In today's fast-paced business world, the role of leadership advisors and coaches becomes increasingly crucial. As organizations navigate through complexities and rapid changes, these professionals offer invaluable guidance and support to leaders, helping them maximize their potential and drive transformative growth. This is especially visible in the context of recognizing the untapped potential of women in business initiatives. Due to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in leadership positions, it is crucial to identify them and empower women leaders to not only enhance diversity and inclusivity but also unlock new avenues for growth and innovation.
Nana Hovhannisyan, the CEO of 8.18 Consulting is a seasoned leadership advisor, executive coach, and HR expert with over two decades of global experience. With a deep commitment to personal and professional growth, she has made significant strides in reshaping corporate cultures, enhancing workforce efficiency, and achieving strategic goals. “Trust your inner voice, best solutions come from within”, believes Nana Hovhannisyan.
A Journey of Empowerment & Growth
Nana's journey began over a decade ago when she transitioned from her role as an HR Director and Executive Board member in a leading bank to establish 8.18 Consulting, an HR and management consulting agency. Driven by purpose, she envisioned a path where she could invest her energy into meaningful and valuable projects and collaborate with like-minded individuals. “In times of uncertainty and when the waves are high, I always remind myself of the sentence from the famous cartoon- ‘Just keep swimming’, Nana Hovhannisyan.
Established in Armenia yet with a worldwide presence, 8.18 Consulting embodies a feminine, vulnerable yet resilient strength. Specializing in human resource consulting and executive coaching, the agency is committed to investing the right talent in the right place. Their offerings extend to bespoke leadership development and people management programs, focusing on nurturing strong, empowered teams and aligning values for organizational success. Through strengthening teams, setting clear goals and objectives, and guiding them towards achievement, 8.18 Consulting exemplifies the ethos of supporting leaders while fostering inclusive growth and development. In other words, they are Business Architects, as is proclaimed by the agency itself.
Empowering Women for Leadership & Transformative Growth
One of Nana's core beliefs is the importance of empowering women in leadership and entrepreneurship. As a female leader herself, she champions inclusivity, diversity, and the importance of aligning team goals with individual interests. As the CEO, Nana Hovhannisyan encountered multifaceted challenges, notably rooted in the internal struggles faced by women in leadership roles. One prominent obstacle she identified was the intrinsic reluctance to dare to dream big. She noticed a common barrier among aspiring female leaders worldwide: a mindset ingrained with fear that hindered individuals from setting ambitious goals aligned with their aspirations. Drawing from her own journey and commitment to empowering women, Nana recognized this pervasive fear as a significant obstacle among female leaders around the world.
Another challenge Nana pinpointed: the pervasive self-doubt undermining one's belief in their ability to achieve the objectives they have set. This internal struggle, she emphasized, often manifested as a reluctance to venture into unfamiliar territories or pursue ambitious endeavors. Navigating through this barrier required not only confronting the fear of failure but also actively seeking solutions to bridge knowledge and competency gaps.
Nana's approach to overcoming these challenges involved a blend of advocacy, mentorship, and self-reflection. By fostering a supportive environment and equipping women with the necessary tools and mindset, she aimed to embolden them to pursue their aspirations with confidence. Through her initiatives spanning diverse geographic locations, Nana endeavored to instill a culture of empowerment, challenging societal norms and fostering a community of resilient, ambitious leaders prepared to navigate the complexities of the global business landscape.
Nana's leadership philosophy revolves around fostering a culture of empowerment and growth, where team members find fulfillment in pursuing their passions and realizing their potential. She believes in the importance of investing in the right talent and providing opportunities for growth and development. Leveraging her extensive experience in training and development, Nana sees coaching as a unique approach that empowers individuals by prompting self-reflection and decision-making.
In her leadership approach, Nana Hovhannisyan prioritizes the happiness and growth of her team, believing that their fulfillment and development are pivotal to driving the company forward. She emphasizes ambition not only in envisioning new projects and directions but also in fostering alignment within the team. Rather than dictating goals, she engages in meaningful dialogue, valuing each team member's input and interests. By encouraging them to think boldly and set ambitious goals, especially pertinent for female staff who may hesitate to aim high, she instills confidence and a sense of empowerment. Moreover, Nana advocates for autonomy, allowing team members the freedom to execute tasks in their preferred manner while offering unwavering support whenever needed. This inclusive and supportive leadership style cultivates a collaborative environment where individuals feel valued, motivated, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
In times of uncertainty & when the waves are high, I always remind myself of the sentence from the famous cartoon - ‘Just keep swimming’
“In times of uncertainty and when the waves are high, I always remind myself of the sentence from the famous cartoon- ‘Just keep swimming’", adds Nana Hovhannisyan.
Pioneering Coaching in Armenia
Having achieved Master’s Certification from the International Coaching Federation and being one of 2000 unique professionals worldwide, Nana is at the forefront of pioneering coaching in her community. Recognizing the transformative power of coaching, she has made it her mission to amplify its impact and empower individuals to achieve their full potential. She believes that by integrating coaching principles into leadership training and strategic sessions, it is possible to ensure a holistic approach to personal and professional development.
Leveraging her extensive experience in training and development spanning over 20 years, Nana saw coaching as a unique approach that offers solutions and motivation distinct from traditional methods. As she delved deeper into the coaching realm, she recognized its potential to empower individuals and teams by prompting self-reflection and decision-making.
Establishing the chapter of the International Coaching Federation in Armenia became her mission, driven by the belief that coaching could catalyze personal and professional growth in her country. Balancing her roles as an MCC Coach, the President of the International Coaching Federation of Armenia, and as the CEO of 8.18 Consulting, Nana seamlessly integrates coaching principles into leadership training and strategic sessions, finding harmony in her diverse yet interconnected pursuits.
"As a woman leader, I recognize the diversity among individuals. Personally, I thrive in a dynamic environment that offers variety. While some may caution against multitasking, I believe in finding a balance in life that leads to harmony. It's about making small adjustments that can make a significant impact. Being fully present and invested in each task at hand is key. This approach allows for a more engaging and balanced experience, ensuring that the right focus is given at the right moments”, shares Nana Hovhannisyan.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Nana envisions thriving in both UAE and Armenia, with potential expansion into other lucrative markets. Her goal is to lead successful business and social initiatives, collaborating with exceptional individuals on impactful projects that drive growth and make a difference in the world.
Nana Hovhannisyan's leadership journey is a testament to the power of purposeful transformation, resilience, and continuous growth. Through her dedication to transforming teams and individuals, empowering women, pioneering coaching, and fostering a culture of growth, she is paving the way for a brighter future for individuals and organizations alike.
Nana Hovhannisyan, CEO, 8.18 Consulting
Nana Hovhannisyan, a seasoned leadership advisor and executive coach with over two decades of global experience, currently leads as the President of the International Coaching Federation of Armenia & CEO of 8.18 Consulting. With a successful track record in strategic business development and executive coaching, her educational journey reflects a commitment to continuous learning and excellence, culminating in studies at Said Business School, Oxford. Specializing in bespoke leadership development and people management programs, she reshapes corporate culture, enhances workforce efficiency, and achieves strategic goals.
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