This month’s spotlight shines on someone who truly understands what it means to navigate change, not just in business, but in life. Meet Anthi, the founder of her parent coaching practice, helping globally mobile and expat families thrive with empathy, insight, and real-world experience.

Anthi’s journey has taken her from Athens to London, Manila to Nairobi, and now Tashkent, with stops in more than 20 countries along the way. She’s worked in international development, taught in under-resourced schools and prestigious international schools, and even faced her own parenting and mental health challenges head-on. It’s exactly that depth of lived experience that makes her the coach she is today.

After discovering the transformative power of coaching for herself, Anthi dedicated her work to guiding parents through the unique complexities of international family life. She doesn’t just give tips or scripts, she helps parents reconnect with their instincts, break old patterns, and raise children who are emotionally intelligent, resilient, and confident in a world of constant change.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by parenting, cultural transitions, or the demands of an international life, Eth’s story will resonate. Pull up a chair, because this one is worth reading.

About You & Your Journey

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I was born and raised in Athens, Greece and moved to London, UK when I was 18. When I left university I worked in the field of international development and specifically public health and education as a researcher, policy writer, teacher trainer, etc. That was a sexy job – loads of travel, crazy trips to countries all over Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.

At some point it got to be too much for me so I then trained as a high school science (chemistry) teacher. Taught in resource poor settings in London and Essex. Then I moved overseas and taught in a prestigious international school in Manila, The Philippines.

After seven years there I gave birth to my son and we moved to Nairobi, Kenya. Where I proceeded to have a mental health crisis brought on by depression (not post natal) and undiagnosed ADHD. I had therapy and while it helped my parenting was still a dumpsterfire mess – I just kept repeating the same patterns that I couldn’t get out of. Guilt, overwhelm, fear all ran my life. So I got a parent coach and turned it around in spectacular fashion.

We now live in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and my life feels better than ever.

Was there a defining moment when you decided to start your business?

Yes – I trained as a doula after having my son. Started some mum groups, kept helping mums out, coaching, advising, etc. My husband said one day “you’re doing this 8 hours a day anyway, why don’t you make some money out of it?” . So, when I got a parent coach I chose an organisation that would also provide me with training to become a parent coach. I went on to spend 18 months training.

Who has been your biggest influence or mentor along the way?

Honestly? Nobody. I’ve done all this alone. I’ve had coaches along the way but I like to get input from all different people and I’ve not found a person that I click with in a mentor way. So I’m happy to carry on as is.

How do you balance your personal life with running a business?

I accept that I can’t do everything and I left teaching in part because I didn’t want to work those crazy, emotionally draining hours anymore. So, I work the hours that work for my family and I can be the emotionally present parent I want to be. Business comes second to that right now.

About Your Business

Can you describe what your business does in one sentence?

I’m a parent coach for globally mobile/migrant/expat families. I work with parents who are living lives filled with change, transition and cultural complexity. My clients are highly successful and come to me because they want to be the parent that keeps their cool, raises their child to be successful and breaks parenting patterns that they know didn’t serve them in their own childhood.

What sets your business apart from others in your industry?

I have lived experience of what parenting collapse looks like. I know the international life – I’ve lived it since birth in a mixed culture household, going to a series of international schools. I’ve worked in over 20 countries and with folks from over 50 so my cultural sensitivity and awareness is on point. And two of my ADHD superpowers are super helpful:

• Deep, deep empathy
• Pattern and connection spotting

As one client says: “you’re great at listening and identifying the real issues”.

I would also say a lot of people focus on tips, tricks, strategies and scripts. I don’t do that. I believe in really working with parents to help them reconnect with their parenting instinct. When they feel their work is done and they don’t want to renew? That’s a HUGE win for me – I’m not looking to mentor people. I’m looking to coach them so they can go out into the world and parent in the way they feel called to.

Over 50% of my one to one clients are mental health experts (psychologists, therapists, counsellors, etc). I think that says a lot about the deeply transformational approach of my work.

How has your business evolved since you started?

When I first started I worked with parents from all different walks of life. It took me a while to “find my people” and identify that I wanted to work with multicultural/international families. And I didn’t use to work with couples but I enjoy that very much now.

Entrepreneur Mindset & Advice

How do you stay motivated during difficult times?

This is the thing I find hardest. I take a day off so I can disrupt my thinking habit. I get a pep talk from my husband. I spend time with my son as a reminder of why I do what I do.

Are there any routines, habits, or tools that help you stay productive?

I’m better working outside of the house.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?

Aim for outcomes that feel ridiculous – like wildest dreams stuff.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their entrepreneurial journey?

Remember why you’re doing this and not settling your peace for a regular paycheck.

Future & Vision

Where do you see/ want to see you and your business in the future?

I want to be on the international school circuit as a Relational Practice Coach and Facilitator. I’d like to be invited into international schools to work with parents, children and teachers on how to build better relationships with each other grounded in responsibility, authenticity and presence. And of course my private practice is so important to me – that connection you get from working with clients in an intimate coaching space is such a feel good moment. I am so grateful for the way that parents trust me to walk this journey with them – because it’s so personal and emotional.

Are there any upcoming projects or launches you’re excited about?

So much! I’ve got a free webinar called “ANCHOR YOUR PARENTING: How to raise your child to belong anywhere in the world without sacrificing your home culture” running online on 17th March 2026, 8.30pm to 9.30pm (Uzbekistan time). And then my new coaching programme PARENTING ABROAD: Coaching On Demand officially launches on the 2nd April – although you can start whenever you’re ready!

What legacy would you like your business to leave?

I know my work will change the world – helping parents to raise children that become emotionally intelligent, connected and authentic adults. Ones that values connectedness and mutual uplift and respect over competition and winning.

Fun & Personal Touch

What’s your go-to productivity hack or life hack?

Do the minimum you need to do to get the maximum of what you want.

Do you have a favorite book, podcast, or resource that inspires you?

Not really – I get inspiration from everywhere and I have a really wide range of interests. So different things move me in different ways and contexts.

How do you celebrate wins, big or small?

With my husband.

What’s your mantra, motto, or favorite quote?

“We’re aiming for reflection and connection, not perfection.”

CONNECT WITH ANTHI

WEBSITE: www.anthipatrikios.com

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/anthipatrikios

A big thank-you to Anthi Patrikios for sitting down with us and giving a behind-the-scenes look at being an International Parent Coach for Globally Mobile Families.

Editor

Linsey is the Founder and CEO of Anne Louise Magazine, a platform dedicated to empowering women with insightful lifestyle content. As an author of The Science of Getting Rich – Empowered Edition, Linsey blends her entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for writing, inspiring women to thrive in both business and life. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to helping others succeed, she brings years of experience in editing and content creation to her work. When she’s not leading the magazine or editing articles, Linsey enjoys spending time with her daughter, family, many pets, exploring plant-based recipes, and working on her next book.