Oasis EQ

08/11/2025

What does it mean to belong when you are thousands of miles from home? How do communities shape us, heal us, and give us a place to stand in a world that can feel fragmented?

On 29 October I was honoured to participate at the Turkish National Day reception held at The University of Edinburgh.

Surrounded by diverse voices, I caught myself thinking that community is not just a gathering of people. It is that invisible thread that connects our stories, our hopes, our shared resilience.

As someone actively engaged in the Azerbaijani community, I know these moments of connection carry deep significance. They are regular confirmations that 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬.

A special thanks to the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkiye for their warm hospitality, which transformed the evening into a true celebration of unity and hope.

What resonated most was the conversations about Atatürk’s lasting legacy as a symbol of unity, progress and forward-looking leadership that continues to inspire our communities.

We live in a world full of division. Having these gatherings offer a chance to remember that our strength lies in the communities, we should nurture them no matter where we live.

This weekend i feel gratitude and a renewed commitment to continue building bridges through shared initiatives and ongoing collaborations.

Who are the communities that hold you? How do they shape your journey?

07/11/2025

Facilitating meaningful conversations and practical learning moments light up creative energy and teamwork.

This can be achieved only through creating a safe space where teams feel seen, ideas flow and action follows.

I’ve found that genuine progress comes from clear language, practical tools and a rhythm that keeps participants engaged without hype.

Over the past weeks, I’ve been refining a facilitation approach that blends interactive activities with real-world outcomes, so teams leave with concrete steps they can implement the next day.

The results speak: higher participation, more cross-team collaboration, a measurable lift in ideas moving from concept to action.

If your organisation wants sessions that deliver lasting impact (not just inspiration), I’d love to explore how a tailored workshop or keynote could help.

What’s the one outcome you want from your next workshop or talk?

05/11/2025

A week ago the VIP launch for the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 training programme brought together an incredible community of trainers and delegates.

Main drive for all? The drive for professional growth and meaningful change.

Each trainer shared their passion and expertise, from leadership and digital marketing to key business skills. The Chamber now offers a rich and diverse menu of learning opportunities.

Personally I was delighted to introduce my new course: 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘆𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. Designed for professionals and teams, this course can be tailored for any industry. The aim is simple: help people break free from self-doubt and show up with confidence every day.

A huge thank you to the Chamber team for organising the event and fellow trainers for a packed and engaging launch.

Just reflecting on the event and I came to realisation that we are not just delivering training. We are shaping the future of skills, confidence and connection across our region. And that is pretty cool.

Download the brochure here https://agcc.typeform.com/course-brochure and contact for more information

18/10/2025

16/10/2025

Myth: Imposter syndrome is a superpower.

Reality: If it’s a superpower, then it should remind you one of those uninvited house guests who comes in, criticises you and everything around and constantly shouts: ‘you don’t belong here’.

Imposter syndrome is about your brain playing the worst kind of prank by convincing you that every success is a fluke and every step is a disaster waiting to happen.

Superpower?

Well, here is the plot twist.

Surviving and overcoming it means you are basically a superhero in disguise. Well, maybe with a messy cape and awful coffee habits.

But a superhero nonetheless.

The real power (your superpower) lies not in ignoring that voice, but in recognizing it for what it is and still showing up.

What do you do with those uninvited guests?

08/10/2025

Hands up if you’ve ever felt imposter syndrome… honestly, it’s wild how many of us do!

Talking about what it means, how it sneaks into our lives and how to push back is one of my favourite things about this work.

Yesterday’s talk filled the room with more people than signed up. The energy was amazing and the stories in the room reminded me we are all in this together.

The more we talk about it, the less power those imposter feelings hold.

Can’t wait to do it all again soon! 💛🙌

05/10/2025

Ah, those subtle ways our internal dialogue shapes outlooks on those around us…

It’s easy to fall into the trap of judging ourselves harshly. We set standards that seem impossible to meet.

What is less obvious is how this self-criticism extends outward and leads to impatience, frustration and quick and unfair judgments of others. And boom, just like that, we risk to loose a genuine connection.

In my work with people and through personal experiences with others, depending on how we see ourselves, our perceptions of others changes and we judge others just the way we judge ourselves.

I notice that when self-critical thoughts dominate, they change our perceptions of others. But when kindness is given to ourselves, it becomes easier to see the good in others

Being kind to ourselves is a simple yet powerful step because it doesn’t require huge changes. We need moments of self-awareness, like noticing negative self-talk and choosing to reframe it. This interrupts the cycle of self-criticism, reduces emotional stress and makes space for more empathy and patience toward others.

Our internal dialogue always shapes how we see the world and those around us. By choosing kindness within, there’s an opportunity to open up to deeper understanding and connection. Notice what happens when kindness leads the way.

02/10/2025

Had a fantastic time delivering my Tackling imposter syndrome and building confidence course at the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce.

In a small, open group, we unpacked the tricky ways imposter feelings show up in our lives and work and hold us back, shared personal stories, explored practical strategies to build genuine confidence.

The space was filled with honesty and vulnerability, allowing everyone to connect deeply, recognise common struggles, discover strengths that will help them tackle imposter syndrome.

It’s always inspiring to witness that moment when self-doubt starts to loosen its grip and people begin to see new possibilities for themselves.

Looking forward to continuing this important conversation and helping more people step into their confidence with tools to manage those imposter feelings when they arise.

#

01/10/2025

Last weekend at the JCI Scotland conference in Aberdeen, I experienced one of those rare events that leaves a lasting impression. The theme ‘Purpose is Power’ was woven deeply into every conversation and connection. The organisers’ incredible efforts created a space filled with energy, professionalism, and meaningful dialogue.

Sharing insights on imposter syndrome with an engaged audience was powerful. The depth of questions showed how universal and personal this topic truly is.

The conference featured diverse perspectives on leadership, resilience, community impact. Speakers and panelists highlighted how purpose shapes decision-making and strengthens businesses rooted in social values. They brought incredible depth and variety, exploring topics from integrity in leadership to building purpose-driven businesses. Each contribution enriched the overall experience.

What stood out most was how purpose brought everyone together, sparking conversations that extended far beyond the sessions. I’m deeply grateful to have been part of this purposeful gathering and excited for these conversations to keep growing.

30/09/2025

Note to self. Do not agree to go to 2 conferences in one week. It’s exhausting. Specially before another busy and important week.

But how could I refuse?

I absolutely loved being a part of The British Psychological Society postgrad conference week ago. So much valuable research. So many interesting conversations. And absolutely fantastic oreeentations.

The keynote speakers Paul Gardner and Dr Katrina Forbes-McKay were brilliant. And well done to all the winners of the best poster, abstract and presentation.

I was lucky to be a symposia chair with my symposia dedicated to Social justice and sustainability. Some unbelievable, deep research and discussions.

Great to meet Karen Twiselton in person as well as have a great discussion about the BPS and future Hub events in Scotland in the future with chair Yana Yaneva.