Breaking Barriers & Finding Balance. Anna Boltenko’s Wisdom for Women Who Want More
- Diana Onichkina
- Mar 11
- 7 min read
At hwclb.com, connecting with our community members is one of our greatest joys.
It’s always a true pleasure to connect with the incredible women who are shaping the world around us. Our community is filled with inspiring individuals who bring energy, creativity, and wisdom to everything they do, and Anna Boltenko is no exception. She joined the HWCLB family a few years ago, attending our meet-ups, making new friends, and forming business partnerships along the way. Anna has been a constant source of support, insight, and kindness, sharing her journey and empowering those around her. We’re thrilled to dive deeper into Anna’s world in this interview and share her story with you, our wonderful readers.
HWCLB: In a few phrases, please tell us about yourself. Please include how you can be resourceful to others and your life occupation:
I’m Anna Boltenko, PhD, PCC, and a passionate advocate for personal growth, happiness, well-being, and community building. As the founder of RE.SET Coaching and Mentoring, I support individuals navigating life transitions, career growth, and personal development through game-based coaching and emotional intelligence practices. I also lead the Wonder Wonders Foundation and the biggest North Shore Kids Festival in BC, creating initiatives that foster connection, self-awareness, and resilience in children and families.
I love empowering people through mentorship, career consulting, and community-driven initiatives. Whether it's guiding someone through change, launching new projects, or simply offering encouragement, I’m always ready to support others in unlocking their full potential.
HWCLB: How do you ensure you maintain a work-life balance while pursuing your ambitions?
Maintaining work-life balance while pursuing my ambitions is all about intentionality and self-awareness. I prioritize what truly matters by aligning my goals with my values and embracing the same principles I share with my clients through my RE.SET coaching game—reflect, reset, and move forward with clarity.
I’ve learned to set healthy boundaries, celebrate progress rather than perfection, and carve out time for the simple joys that recharge me—whether it's travelling, spending time with loved ones, or organizing cozy gatherings for women to connect. Balance, for me, is not about doing it all but about doing what feels purposeful while honouring my well-being.
HWCLB: How do you stay positive and motivated during challenging times?
During challenging times, I stay positive by embracing the principles of positive psychology—focusing on strengths, practicing gratitude, and finding meaning even in difficult moments. When I immigrated to Canada, I faced intense social isolation and the overwhelming feeling of being professionally useless. Despite years of experience and accomplishments, I found myself starting from scratch, unsure of how to rebuild my career in a new country. Depression crept in, and I realized I couldn’t continue living as I had before—I had to redefine my path.
What helped me navigate that time was applying the same practices I now use in my coaching work—building resilience through self-awareness, setting small, achievable goals, and celebrating progress, no matter how small. I leaned into mindfulness, self-compassion, and meaningful connections, slowly transforming loneliness into empowerment. Today, I use my experience to support other people in navigating life’s transitions, reminding them that while change is challenging, it can also be the gateway to profound growth and happiness.
HWCLB: What advice would you give to someone hesitant to follow their dreams?
I would remind them that fear often appears when we’re about to step outside our comfort zone—the very place where growth and fulfillment begin. It’s easy to get caught up in "what ifs" and worst-case scenarios, but the real question to ask is: What if it works out better than you imagined? Dreams are rarely as risky as our minds make them seem, and the regret of never trying often outweighs the fear of failure.
Start small. Dreams don’t come to life overnight, but each tiny step builds momentum and confidence. Embrace the principles of positive psychology: focus on your strengths, celebrate progress, and surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you. Self-doubt will always whisper, but your dreams deserve to speak louder.
Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s choosing to move forward despite it. Trust yourself—you’re more capable than you think, and the life you dream of is waiting on the other side of that first step.
"The moment you stop waiting for permission and start trusting yourself, everything changes. Your voice, your choices, your path—it all becomes yours." - Anna Boltenko
HWCLB: How do you integrate your spiritual beliefs with your professional goals?
I integrate my spiritual beliefs with my professional goals by staying grounded in purpose, authenticity, and compassion. My work as a coach, community leader, and advocate for well-being is driven by a core belief: true success is about alignment—between who we are, what we value, and how we show up in the world.
My life truly changed when I committed to daily meditation. For the past five years, no matter what, I’ve made time to meditate every single day. It’s become my anchor, helping me navigate challenges with clarity and resilience. While living in Bali, I explored a wide range of mindfulness practices that deepened my understanding of self-awareness and emotional balance. These included yoga, breathwork, sound healing, silent retreats, cacao ceremonies, ecstatic dance, mindful journaling, and forest bathing. I also practiced Vipassana meditation, chakra balancing, and Gong baths, each offering a unique pathway to inner peace and self-discovery.
These practices not only transformed my personal well-being but also reshaped how I show up professionally. Whether I’m supporting clients through life transitions, building community initiatives, or mentoring fellow coaches, I focus on creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. I believe that when we lead with kindness, integrity, and a commitment to personal growth, our professional goals naturally align with the life we’re meant to live.
Ultimately, my spiritual belief is simple: when we uplift others, we rise together. That mindset shapes every project I pursue and every connection I build.
HWCLB: How do you make time for hobbies despite a busy schedule?
I’ve learned that making time for hobbies isn’t about finding extra hours—it’s about prioritizing what fuels my energy and joy. My schedule can get hectic, but I treat personal time with the same respect I give to professional commitments. I intentionally block time for activities that nourish my well-being, like meditation, yoga, mindful walks, short trips, and journaling—practices that ground me and keep my mind clear.
Travelling is one of my greatest passions, and I make it a priority because it not only inspires creativity but also reconnects me with myself. Along the way, I indulge my love for photography, capturing moments that remind me to slow down and appreciate life’s beauty. Food and hedonism are also part of my self-care—whether it's savouring a perfectly brewed coffee, discovering a cozy café, or enjoying a long, unrushed meal with good company.
And those who know me suffer from that—it’s hard to catch me in Vancouver! 😊 I’m often on the move, chasing new experiences and finding joy in the little moments life has to offer.
Ultimately, my hobbies don’t compete with my work; they empower me to show up as my best self in every area of life.
HWCLB: What is your approach to networking and building professional relationships?
My approach to networking and building professional relationships is rooted in genuine connection and mutual support. I believe the best relationships start with authentic conversations, not transactions. Whether it's through my Coaches and Coffee initiative, women’s networking events, or collaborative projects, I focus on creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
I approach every interaction with curiosity and generosity, asking how I can support someone before thinking about what I might gain. I’ve found that when you lead with kindness, sincerity, and a willingness to uplift others, meaningful connections naturally follow.
For me, networking isn't about collecting contacts—it’s about building a community of like-minded individuals who inspire and empower one another. Many of my most rewarding collaborations, both personally and professionally, have grown from these authentic connections.
“Success isn’t about having it all figured out; it’s about being brave enough to take the next step, even when you don’t know exactly where it will lead.”- Anna Boltenko
HWCLB: What key qualities do you believe women need to succeed in today’s world?
I believe the key qualities for women to succeed in today’s world are resilience, self-awareness, courage, and community. The world is constantly evolving, and success often means navigating change with grace while staying true to yourself.
Resilience helps women push through challenges without losing sight of their goals. Self-awareness allows us to understand our strengths, set healthy boundaries, and align our ambitions with our values. Courage empowers us to take risks, speak up, and challenge outdated norms that no longer serve us. And perhaps most importantly, the community reminds us that we don’t have to walk this path alone—when women uplift each other, we all rise together.
HWCLB: If your heart asked, "Do you feel happy in your life? Why?"
I would smile and say, "Yes, I do. Not because life is perfect, but because I’ve learned to find happiness in the imperfect, in the small moments, and in being true to myself."
Happiness, for me, is about alignment—living in a way that reflects my values, passions, and connections.
Isn't it just magical when someone's story reminds you of your own power? Anna’s journey is a beautiful blend of resilience, curiosity, and the kind of joy that comes from embracing life’s little imperfections. Her wisdom and warmth shine through every step she takes, and we’re beyond grateful to share her path with you today. Anna, thank you for being such a bright light in our community and for reminding us all that growth, connection, and a sprinkle of joy can transform everything. We can’t wait to see what’s next for you – and, of course, to continue cheering you on from the sidelines!
Connect with Anna:
Article by : HWCLB Diana Onichkina
Reach out to us: hello@hwclb.com
If you’re craving a space where ambition meets support, where connections turn into collaborations, and where wisdom like Anna’s is shared freely—join us. Click here to become a member of HWCLB and surround yourself with women who inspire, uplift, and empower.
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