Olga Levancuka: Skinny Rich Coach

For successful Londonners looking to make the most of what they have, progress their careers or make those millions, there’s only one name on everyone’s lips – Olga Levancuka, or the ‘Skinny Rich Coach’ as she’s better known.

Specialising in intense, one–to-one programmes with high fliers looking to make serious life changes, Olga has recently opened up her expertise to the masses with a series of ‘happiness workshops’. About as far from the staid, serious clichéd image of a therapist or life coach as you can get, Olga is young, glamorous and easily relates to the everyday choices and struggles faced by her clients.

I spent some time on the Skinny Rich couch to see what drives Olga, where she heads for some chillout time on a Sunday afternoon, and the million dollar question: what’s the key to being truly happy?

You call yourself the ‘Skinny Rich Coach’ – great name! Where did it come from?

‘Money and the matters close to the heart have always intrigued me, especially as many people seem to choose money over love or love over money. I believe you can have both.

‘Rich obviously stands for the money. Skinny was a difficult one as being skinny is closely associated with beauty these days, but know I could be criticised for it due to our “politically correct“ society. Nan Kempner, the best known of Manhattan’s society hostesses made it her life’s work to test the truth in the Duchess of Windsor’s adage that a woman can never be too rich or too thin. I guess I am continuing her quest in a way! In the end, I took the risk with the name and it worked.’

Why do you think people choose to take one of your intense one-to-one courses?

‘Hunger for more money or in some cases it’s about stabilising the fortune they have already. And hunger for that special one in our lives.  But sometimes fears, fears of losing what they have, fears of losing what they have worked so hard for, be that money or be that relationship or both…’

What issues do you typically cover?

‘The issues I typically cover are money, relationships, confidence, love, respect, leadership and communication skills. But saying all that, most of my clients have many of such skills already. However, I push them further, I challenge them further.’

Do you think that everyone benefits from working through their goals and issues with a professional?

‘Absolutely not. If you believe a professional can help you, then the professional will help you. If you don’t believe it, then it won’t help you. I am very privileged as my clients usually come to me via personal recommendations, which means I have their trust and respect already. I am very grateful for that – it takes time to earn such trust.’

What made you want to become a life coach

‘The main trigger was the loss of my partner to cancer – watching my life disappearing from underneath my feet and learning to live and love again. Back when I was married and running my company, I had it all and I thought my life was picture perfect.’

You’ve started running group happiness workshops – how’s that going?

‘You should probably ask the attendees! We’ve actually had to change the name to “I decide” as we thought it resonates better with what it is we do. But definitely everyone has progressed already beyond anyone’s expectations.’

What do they involve?

‘It’s easier to ask what they don’t involve! We don’t sing…We simply have lots of fun and do unusual exercises, which stimulate our minds further. We inspire each other with our continuous success and we make new great contacts and some form new friendships.’

What do you think is the key to true happiness?

‘Awesome question! The key is very simple, you have to be honest – with yourself!’

Who do you admire and why?

‘People. I admire people. People can be capable of unbelievable things and I love the fact we all as human beings have so many aspects to our personalities.’

You’re originally from Russia – when did you move to London?

’16 years ago – I studied here, and I’ve never left.’

What is your favourite area of London and why?

‘Notting Hill Gate for the fun and quirky atmosphere.’

Best place to shop in London?

‘Dover Street Market of course! Most of my clothes are from there. It’s a true gem for anyone who likes to create their own style or simply if you are a complete shopaholic like me.’

How would you spend a perfect Sunday?

‘Walking on Hampstead Heath and flying kites on the parliament hill with my friends, weather permitting.’

www.2skinny2rich.com