Have you ever felt like the odds were stacked against you in your career?
Like you didn’t quite belong in a room full of decision-makers—or that you had to prove yourself over and over again?
If that sounds familiar, you’re going to love this episode.

I sat down with Ivana Nikolik, a global business leader and one of Europe’s 40 Under 40 top business leaders. Her journey from being a young woman working for the Macedonian government in a male-dominated environment to becoming a recognized leader on the international stage is nothing short of inspiring.

We talked about:

How she built confidence in intimidating, high-stakes environments
Overcoming setbacks and turning doubt into fuel for success
Why continuous learning (formal or not) is the secret to staying ahead
How to pursue big career goals—even when they seem out of reach


Ivana’s story is packed with career lessons, leadership tips, and real talk about what it takes to succeed when you’re the underdog.

If you’ve ever felt underestimated—or just want to learn how to break through career barriers—this episode is for you.

About Ivana:
Ivana Nikolik is a Director Business Development EMEA at IWConnect, Forbes Councils Executive Member, 40Under40 Top Business Leader in Europe, G:100 Women Economic Forum - Country Chair Netherlands for IT Services and Innovation, Global Voice of a New Era of Leaders, Linkedin Top Leadership Voice, and long term Global Ambassador of Women in Tech and Women in AI with a robust track record in leading growth strategy by leveraging her extensive experience in IT throughout her 17-year international career.Ivana's strategic acumen and dynamic leadership style as a corporate Board Member and Advisory to international companies, have solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in global business development while growing strong C-level relationships and sharing knowledge and expertise on digital transformation with a mission to drive innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

Follow Ivana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/i-nikolik/

About Limor Bergman Gross

Hi, I’m Limor Bergman Gross—Executive Coach for Women in Tech, Podcast Host, and Career Growth Mentor. With over 20 years of experience in tech, I help women in engineering and leadership roles break barriers, build confidence, and advance their careers.

🎙️ Podcast: From a Woman to a Leader – Hear powerful stories and actionable career advice from inspiring women leaders.
https://limorbergman.com/podcast/

📬 Newsletter: Stay ahead with career tips, leadership insights, and empowering stories delivered to your inbox.
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💼 LinkedIn: Connect with me for career growth insights and updates on my latest coaching programs and podcast episodes.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/

Let’s connect and help you thrive in your tech career!

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