A high-achieving professional woman struggling to balance immense personal loss with the demands of life and career? Then this episode of the RAA Talks podcast is for a high-achieving professional woman struggling to balance immense personal loss with the demands of life and career? Then this episode of the RAA Talks podcast is for you!
Join host Raihana as she engages in a vulnerable and insightful conversation with Iryna Marchenko, an immigrant from Ukraine who shares her experience navigating profound culture shock, building self-sufficiency, and coping with devastating personal losses including the passing of her sister, beloved pets, and stepfather. Iryna details the resilience required to manage crises, coordinate international legal proceedings, and redefine her identity while grappling with the constant pressure to keep moving forward.
What can you expect from this episode?

A firsthand account of the culture shock experienced by a Ukrainian teenager immigrating to Texas, including adjusting to the sheer size of the US and cultural norms.
Iryna's reflections on the pivotal role her resilient stepdad played in shaping her understanding of life's value, even as he pursued his dreams later in life despite significant health challenges.
An intimate discussion about processing grief, whether it comes from losing a cherished pet or coordinating logistics for a relative’s passing amid global conflict and travel restrictions.
Details of Iryna's unexpected role as a family strategist and "practically the lawyer" in coordinating her nephew's immigration and guardianship during the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
An exploration of the "survival instinct" developed by immigrants and how that drive for self-sufficiency and the feeling of needing to "fit in" affects identity and daily life.

What can you gain from the episode?

New perspectives on the meaning of resilience, learning to accept life's challenges, and finding ways to keep moving forward without losing empathy.
Insight into the importance of financial stability and savings as a crucial foundation for managing unexpected personal crises, such as needing to book last-minute flights or lawyer consultations.
Strategies for dealing with the guilt and pressure that "type A personalities" feel when they allow themselves time and space to grieve or rest.
Encouragement to redefine your personal identity around core values like self-sufficiency and curiosity, rather than basing it solely on cultural heritage or external expectations.
The closing wisdom that while "tomorrow is not promised," it is vital to enjoy today while also taking steps to be prepared for the future.

This episode of RAA Talks offers a compelling and honest look at how one woman built a life based on self-sufficiency and strength while navigating profound loss and cultural integration, ultimately emphasizing that we are all just trying to figure life out "day by day".
Tune in to hear how Iryna turned trauma into an unwavering commitment to self-reliance, and why she believes the "jack of all trades" mentality is often better than being a master of one.
#RAATalks #ProfessionalGrowth #PodcastEpisode #WorkingWomen #ResilienceJourney #ImmigrantExperience #GriefAndLoss #SelfSufficiency #UkrainianHeritage #CulturalAdjustment #WarInUkraine #Adulting #CareerAndLife #FemaleLeadership #FinancialSecurity #SurvivalInstinct #FindingBalance #PersonalDevelopment #Empowerment #Inspiration #LifeHacks #OvercomingChallenges #IdentityCrisis #WomenInBusiness #MakingItWork #DividingAndConquering
 
Follow host, Raihana on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaggarwal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rfaggarwal
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raacoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raacoaching 
Visit me at: https://www.raacoaching.com/raihana
 
- Join Raihana's community for working mothers, Working Momma Sanctuary: https://www.raacoaching.com/community
- Join Raihana's community for working mothers as an expert: https://www.raacoaching.com/community-experts
 
About Iryna:
Iryna (pronounced Ay-reena) Marchenko is a Services Product Manager at a global tech company. Originally from Ukraine, she immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager with her mother, learning to navigate a new culture and country—an experience she never imagined she would later help her nephew through as well.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and a master’s from Carnegie Mellon University. In recent years, Iryna has faced profound personal loss, and as she continues to grow in her career, she is also on a journey to rebuild her confidence and mental resilience.
Her story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and finding strength in both personal and professional challenges.
Please reach Iryna at [email protected]

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