MY STORY

Hello, I’m Frieda! I’m the coach and trainer behind Braving Boundaries, here to help individuals and teams navigate the often messy process of change.

With nearly 20 years of experience as a lawyer, consultant, coach and psychologist-in-training, I know what it’s like to feel lost, stuck and overwhelmed, both in life and at work.

I’ve been there myself, and I understand how daunting it can be to figure out the next step.

My goal is to help you find clarity, build confidence and create a life or work environment that feels more balanced, fulfilling and true to who you are.

If my story resonates with you, let’s take that first step together.

Frieda Levycky
READ MY STORY
MY QUALIFICATIONS
FACTS ABOUT ME

MY STORY

Back in 2014, nothing about my life felt balanced.

I was the archetypal workaholic lawyer: driven, dependable and dedicated to my working world. A geek at heart, I loved the complexity and challenge of cross-border, transactional work. I excelled at it, and I soon became the “go-to” person for the most prestigious projects.

For many years, I thrived on the recognition and praise, even taking on more work whilst volunteering for committees, and organising social and charitable events. I had a unique identity within the workplace and I loved it.

Life outside of the office looked pretty great too. I had a large group of friends scattered all over the world. I lived in a beautiful apartment in Geneva and spent my weekends in chalets in Chamonix, Verbier and Zermatt, skiing and alpine climbing. I was often jet-setting off for friends’ weddings and birthdays, always smiling, laughing and making sure everyone else was having a great time.

But, despite all the seeming successes, a lot of my life just felt “not quite right”.

  • My health was a shambles. Over-work had caused a bout of serious illness, and I was permanently exhausted and stressed.
  • My romantic life could easily have been the source material for Shonda Rhimes’s next award-winning TV drama.
  • My family life was non-existent, unlike that of my friends who were all married, and most with children.
  • My social life was spent apologising to friends for being late for dinner or for having to work during our weekends away.

The reality was I’d lost sight of the life I wanted and instead I’d created the life I thought was expected of a lawyer. A life that was sending me on a one-way ticket to burnout.

Frieda Levycky Life Coach for Professionals

I was lost, stuck and overwhelmed and really didn’t know how to get my life back on track.

Finding the courage to make the change

Frieda Levycky Life Coach for Professionals

Change is a funny thing. We know when it needs to happen, but boy, do we resist it! We fear losing what we have in search of something that we might get. In my case:

 

  • What if I tried to find a stable and loving relationship, but no one wanted me?
  • What if by spending more time with my friends and family, my work reputation suffered?
  • What if in putting my needs first, I was no longer seen as useful?
  • What if I took time off to travel, but no longer had the financial security or a job to come back to?

Eventually, my desire for change grew stronger than my fear. I finally understood that while the cycle of hard work was feeding my deep-rooted need to be praised, loved and validated, it left me starving for happiness and health.

Something had to change. I didn’t want to be in the same place (or worse) in five years’ time.

So, I stepped into the unknown…one baby step at a time.

Braving my own boundaries

I’m not going to sugar-coat things; change is never easy. I began by working with a coach who helped me figure out what I wanted my life to look like and what it would take to achieve the freedom, happiness and balance I so desperately desired. I rediscovered what was important to me, what I valued most and what direction I wanted my life to take.

With my coach’s support and guidance, I found the confidence and courage to make big changes. I left unhealthy relationships, moved from Geneva to Cape Town, and later, I started Braving Boundaries, after resigning from the law firm where I’d made partner.

Each step forward built my confidence and belief in myself. As I made those changes, I felt more aligned with the life I truly wanted.

Slowly but surely, things began to fall into place – bringing me more clarity, certainty, purpose and direction.

Now, with my life in balance, I feel alive, happy, and proud of myself for having the courage to go after what I wanted. I actively protect this balance and am happier and healthier than I’ve ever been.

And this is something you can do in your own life. With the right guidance, you can take those steps too – creating the life you truly want.

Frieda Levycky Life Coach for Professionals

All it takes is for you to be brave enough to take that first step.

MY QUALIFICATIONS

  • Whole Person Certified Coach®
  • IEQ9 Integrative Enneagram® certification
  • Inner Life Skills® Enneagram Certified Coach
  • International Coaching Federation® Certified (PCC)
  • Currently studying a degree in Psychology and Counselling
  • LL.B, DIP. LP

FACTS ABOUT ME

Five facts about me in 10 words or less

Frieda Levycky Life Coach for Professionals
  1. Who are you?
    • I’m Frieda – coach, lawyer, dog lover, trail runner, yoga enthusiast.
  2. What are you most proud of?
    • Believing in myself. Confidently. Whole-heartedly. Unapologetically.
  3. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
    • Board games, camping, yoga, visiting wine farms, time with friends.
  4. What do not many people know about you?
    • I came third in the Tae Kwon Do World Championships.
  5. Why did you call your business Braving Boundaries?
    • It takes bravery to break old boundaries and embrace change.