Meet Anna Bouw-Bolik

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anna Bouw-Bolik. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Anna, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I’ve always maintained an unwaveringly positive outlook, ingeniously navigating life’s ups and downs with creative coping strategies. While my parents might label me as “stubborn,” my friends see me as “determined.” Rooted in a belief system that refuses to yield to doubts, I’m perpetually driven to embrace new experiences and uncover their outcomes, rather than giving up. Those life experiences have only strengthened my resilience. Born in Poland, growing up in Germany, and having family members from Indonesia, the Netherlands, and India make our family gatherings a vibrant and colorful feast.
This diversity has not only shaped who I am today but also how I deal with changes in my life, making me more adaptable and open-minded. With a fearless curiosity and an unshakeable belief in the power of exploration, I always strive to grow and evolve in the face of new challenges. My curiosity is so strong that I don’t see fear as fear, but rather as an opportunity for growth and discovery.
By saying that, I’ve learned that falling and getting back up is an integral part of the resilience process. Each setback has taught me valuable lessons and equipped me with new strategies to handle future challenges. By embracing failure as an opportunity for growth and learning, I’ve been able to build my resilience muscles and develop a more robust, adaptable mindset.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a professionally ICF (International Coaching Federation) certified wellbeing coach specializing in nutrition and a certified yoga instructor, I am dedicated to helping others find ways to see challenges as opportunities and prioritize balance amidst everything going on in their lives. My creative work involves providing holistic health and wellness guidance, and I find immense joy in witnessing (to do it together!) the transformations of my clients.

With 15 years of corporate experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge as a trainer and change agent, leading Lean Six Sigma projects as a champion. This background has honed my skills in strategic thinking and problem-solving, allowing me to think outside the box and use my creative brain to devise innovative solutions.

One of the key aspects of my brand is the commitment to balance. I am always cautious to maintain harmony between my personal life and work, and I encourage my clients to do the same. I take pride in being part of a community of like-minded individuals who love to be creative and involved in community projects.
Part of that involvement is volunteering with Achilles International, a walk-running organization for people with disabilities, as well as Groundworks ArtLab that provides hands-on art education for all ages and abilities in community studios where people can connect.
As a coach, I have been elected as the ICF Colorado Membership Director. My role involves driving membership engagement and growth, creating a supportive community for coaches, and launching impactful projects that connect, inspire, and empower individuals.

Excitingly, there are some new developments on the horizon. I am thrilled to announce upcoming events and expansions in my services, designed to bring even more value to my audience. These initiatives are aimed at fostering a supportive and thriving community, and I am confident they will enhance the wellbeing of those I work with.
Through my work, I strive to make a positive impact and inspire others to pursue their passions with relentless determination. I am grateful for the support of my community and excited to continue this journey of growth and innovation.
Combining my certifications with my talents, I am proud to be working on the following new development projects:

1. Bridging Coaching and Creativity

In an age increasingly dominated by AI, it’s vital for coaches to stand out by reconnecting with clients through genuine expression and connection. I’m launching an initiative that unites coaches with artists and organizations within the community. By learning from creatives—artists who express themselves through art, music, movement, and collaboration—coaches can thrive. Through immersive workshops, we’ll embody coaching skills tailored to the passions of our clients, creating transformative experiences.

2. Colors of Connection – Fostering Inclusion and Diversity

Inclusion is more than just a buzzword; it’s a commitment to making a tangible difference in our daily lives. As an ambassador for the Scripor-Alphabet, invented by my friend Tudor Scripor from Romania, I am leading the “Colors of Connection” project. This initiative fosters inclusion and diversity within our community through art. By introducing the Scripor-Alphabet and expanding the use of colors in Braille, we empower the visually impaired community to experience art in new ways.
The project focuses on affordability, availability, accommodation, and acceptability to ensure everyone can participate. Collaborations with local organizations, artists, and entrepreneurs make the Scripor-Alphabet widely available in educational institutions, public spaces, and cultural events. Our workshops and training sessions teach the Scripor Alphabet, making it accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals. By providing materials in multiple formats and offering personalized support, we create an inclusive environment. Involving community members, artists, and entrepreneurs fosters a sense of ownership and acceptance within the community.
Overall, this project aligns with the goals of the Boulder Arts Commission, ensuring equitable, fair, and just initiatives that support underrepresented groups and promote cultural equity in Boulder. Join us for our first event during the Boulder Arts Week, check-out the event calendar https://www.boulderartsweek.org/calendar.

3. Creative Mornings Boulder Chapter – A New Dawn
https://creativemornings.com/cities/den/about
I am thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of a Creative Mornings chapter in Boulder. This initiative will support and bring together a community of creative minds for inspiring talks, collaborations, and experiences that fuel innovation and connection.
Interested in joining forces? Whether you want to be a client, partner, or volunteer, I would love to hear from you!
Are you interested in sponsoring a local artist during one of our events? This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your excellent coffee or breakfast burritos to a vibrant and creative community.

Questions? Contact me: [email protected]

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the most impactful skills in my journey have been courage, adaptation, and empathy. Firstly, embracing opportunities and approaching life with courage have led me to incredible experiences and growth. Living with the mindset that “fortune favors the bold” has opened many doors and paved the way for thrilling adventures. Secondly, my ability to adapt has made life so much easier from a young age to adulthood. I like to think of myself as an ‘octopus’—an incredibly adaptive creature capable of camouflaging, solving problems, and showing remarkable flexibility. Finally, I have fostered empathy through understanding and sharing the feelings of others. More than just an inherent trait, empathy is cultivated through active listening, keen observation, and continuous practice.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Calling all artists and creatives! Do you have a passion for sharing your talent with the Coaches world, teaching skills that can only be understood through experience and genuine connection? Let’s partner! And/Or are you committed to embracing the diversity of our space and using your art to make the world more inclusive? Join us in the Scripor-Alphabet. Curious? Watch this video: //youtu.be/kUEj6f-ZMes

Finally, if you are a creative spirit eager to get involved in the vibrant community of Creative Mornings Boulder https://creativemornings.com/pages/about as a team member, volunteer, sponsor, or speaker, we want to hear from you! We’re excited to launch the Creative Mornings Chapter Boulder in September, and we need your creativity and enthusiasm to make it a success. Drop me a note and let’s make something amazing together!
Contact: [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Website: http://thinkbocoaching.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabobo-thinkbocoaching
• Other: Want to chat? https://go.oncehub.com/THINKBOCOACHING