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Olivera Bugarinović

1:1 coaching and mentoring

What does our work together look like?

We use coaching when you need space to arrive at your own answer. Mentoring when you benefit from experience, perspective and concrete input. Most often it is a combination of both.

Book an introductory conversation

Four principles

What our work is built on

  1. We start from what matters to you

    The conversation starts from the situation, decision, challenge or goal that is important to you at that moment.

  2. We choose the right approach

    We use coaching when you need space to arrive at your own answer; mentoring when you benefit from experience, perspective and concrete input.

  3. We work on the decision or the change

    We look at options, patterns, obstacles and what can realistically be changed or improved in your context.

  4. We agree on action steps

    We end the conversation with clear guidance and concrete action steps you can apply. In the following sessions we track their effect and, where needed, adjust the next steps to your situation and progress.

The process

What the coaching and mentoring process looks like

The process usually involves up to 6 fortnightly 1:1 sessions, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the topic, the goal and the complexity of the situation.

Introductory conversation

We talk about your situation and expectations so that I can assess whether your topic falls within my area of work and whether coaching or mentoring is the right format. At the same time you get to know how I work and decide whether you see in me someone you can trust and want to work with.

  1. Introductory conversation
  2. Agreeing how we work
  3. 1:1 sessions
  4. Insights and action steps
  5. Follow-up and adjustment
  6. Closing review

Throughout the process we look at the topic from different angles, consider the options, agree on action steps and follow them up, adapting the work to your situation, progress and the complexity of the topic. Sessions take place online at agreed times and, when needed, in person in Belgrade.

Additional digital support

Olivera | AI Mentor between 1:1 conversations

A support tool available 24/7. A prompt for reflection, not a ready-made solution.

AI Mentor lets you ask questions, analyse different situations, explore ideas and narrow them down to the ones that feel most relevant, so that we can then look at them together in our next 1:1 sessions.

It can help you see a topic from several angles, ask further questions and open up perspectives you may not have considered before. The answers it gives are not necessarily tailored to every circumstance of your specific situation, which is why it is important to treat them as food for thought rather than ready-made solutions.

AI can be a useful tool, but it cannot replace the human relationship, trust, experience and understanding of the wider context that grow through 1:1 work. When it comes to important career, professional or personal decisions, a conversation allows us to weigh different perspectives together against your real circumstances, priorities and what you want to achieve.

1:1 work with Olivera
Try AI Mentor

When AI, and when a 1:1 conversation

  • AI Mentor is useful for

    Asking questions the moment they come up, analysing different situations, exploring ideas and narrowing them down to the ones that feel most relevant.

  • 1:1 work is for

    Important career, professional or personal decisions, where trust, experience and an understanding of the wider context of your situation are needed.

  • How they complement each other

    What you open up through AI Mentor between sessions, we look at together in the next 1:1 sessions.

An important decision deserves a conversation.

Book an introductory conversation

Questions and answers

Is this the right kind of support for you?

Answers to the questions people most often ask before getting in touch.

Are coaching and mentoring the right kind of support for me?

This way of working may suit you if you feel the need to talk about an important topic with someone experienced, in a safe and confidential space, without judgement or pressure.

Through coaching and mentoring I will help you see your situation more clearly, offer a different perspective and my own experience where that is useful, and support you in reaching decisions and concrete next steps that make sense for you.

Everything you share with me during our individual work remains confidential and in line with the EMCC code of ethics.

Do I need a clearly defined problem or goal before the first session?

You do not. People often come precisely because they feel something needs to change, but cannot yet define exactly what.

Your topic can be a specific decision you are torn about, assertive communication, managing your focus, problems at work or a particular skill you want to develop, but it can also be a broader question such as: “How do I adapt to the new AI trends?”, “I don’t feel good in my current situation” or “I know I need a change, but I don’t know where to start”.

Our first conversation is there precisely so that we can look at the situation together and decide what makes the most sense to work on.

Are the topics strictly career-related?

The topic of our work can be professional, personal or a combination of the two.

Career and professional development are an important part of my work, but I do not look at a person separately from their wider life context.

Personal circumstances, relationships, a lack of confidence, recognising personal boundaries, stress or life changes often have a direct effect on work and professional development, and the other way round.

The topics I most often work on are:

  • changing jobs, positions or career direction
  • understanding and embracing new technologies, with a focus on AI
  • developing leadership skills
  • building confidence and assertive communication
  • setting boundaries and recognising personal priorities
  • managing focus and attention
  • managing yourself in stressful situations
  • a better balance between work and private life

Do you work only with individual clients or with companies too?

I work with both individuals and organisations.

Individual clients can contact me directly when they want support with their career, personal or professional development and well-being.

Companies can engage coaching and mentoring for their employees, for example to develop managers, prepare employees for new responsibilities, improve communication, develop leadership skills, manage priorities better, adapt to change or support employees in the areas that matter to them.

How long is a session?

One individual session lasts 45 minutes. For a series of sessions, the preferred rhythm is a meeting every two weeks or once a month.

We can agree on:

  • a single individual session, when a quick decision is needed
  • a package of 6 sessions, when we want to work on a specific development goal with continuity
  • a long-term, year-round collaboration with one session a month, for people who value having a continuous space for reflection, development and important decisions throughout the year

Have a question that is not on the list?

Write to me