Today we delve into the life of New York-born, former online marketing director of luxury e-tailers. Now a guru in the world of coaching – a certified executive and personal coach, trainer and facilitator for over 20 years. She is also a well-being enthusiast and a creator of a transformational mind-body program and finally a foodie extraordinaire, Stephanie Vora.
Whilst working in e-commerce, you notched up an impressive CV of luxury names such as Bloomingdales, Coach, Space NK, which brand did you most enjoy working on?
Hands down Bloomingdales. Not only because of the massive discount I got on all the shopping, but because my colleagues were like family to me. I felt like I was on the set of Friends day in and day out. I also had amazing managers that supported me and who I learned a ton from.
At work
What do you do here in Madrid?
I coach clients from all over the world and have just launched a well-being venture called zingbody.com which is really exciting.
What´s it like working with your husband? Can either of you sneak out for 2-hour coffee breaks?
It can be wonderful and messy at the same time. He has his strengths, and I have mine, so we don´t step on each other’s toes! We have similar values so connecting on that level can be super rewarding. Sometimes we talk too much work when I just want to be husband and wife – so we are getting much better at that now.
Steph is always ready to pull off a few stunts
Do you use AI in your business? If so, how does it enhance your work?
I use AI all the time! Just not that kind of AI – Artificial Intelligence. I use is what I call Artful Intelligence (AI). This is about tapping and activating my own inner wisdom. The more I connect and become aligned from the inside out the more output, success, and fulfilment our work has. It´s pretty cool.
Steph goes in for a cuddle
What´s the best advice you were given?
I´m a big quote person so here are two of my favourites:
¨The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it¨– Eckhart Tolle
¨There´s a voice that doesn´t use words. Listen¨ – Rumi
Exploring Spain
Which is your favourite podcast?
I love listening to Dr. Kim D´eramo – Mind-Body TV (her energy and ahead of the curve wisdom on health is intoxicating) and Being Well with Forrest Hanson (meaty, real topics on human behaviour and what to do about it). I´m a personal transformation enthusiast if you can´t tell by now.
Sampling the local fare in London
Did you notice any cultural differences when you moved to London in your late 20’s?
Yes, I was working full-time at a company and I recognized that small talk was more rare. In New York we would chat about everything, what you did, comment on what you´re wearing, the date someone had, so it was a bit strange when people would just say good morning and go back to work!
Ready to jump
You and your husband have wanderlust and have travelled the world. Which country has surprised you the most?
A lot of the sixty-plus countries we have visited have surprised us. For instance, in Georgia we were not expecting the superb quality of their restaurants. Moldova was also incredible for their cuisine, as was Australia. Montenegro has a special place in our heart as we ended up getting married there! Andorra is also another favourite of ours – stunning scenery and beautiful hikes, and again some amazing dishes. As you can see, we love to eat!
Lovable Lima
Lima is your adorable dog, how does she shape your life?
Lima is everything to us. We are ¨those¨ dog parents who see her as our baby girl, not just a dog. We don´t have children and she is our first dog and we got her in the north of Spain almost 7 years ago. I love being a ¨mom¨ and she has melted my husband’s heart. He is the biggest softy and will do anything for her. Lima has an amazing soul and she has given us the gift of family.
Hitting the dancefloor at her wedding
You are a huge foodie, what food sums up happiness?
Mmm….the ¨indulgent¨ part of me would say chocolate chip cookies (we actually had a chocolate chip cookie cake at our wedding) as well as curries, pasta, bread… lots of starch!
Describe a favourite night in or out you have recently enjoyed
Oooh that would be sitting on the floor with Lima who constantly gives you that look to give her a treat, sipping a top wine with my connoisseur husband, with some uplifting lounge music in the background, munching on San Nicasio potato chips ….and enjoying some juicy quality conversation about life. Perfect!
If you could wave a magic wand what would you do next in your life?
Frankly, I would still do a lot of the same in my next life, but in an elevated and even more visible way – creating more mass reach (think Oprah, Deepak Chopra, Joe Dispenza style). That said tapping into my playful side, becoming a dancer (hip hop, pop music, dancer on stage with a popstar), some sort of animal helper (zoo keeper), being surrounded by all sorts of animals (from dogs to penguins), helping with newborns, and learning their language of love and expression.
Lima in her element
