Own Your Seat at the Table
Are you a value-driven leader moving into a complex, visible role?
My bespoke coaching helps build grounded confidence and credibility so you can lead with impact.
Apply to Work Together
New leadership roles require a new approach
When you step into a more complex and visible role, you can face multiple challenges, from leading others to navigating complex stakeholder relationships.
You come to realise that hard work is no longer enough. That's what got you this far, won’t get you further. That something needs to change.
This can show up in different ways, from perfectionism and imposter syndrome to over-controlling and over-delivering.
There’s a limit to what quick fixes and surface-level tactics can do.
To move beyond the patterns holding you at the edge of what's possible, you need to go deeper.
You may recognise this
You appear confident and capable - yet still question yourself more than people realise.
You want your confidence to feel grounded internally, not dependent on performance, preparation, or external validation.
You’re highly capable - but still carrying too much yourself.
Delegating feels difficult. Asking for help doesn’t come naturally. And the habits that once made you successful - over-functioning, over-preparing, controlling - are becoming exhausting to sustain.
You know you have more to say and contribute - but still find yourself self-editing in the moments that matter most.
You want to lead in a way that feels more like you: clearer, steadier, less performative - and rooted in the quiet conviction that your voice and presence matter in the room.
These patterns are more common than they appear - especially among thoughtful, high-achieving leaders.
Two transformation systems. One unique process.
Stories live in the mind, but patterns live in the body.
Yet most coaching focuses only on the mind, so change can feel fragile.
My approach integrates both - combining traditional coaching and somatic coaching for transformation that is deeply transformative and highly practical.
Mind
Cognitive coaching techniques for strategic clarity and actionable leadership skills.
Body
Somatic coaching frameworks that reveal and rewire patterns that no longer serve you.
The Result
Grounded confidence, authentic leadership, and credible influence - even in high-pressure situations.
SPECIALIST MIND-BODY LEADERSHIP COACH
Hi, I’m Sanela Lukanovic
My blend of strategic clarity and somatic depth draws on over 15 years’ experience in executive coaching, leadership transformation and business strategy.
The breadth of my credentials and coaching clients informs a singular perspective on leadership challenges in complex, high-stakes environments.
Experience includes:
- Diverse client base, spanning countries, cultures and sectors.
- Trusted by senior leaders in global finance, pharma, fintech, and high-growth startups.
- Background in management consulting and business transformation.
- Podcast appearances including Shift, The Empathy Edge and Radio Somanaut.
Certifications include:
- ICF-accredited Coach U diploma in coaching.
- Somatic coaching (The Somatic School): powerful body-oriented frameworks.
- Firework™ career coaching: high-impact career coaching.
- Dr Brené Brown’s The Daring Way™: leading with courage, vulnerability, and resilience.
100+
Lives Transformed
15+
Years of experience
19+
Certifications and awards
The Shift
Two-system leadership coaching designed to create meaningful and lasting change - for both you and your organisation.
Grounded Confidence
Move from performing confidence
to feeling it more deeply within yourself.
Own your seat at the table without constantly second-guessing your value.
Better Self-Awareness
Understand the patterns shaping how you lead, react, communicate, and push yourself.
Recognise what drives and what quietly drains you.
Respected Voice
Communicate with greater clarity and steadiness in high-stakes situations.
Be heard and valued without over-explaining, over-proving, or shrinking yourself.
Credible Influence
Lead in a way that builds trust, alignment, and meaningful change.
Develop influence that feels authentic rather than performative.
Visible Impact
Make meaningful contributions that are recognised and remembered.
Move beyond hard work alone to leadership that is seen, felt, and trusted.
A Thoughtful, High-Touch Coaching Experience
I work with a small number of clients at a time, allowing the coaching to be deeply personalised, thoughtful, and responsive to your needs.
This is high-touch leadership coaching designed to support meaningful and lasting change - both professionally and personally.
Leadership Coaching
Bespoke 1:1 coaching designed around your leadership, goals, and stage of growth.
Typically 6 or 12 months, with cadence tailored to your needs.
Resource Library
A curated collection of frameworks, reflections, tools, and leadership resources to support your growth between sessions.
Dedicated Client Platform
A private space designed to support ongoing reflection, integration, and between-session momentum.
IN THEIR WORDS
Trusted by Value-Driven Leaders
Sangeeta Jethwa
Integrated Product Team Lead · Pharma · Switzerland
Sanela has been a critical partner for me on my leadership journey, helping me strengthen my authenticity, courage and, ultimately, my impact. I always leave each session with concrete things to try, and an increased confidence that I have the ability to lead through challenging situations with courage, kindness and excellence.
Dite Jakupovski
Global HR Executive · Tech · Netherlands
I've always been successful in my career, but I felt frustrated that I wasn't making the impact I wanted. Coaching with Sanela helped me uncover beliefs and behaviours that I thought were useful, but instead kept me away from being fully seen and owning my own success at work. I now have greater clarity of what I stand for, what I want, and the skills to be braver with my career and my life.
Julia McColl
Director of Partnerships · Fintech · UK
Sanela helped me reset my expectations of who I am and want to be. She helped me identify thoughts and behaviours that were no longer serving me - and made me recognise the double standards I was applying to myself versus others. I feel genuinely stronger as a result, and more certain about my career direction than I have ever been.
Caroline Goodey
Senior Strategy Manager VP · Banking · UK
My new role is going well - I'm focusing on what I want out of it, and my energy for work is back up. The changes we identified have made a difference well beyond the office. I still find our sessions to be the best money I, or my company, have spent on my development.
The Leadership Patterns Diagnostic
Explore the leadership patterns that helped you get here and may now be quietly holding you back from where you want to go next.
Discover your pattern
Are We a Good Fit?
Ideal if You Are...
- A leader navigating complexity, visibility or transition.
- Looking for a close partnership over 6-12 months.
- Ready to commit to personal transformation.
- Prepared to secure corporate sponsorship.
Not Suitable If You Want...
-
Quick-fixes or overnight transformations
-
Transactional coaching - solely task setting and accountability
-
High-volume, low-cost coaching with minimal interaction
-
Group coaching
Apply for a Deeply Transformative Experience
I consider it a privilege to collaborate with values-driven leaders. To apply for coaching, simply drop me an email. I may ask a few qualifying questions to ensure a strong fit.
We'll arrange a discovery call, followed by a proposal and, once confirmed, a bespoke coaching plan. I'm excited to hear from you.
