With Kristina Petrovska
By: Genta Abdiji – Product and Curriculum Development Specialist
Leadership isn’t a label you earn right away. It’s about pushing forward when you’re unsure and finding your voice in spaces that don’t always welcome it.
Kristina Petrovska, Senior Training Advisor at iLead Swiss Institute
From the heart of iLead Swiss Institute, Kristina Petrovska’s story shines bright. At the beginning of her journey, she embraced every challenge with openness and determination. Today, as a Senior Training Advisor, her story teaches us that authentic leadership comes from being genuine to oneself, working hard, believing and building relationships that truly matter. It’s also a reminder that the duty of leadership is about people. About staying kind, real, and connected, and never forgetting that being human comes first.
Building Confidence, One Step at a Time
When asked about what helped her build confidence early in her career, Kristina points out:
“Starting as a junior training advisor gave me a solid foundation to observe my colleagues, learn, and gradually take on more responsibility and tasks. Confidence came with time, especially through meeting clients where I had to present the best training solutions based on their specific needs. Every successful training delivery or positive client feedback reinforced that I was moving in the right direction and helped strengthen my confidence in the role.”
👉 Looking to build your own confidence in leadership? Explore our Leadership and Management Programs.
Credibility Through Preparation and Consistency
Kristina emphasizes that credibility is earned through preparation and consistency:
“I focus on preparation and clarity. When clients see that I understand their goals and come prepared with tailored suggestions that align with their objectives, credibility follows naturally. Consistency is key, whether it’s in follow-ups, communication, or simply delivering on what was promised.”
📌 Learn more about how our 3i Learning Model: Inspiration, Involvement, Impact helps leaders gain credibility through practical application.
The Heart of Connection: Listening and Understanding
Building genuine relationships is crucial, and Kristina shares how she approaches this:
Q: Building connections is so important, how do you create genuine relationships in your work?
“Active listening plays a big role. I always try to be fully present and pay close attention to what clients and their teams are really asking for. Often, it’s the small details or questions that open the door to deeper conversations. Understanding the region, staying informed on industry trends, and being aware of the client’s role and challenges also helps turn regular communication into meaningful relationships. People value being heard and understood, and when that happens, relationships become more natural.”
🔗 For further reading: Harvard Business Review – The Power of Listening in Leadership.
How Women in Leadership Build Confidence and Connection
To women just starting out or struggling with confidence, Kristina’s advice is encouraging and honest. She points out:
“Accept every challenge that comes your way. Confidence is something you build through practice. By taking on real problems, addressing issues, and seeing the impact of your work, you gradually begin to trust your own ability. That sense of progress keeps you going. Every experience, even the difficult ones, contributes to your growth, so stay open, stay curious, and let the results speak for you.”
Ready to take the next step? Join one of our Q4 Confirmed Courses and start building confidence today.
Growth and Leadership at iLead
Kristina describes how iLead has supported her professional and personal development:
“The structure and support from iLead’s management gave me the space to grow at a steady pace. I started in an advisory role and gradually stepped into leadership. Professionally, I’ve learned how to manage multiple priorities, think strategically, and support others in their development. I’ve also gained more confidence in decision-making and client engagement. Personally, it has helped me become more proactive, decisive, and intentional in how I lead and support my team, especially in dynamic situations where adaptability and clear communication are essential.”
What She Enjoys Most About Learning and Development
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in Learning and Development?
“What I enjoy most is seeing real growth and progress in both individuals and teams. Learning and Development provide an opportunity to help people build new skills, overcome challenges, and apply what they’ve learned to improve their work and careers. Being part of that process, facilitating learning, guiding change, and contributing to tangible results is very rewarding. It’s also a field that constantly evolves, which keeps the work interesting and encourages continuous learning on my part as well.”
Making an Impact Every Day
At iLead, making an impact is central to how they work. Kristina explains:
“At iLead, impact is a core part of our 3i Learning Model. We believe learning is only effective when it directly influences participants’ lives and careers. We aim to ensure that each course participant understands what they have learned and can apply it to achieve a real impact. In my opinion, creating impact means offering reliable support and practical solutions. Whether it’s guiding a team member through a challenge or providing clients with clear, actionable advice, my goal is to make a meaningful difference every day.”
Values That Guide Her Leadership
Kristina shares the core values that shape how she communicates and supports others:
“Professionalism, clarity, and respect guide how I communicate and support others. Being solution-oriented helps me focus on practical outcomes and effective solutions. At the same time, it’s important to create space for my team members and clients to share their ideas and perspectives. Encouraging thoughtful input and listening carefully builds trust and leads to stronger collaboration and better results.”
Conclusion
For any woman figuring out her own path in leadership, Kristina’s story is a reminder that it’s okay to take your time, face the hard stuff head-on, and let what you do speak louder than what you’re called.
At iLead, we support professionals in building confidence, credibility, and connection, the pillars of authentic leadership.
👉 Explore our Leadership and Management Programs
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