Case of the Winner Andrei Korshak in the Inspiration for All nomination

Congratulations to Andrei Korshak with the first place in the category “Inspiration for All” of the case competition from COACHING.UP!

We share an inspiring story that made a lasting impression on the jury.

Coaching as a Key to Inner Strength and Professional Growth

How I Changed My Approach to Leadership, Learned to Listen to Myself, and Became Closer to Those Who Truly Matter

A year ago, I never even thought about coaching. I believed that success at work depended on the speed of decision-making, toughness, and the ability to keep everything under control. I lead rapid response teams in a security company—where decisions must be made instantly. The team needs to trust you, feel your confidence and strength. But what do you do when this strength only works externally, while inside, fatigue, uncertainty, and unanswered questions accumulate?

At that time, I was facing many challenges in my life. Work demanded maximum focus, while my personal life required emotional resources, which I was nearly out of. I was fighting for the opportunity to see my daughter, dealing with child support issues, and trying to find balance in my relationships.

Coaching entered my life by chance—although I believe there are no coincidences. I realized that I could not only manage people but also help them grow.

How Has My Professional Life Changed?

Before coaching, I often found myself in situations where I had to make quick decisions for others. For example, at a critical moment, one of my employees, who was supposed to lead an important operation, said he wasn’t sure of his abilities. Previously, I would have firmly ordered: “Just do it as required, no questions!” But after learning coaching methods, I decided to take a different approach. I asked him a few questions:

What worries you most in this situation?
What strengths do you have that can help you handle it?
How would you act if you were completely confident that everything would work out?

His answer surprised me: “I never thought that I already have everything I need. It’s just that someone has always made decisions for me.” He completed the task brilliantly, and from that moment on, he began taking initiative on his own. That was the first time I realized: this new approach works. Now, I don’t just manage people—I create a space where they can grow.

How Has My Personal Life Changed?

I always thought that a strong man should never show emotions. But because of this, at a certain point, I lost touch with what truly mattered to me.

When I started coaching sessions, one of the first questions was: “What does being a good father mean to you?” I paused to think. Before, I would have answered: “To provide and protect.” But then I realized: being a father is, above all, about being present.

This changed my approach to my relationship with my daughter. Even if I can’t see her as often as I’d like, I found other ways to be present. For example, I started recording voice messages for her—talking about my day, asking her questions.

I also became closer to my partner’s daughter, Roksolana. We started a squat challenge together—it may sound simple, but small things like this build real connections. Now, she’s the one reminding me: “Did we forget to do our squats today?”

The Results I Achieved

At work:

I developed a new training system for employees that helps them not just follow orders but develop leadership skills.
My team has become more motivated, and I see people taking initiative on their own.
I became a leader who doesn’t just control but inspires.

In my personal life:

I found a way to be present for my daughter, even from a distance.
My relationship with my partner has become deeper because I learned not only to speak but also to listen.
I realized that strength is not about control—it’s about trust and support.

Coaching has changed not only my career but also me as a person. I’ve become more self-aware, calm, and strong in the most important sense of the word—the ability to hear myself and others. And this is only the beginning of my journey.

Author: Andriy Korshak,

Student of COACHING.UP

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