We were sitting in this cozy restaurant by the sea, soaking up the sun and each other’s company… me and my brilliant Gen Zers. It was six months ago, back when we still worked together. The rumors had already started: the company was going to leave the country. We were just about to visit the modern art museum together when—bam—sudden disruption. Everything changed.
Fast forward a bit—my Gen Zers had all landed new jobs in the blink of an eye. And me? With decades of experience under my belt, I was still circling around my dream: launching my patented shampoo for hormonal hair loss. Everything was delayed. Suddenly, I had way too much time on my hands and didn’t know what to do with it.
So there we were again, reunited in that same restaurant near the museum we had longed to visit together but never made it to. This time, the museum was closed for repairs—naturally! But we didn’t care. We just wanted to be together, enjoying the winter sun and catching up on life. They took turns sharing their new adventures, jobs, and lives. I was so proud. They were excited. Still calling me their mentor.
Then it was my turn.
“All of this sounds amazing,” I said. “Meanwhile, my entrepreneurial journey is hitting speed bumps. The producer who nailed the prototype years ago suddenly has viscosity issues. Their key people left, and we haven’t figured out the problem yet. I’m back to the analysis phase—and who knows how long this will take? What should I do now?”
A brief silence followed—just the sea breeze and thoughtful looks. And then, I said it, kind of half-joking, half-serious:
“Reverse mentorship! That’s what you can do for me!”
And just like that, the spark caught fire.
“Why don’t you create an online course?” said B.
“Yes!” added O. “Do it on leadership and management. We still learn so much from you!”
“Sure,” I laughed, “but I’d have to write first—like, a whole book. And let’s be honest, who would even read it?”
“We would!” they said, loud and clear.
In that moment, I felt like someone had given me a gentle push into the sea—not to drown, but to learn a completely new way of swimming. Not just to survive, but to thrive—until I finally reached that sunny shore, holding my shampoo in one hand and this book in the other.
And so, I began…
I started writing, and once I did, the words flowed. I wrote and wrote… I poured in everything that had shaped my journey, along with the authentic methodologies and techniques I developed to ensure effectiveness and efficiency: the Dialogue Dynamo method for powerful, authentic conversations; the D.O.T.—Dialogue Optimizer Technique—that helps steer any negative talk back on track; my ICCA, a fresh and structured coaching approach; and the UbS, my personal, trusted pathway for solving even the trickiest problems.
It felt like the right moment to pass it all on—to the sharp Gen Zers and driven Millennials, the ever-curious Gen Xers, the wise Boomers, and maybe even those who are yet to come.
Writing this book became my way of saying thank you—to everyone who crossed my path, challenged me, inspired me, and helped me grow. It is also a gentle farewell to those who brought pain, because even those experiences shaped me. This book is my gift in return for all that the universe gave to me—with deep gratitude and a heart ready for the next chapter.
The Labyrinth of Management was born—a practical guide for first-time managers and aspiring leaders, filled with insights on how to survive and thrive in the corporate world.
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