Meet Galina Barshay

We had the good fortune of connecting with Galina Barshay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Galina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My family and I came to America as immigrants with the help of American connections despite former USSR restrictions preventing certain religious minorities from leaving the country . I came to America in 1991 with my husband , 14 month old son and four pieces of luggage. My family didn’t speak English. I have gone from a life of needing help in America as an immigrant to a life of helping others by learning how to get through life’s challenges with faith and hard work. Now it is my desire to help others do the same. Being a Certified Professional Life coach allows me to do this . My biggest strength is the love for learning: studying Torah, reading psychology and spiritual books , and seeking to discover all my potential . Problems and challenges bring out the best in us, and help us to grow, to discover our strength , to connect with God, and to become the best we can be.
There are three main reasons that inspired me to become a certified life coach and to start my own business :
– – –
First: A nurse at the hospital where I worked noticed my problem solving, conflict resolution skills, and my caring heart when taking care of patients . She suggested that I become a Certified Professional Life Coach.
The second : It is my way to give back to others after being helped by so many people ; those who assist us to leave the USSR and loving and caring people in America who helped us to adjust to a new country.
Third : To help people to believe in themselves, to see the light of a better future even during difficult and challenging times

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Certified Professional Life Coach through the American Association of Professional Coaches ( AAPC) with a Master’s degree in mathematics. What sets me apart from other coaches is my unique experience as an immigrant , my ability to start life from scratch in America without any fear and to thrive , the ability to personally navigate and overcome numerous challenges, including the profound loss of a loved one. I was able to rise from the pain and suffering when my husband had a paralyzing stroke and I was his sole caregiver during Covid and the following year he died from cancer .
These experiences helped me to develop an effective 8- Step Challenge and Recovery Program . Through this program, clients learn to observe their thoughts and understand the roots of negativity. They build a “savings account” of personal strengths and past achievements that helped them overcome challenges. This empowers them to draw on these reserves and, most importantly, develop faith and confidence. This program has empowered my clients to create lives they truly love. I offer personalized one-on-one coaching and consistent support, and I am passionate about sharing my knowledge to help clients to achieve their life goals.

– I am most proud of my strength, courage to grow and to never ever give up my dreams . When I face a challenge I deal with it and keep going . I consider life as a miracle!!! We can’t control all that will happen to us but we always have control of how we will respond to events.
I am excited about the opportunity to serve and help as many other people as possible to assist them in creating the life they will enjoy . From my perspective , a country is rich when it has happy citizens.
I am where I am today professionally because I understand the meaning of my life – to make the world a better place by helping people to discover their own potential , and to have the strength not only to overcome their challenges but to thrive. It was not easy for me to understand the purpose and meaning of my life . I was able to overcome the challenges by having honest conversations with myself and help from my amazing son who wants me to become the best I can be.
I have learned that to be honest with myself, not to blame others for my mistakes and failures, I can grow and use my mistakes and failures as a foundation for future success .
I would like the world to learn from my unique story of strength , determination and the ability to bring more light, joy and happiness into my own life for me, my family and friends .

My Favorite Phases are:
– You are what you think and eat!
– Happiness is a birthright!
– Life is a miracle!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Mercedes -Benz stadium amazing place to watch the games

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
– The first recognition is going to my parents who instilled in me the love for humanity . My mother instilled in me the love for learning, to be curious, and seeking knowledge.
My father taught me about unconditional love for family and friends. He treated my mother like a queen. He loved people and always had a desire to help even a stranger
– My son , my husband, and my friends were always there to share their wisdom , to help and to support me
– One client who wrote in a testimonial “ I think of Galina as a “Song Spirit”, as her soul sings through her year after year. Her zest for life is infectious and one can’t help but feel more positive in her presence. She gives her heart purely and completely to those she is trying to support and she is very successful! Her coaching has helped me get through some very tough times”.
– Books by Dr. David D. Burns – a clinical psychiatrist and Rabbi Pliskin

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/galina-barshay-lc

Image Credits
My photo at Toastmasters including the competition