A few years ago, I made one of the biggest (and scariest) decisions of my life. During the peak of pandemic, I left a 15-year banking career, packed up my life, and moved to Lisbon—a city I had never lived in, in a country where I didn’t speak the language (yet), with no circle of friends or clear roadmap for what comes next.
It wasn’t a picture-perfect leap. It was full of uncertainty, overthinking, anxiety and many moments of “What am I doing?” But it was also the beginning of something deeper and way more significant—a journey of rediscovery and reinvention.
What I found in Lisbon was more than a new home. I found space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with who I really was—beneath the job titles, financial spreadsheets, busy schedules and red-eye flights.
Becoming an expat and the emotional rollercoaster of starting over gave me a fresh perspective on who I was and who I wanted to be. It was in this space—between what was and what could be—that I found my way to coaching.
Coaching became the perfect blend of what I loved most in my past career – building connections and trust, human insight—with a newfound purpose: supporting people in creating the life they truly desire.
I will be your thought partner on this coaching journey—and if you’re standing at crossroads, or just wondering what else might be possible, I’d love to walk a little of the way with you.
I’ve since trained with Erickson Coaching International, one of the most well-respected and distinguished coaching schools globally, known for its solution-focused, transformational approach. I have coached people from diverse backgrounds—drawing not only on my Erickson education but also on years of experience working cross-culturally in international private banking. That experience taught me how to truly listen and connect with people from all walks of life—skills that are now at the heart of my coaching.
Today, I help people navigate their own big transitions: whether it’s a career shift, an international move or the quiet (but powerful) urge to reinvent a life that no longer fits. Coaching isn’t about fixing. It’s about Partnering. Curiosity. Deep listening. Holding space. And asking Powerful questions.
Whether you’re stuck at crossroads, stuck in your own head, or just stuck in the same daily loop, I’m here to ask the important questions, challenge the beliefs that aren’t serving you, and help you move forward—one empowering step at a time.
All is required from you is an open mind, honesty, desire to change, consistency and commitment to translate your learnings into actions towards that big goal. And if we happen to chat over cup of coffee and pastéis de nata in Lisbon? Even better.
Lilu Coaching 