Gulnur Issabek’s inspiring journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and a strong work-life balance. A successful financial coach and Senior Project Controller in a global intralogistics company, Gulnur’s career path has been shaped by personal struggles, influential mentors, and a passion for helping others achieve financial freedom.
Gulnur Issabek: The Foundation of Success
Gulnur’s career was deeply influenced by a simple yet profound piece of advice from her mother: “True success is about balancing life and career without sacrificing one for the other.” This principle has guided Gulnur throughout her professional life, helping her make career decisions that not only support her ambitions but also allow her to prioritize personal happiness and well-being. Balancing her career with family life, hobbies, and self-care has been key to her fulfillment.
As Gulnur recalls, “I’ve chosen roles that allow me to grow professionally while still having time for my family and hobbies. This balance has been vital in my overall success and well-being.”
Inspired by Family: A Path to Financial Coaching
Gulnur’s path to the financial industry was inspired by her father, an economist who instilled a strong understanding of financial literacy in her from a young age. Learning about budgeting, saving, and understanding the basics of debit and credit shaped her decision to pursue a career in finance.
But her decision to become a financial coach was influenced by her husband, who, despite being a successful engineer, lacked knowledge of personal finances when they first married 13 years ago. Gulnur recognized the potential strain this lack of financial literacy could have on their relationship and decided to take matters into her own hands.
“I realized that a lack of knowledge in personal and family finance can lead to family fights and misunderstandings. Helping couples and youngsters in this area can be very beneficial, and this realization further solidified my decision to pursue this career,” she explains.
A Journey of Dedication and Resilience
Gulnur’s career journey hasn’t been without challenges. After moving to Dubai, she had to rebuild her career from scratch. While raising a young child, she pursued a second master’s degree, attending classes while taking care of her two-year-old and being pregnant with her second child.
“I would put my kids to sleep at 10 PM, wake up at 12 AM to study until 3 AM, and then wake up again at 7 AM,” Gulnur shares. “Being in Dubai without relatives and doing a second master’s was really tough, but it taught me resilience and determination.”
Despite the sleepless nights and overwhelming pressure, Gulnur’s hard work and sacrifices have paid off. Today, she enjoys the fruits of her labor, combining her passion for financial literacy with her commitment to personal growth and family.
From Student to Senior Project Controller
With 12 years of experience working in various sectors, including international oil and gas, government, and consultancy, Gulnur’s expertise extends beyond just financial coaching. She currently serves as a Senior Project Controller in a large international intralogistics company, managing projects across 30 countries.
Her diverse background, which includes her education in business and finance, has provided her with valuable insights and skills, enabling her to apply her financial expertise to global projects. This role allows her to continue her career growth while furthering her mission of helping others achieve financial security.
An Inspiring Mentor: Ghanim bin Lahej Al Falasi
In Gulnur’s career, one person who stands out as an influential mentor is Ghanim bin Lahej Al Falasi, the Senior Vice President at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority. His leadership skills and guidance have been a driving force in Gulnur’s professional development.
“He is a true leader and continues to be my mentor,” she says. “His influence has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey.”
Gulnur’s dedication to growth and learning from her mentors has been a cornerstone of her success. She credits her ability to overcome challenges and achieve her goals to the support and guidance she received from these figures.
Overcoming Setbacks: A Shift in Perspective
Throughout her career, Gulnur has faced several setbacks, one of which was the feeling that she lost time by pursuing multiple degrees. While many of her peers seemed to advance faster in their careers, Gulnur’s educational journey took a different path.
“I felt like I lost time by pursuing one bachelor’s and two master’s degrees, which took almost nine years. Meanwhile, a university friend completed just an ACCA certificate and then a master’s degree, seemingly advancing faster,” she says.
However, as Gulnur reflects on her journey, she recognizes the value of the extensive education she received. It has provided her with a deep and broad knowledge base that has been invaluable in her career, helping her tackle complex problems and challenges with confidence and expertise.
The Struggles of Being a Working Mother
One of the most challenging aspects of Gulnur’s career has been balancing her professional aspirations with motherhood. Like many working mothers, she struggled with the limited maternity leave offered and the emotional strain of leaving her young child at home. Despite these challenges, she learned valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of support systems.
“Having just 1.5 months of maternity leave is incredibly challenging,” she admits. “Every time I left my small baby at home, my heart was crying. This experience has shaped my approach to work, making me more empathetic and determined to advocate for better work-life balance and support for working mothers.”
Gulnur’s ability to navigate these challenges has made her even more passionate about helping others find financial freedom and security, particularly women and families who face similar struggles.
A Holistic Approach to Success
For Gulnur, success is no longer defined solely by professional achievements. Her definition of success has evolved to include personal happiness, relationships, and making a positive impact on others.
“Success means living a meaningful life with my loved ones, being a good person, and supporting and helping others,” she says. “It’s about the thought before death that you lived your dream life and did everything you could to make it fulfilling.”
This holistic view of success has shifted her focus from purely career-driven goals to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Gulnur’s mission is clear: to help others achieve financial security, find balance, and live a life full of purpose.
Advice for the Younger Self: Trust the Journey
If Gulnur could give advice to her younger self at the start of her career, it would be to stop worrying. She emphasizes that most fears are unfounded and that following one’s heart is the key to true success.
“Ninety percent of your fears or worries are just nothing and will never happen,” she advises. “Always follow your heart—your heart has its own ears, and those ears will never lie. Be bold and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They are experiences that will lead you to your path.”
Leaving a Legacy of Empowerment and Financial Freedom
As Gulnur continues to build her career as a financial coach, she is determined to leave a lasting legacy of empowerment and financial literacy. Her goal is to help students, young couples, and families achieve financial security and freedom, guiding them towards a better future.
“I want to be remembered for making a meaningful impact, guiding others toward financial security and freedom, and for my dedication to supporting and uplifting those around me,” she says.
In a world where financial literacy is often overlooked, Gulnur Issabek’s mission is to ensure that others don’t face the same struggles she did. Through her work and her example, she continues to inspire those around her to pursue their dreams, achieve financial security, and live a life filled with purpose and balance.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Balance and Empowerment
Gulnur Issabek’s journey is a powerful reminder that success is not a destination but a balance of personal and professional fulfillment. Her story teaches us that with resilience, support, and a commitment to learning, we can overcome obstacles, redefine our goals, and leave a lasting impact on the world. Do follow her on Instagram.
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