of SMEs and individuals. She does all this in a friendly and approachable way.

I have benefited greatly from being involved in the Inova programmes and know many others who have benefited too. Marina regularly presents motivational speeches and encourages networking among Inova beneficiaries. This has been a key part of empowering clients to make and maintain excellent business contacts.