Female business leadership isn't a side note here — it's something we actively back. Studying at EDU Effective gives many of our graduates the tools and confidence to start building something of their own, and supporting new female founders matters more now than ever. For this piece, we sat down with Kristina Ivancova to talk through her work, her path as an entrepreneur, and what studying with us actually looked like for her.
Kristina, what led you to start the "I Can Eat" brand? What challenges came with starting your own business?
The impulse for starting the "I Can Eat" project was a combination of personal experiences and frustration. About four years ago, I lost 35 kg, and three years later, after my second childbirth, I lost another 20 kg. I went through many unsustainable diets. When I decided to get a figure in which I would feel good, it was clear that I did not want to restrict myself from eating. After a year and a half, I achieved a significant physical transformation, learned to eat correctly, exercise effectively, and improved my relationship with food.
However, I still encountered misunderstandings and myths about weight loss in my surroundings. I realized how many women are confused, suffer from the yo-yo effect, restrict themselves, and starve. This inspired me to start raising awareness about losing weight without drastic diets and exercise and still achieve the desired figure.
I published an e-book, "I Can Eat! I Will Lose Weight at Last," purchased by over 1,000 women. This book is a practical step-by-step weight loss manual. Thanks to the positive feedback on the book, I established the brand "I Can Eat." I now offer online courses, group programs, and VIP individual collaborations focused on sustainable weight loss without starvation and changing food-related habits.
The "I Can Eat" project teaches women that drastic diets or fasting are unnecessary to achieve and maintain a slim figure. We promote a healthy approach to food that includes favourite treats like chocolate or pizza without guilt or a bad conscience.
I didn't perceive any significant obstacles to starting a business. Today's opportunities allow us to perform excellently and build a company from the ground up. The only limitation can be time, but if you have a passion for your work, you'll find a way to manage it.
What led you to the Effective MBA in Coaching, Mentoring, and Leadership at EDU Effective? What did you expect going in, and were those expectations met?
Before starting the Effective MBA in Coaching, Mentoring, and Leadership, I already had experience with mentoring and coaching, but I wanted to develop further and gain more practice. What I appreciated most was the ability to study thoroughly from home, which was ideal as a new mother of my second child.
I expected new perspectives in interpersonal relationships, client obstacle resolution, and enriching my mentoring program. These expectations were met. Studying in English and the microlearning approach were also significant benefits.
How do you actually apply what you learned in your day-to-day business? Any specific examples?
The knowledge from my studies intertwines with all aspects of my business — from strategy to client communication. To offer clients quality services, I need to be able to realize their ideas, which requires structure and expertise.
For example, the group weight loss program can be compared to individual collaboration. In the group program, I emphasize support and motivation, which requires team leadership skills that I learned during my studies. In individual mentoring, listening and gently pushing clients out of their comfort zone is crucial. EDU Effective helped me improve the program's structure and ability to read clients' hidden signals.
How has your education shaped your approach to coaching and mentoring clients? What new techniques have you actually implemented?
My approach to coaching and mentoring has shifted from personal experiences to professional guidance based on clients' needs. I introduced clear topics for joint consultations in group programs and focused my lectures on solving short-term and long-term problems. Thanks to my studies, I created a better system for individual mentoring and coaching, increasing the overall professionalism of my business.
How do you balance your personal life against running your own business?
As a mother of two and an entrepreneur, balancing personal life and business is challenging. I learned to eliminate unnecessary things and set priorities. Although I often work in the evenings, I have more time for family during the day. The key is practical planning and combining work with family responsibilities.
What's next for "I Can Eat," and how will your EDU Effective education shape where you take it?
My long-term vision is to expand the "I Can Eat" program among as many women as possible and create a broad community that supports healthy and sustainable weight loss. Over time, I want to enrich my brand with more mentors and coaches who can pass on my know-how and provide individual support to clients. In this direction, I will use the knowledge from my studies, which focus on team leadership and effective management.
The knowledge gained at EDU Effective will help me develop and innovate the program and plan and implement new methods that will ensure an even higher quality of services. These steps will significantly impact and help more women reach their goals.
Striking a genuine balance between building a career and devoting time to your family is no myth. All it takes is a system and support that make it possible to manage both — and thanks to EDU Effective, it really is possible.
More stories like Kristina's: From Ambition to Achievement: The Journey of Three EDU Effective Scholars
All best-selling Effective MBA programs run on the same model: 15 minutes a day, 10 months or less, ASIC accredited, from €990. These are professional programs, not academic ones — built for working adults to apply what they learn directly in their own business.
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