UPgrade by personal buddy
Ever thought of having a strategy consultant yet not for your business but rather for YOURself?
While thriving companies benefit from outside perspectives, imagine having a personal buddy doing the same but for your personal success.
Unlike traditional life coaches, I don't just ask questions, I offer an outside perspective, strategic advice and unwavering support tailored just for you.
I received exactly what I expected – I was attentively listened to and received sensible and thoughtful outside perspective on my problems. Flawless execution of all the promised – Maria devoted time only to me; in the course of relaxed and friendly dialogue found out and structured all my struggles; briefly and to the point summed everything up and gave me clear instructions. What has changed? I do not panic, and do not hastily run around. Already for the third evening in a row I am working on my life plan as Maria has taught me. I lacked a lot this rational outside view to streamline all my various projects, highlight the main focus, arrange all this, so that it becomes clear for myself where I want to go. The most important thing is difficult to describe, because it’s about feelings. Maria truly loves people and is sincerely interested in them. Thank you, buddy! (Eugenia Malinina, Illustrator, Graphic designer)
About me
A mother of three, a wife, a European Trademark Attorney, a founder of my own law and strategy consulting practice, a Chair of the Committee in Quality in IP Management at I3PM, an author of several books, a Mediator with the WIPO and CAfA, a tutor at CEIPI and EPO, a PhD student,...
I have many roles to juggle
(just stop by my LinkedIn to get an idea).

While this may seem like an overwhelming undertaking, I've discovered the secret to manage it all.

My secret?

Systems.

I've created a framework that allows me to prioritize, manage tasks efficiently, and maintain my sanity amidst a busy schedule.
My expertise lies in empowering professionals like you to achieve excellence in your practice, transforming your productivity and enhancing your well-being.

Schedule a free introductory call, and together, we'll uncover the secrets to thriving in your unique situation.
Schedule a call
I decided to work with Maria, because I was a complete mess in my head. I have several projects, which I knew that I cannot do all at once; besides I had no idea if that’s what I want at all. During our long conversation Maria just listened commenting along the way. The next day she sent me her written comments and material for reflection. I’ve done it all and everything just fell into its place. I understood what I needed to do in the first place, what I should work on, and what I truly want at this moment. This help was exactly what I wanted. (Victoria Alexandrova, Healthy lifestyle coach)
I turn uncertainty into purposeful motion by asking the questions no one else thinks to ask and then helping you keep every promise you make to yourself.

It is totally OK to be lost at times. I am sometimes lost myself. However, if that happens, I know precisely where to search for help; I know where the lifebuoy is hanging and which questions I need to answer to find the way out.

I will not find your way for you, but I can show you how to search and I can share my experience. In that way you can avoid certain pitfalls and turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

Just get in touch with me and let's see how I can be valuable for you.
Perhaps the most unexpected after our conversation was that I could see myself from a different perspective. What I considered to be my clear disadvantage could actually very well act as my unique skill. Our talk lasted for just 1.5 hours, yet left me with so many ideas for reflection and thinking through! (Elena Fedorovich, Investor, Small business owner)
Big goals wilt without daily traction.

Personal buddy Upgrade Momentum™ turns abstract ambitions into a streak of tiny, winnable steps. Through pointed reflection, weekly recalibration, and micro‑accountability nudges, you’ll build a rhythm that sticks even on your busiest days.

Six weeks from now you won’t need a cheerleader; you’ll have a personal operating system that keeps progress automatic, restores mental bandwidth, and makes the next milestone feel inevitable.

But first... Let's talk.
I came to Maria without knowing her personally, though based on her online activity I had an opinion of her as a person with a rich and varied experience. During our interaction I discovered that Maria is also great at listening and hearing; thus even a short consultation with her effectively clarified my plans and thoughts. (Anastasia Gaasenbeek, real estate agent, lifestyle photographer)
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To begin with, I want to point out that I am a “heavy” patient. At the outset of working with Maria I was amidst a postpartum depression and immigration crisis. I did not know what to want. I had a plan, but it had little to do with what I truly wanted. We started working. We talked a lot, Maria gave me homework, challenging even the most dormant cognitive performance. My “brain-processor” was boiling, but worked … And then – all the hustling was gone. Everything that took away so much of my energy disappeared. Good habits kicked in, I felt no more emotional roller-coaster, and most importantly also my laziness vanished. I just became myself again: relaxed, systematic, thorough. (Evgenia Vandenbussche, freelancer, chef)
I tried coaching before but got discouraged by many mundane and obvious questions I was asked. Maria is not like that – she really hears you! And she totally drills you! I wouldn’t want to face her as my opponent in court… It was not easy to follow all her suggestions but it gave me clarity as where I have to focus on next. (Maria Smirnova, Lawyer)