MEET ÖYKÜ

(if you’re unsure of the pronunciation, just click here 🔉)

Öykü was born and raised in Turkey, to parents from two different sides of the country which gives her a natural ability to listen and stay open to all perspectives.

She spent over 20 years in leadership at multinational companies, with an unorthodox career split between Legal and HR, before deciding to build something entirely her own.

Öykü holds a bachelor’s degree in Law and post-graduate certificates in Women & Leadership and Diversity from Cornell University, giving her a sharp, grounded lens on how people and organizations actually work — and what holds them back.

As someone who has changed countries, careers, and identities more than once, Öykü believes identity was never meant to be fixed, it’s fluid, and it can be redesigned. She thinks what holds people back rarely has to do with their potential or capabilities, and everything to do with the narratives they’ve stopped questioning.

That belief became her mission: helping people who feel stuck find their next chapter, in work and in life. Today, she’s building that mission into an app. A tech platform designed to connect people to what’s next.

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Matthew J. Whitehead Individual Diversity Awardee from ACC in 2014.

Matthew J. Whitehead Individual Diversity Awardee from ACC in 2014.

A remarkable achievement as she was the first recipient outside the United States to receive the prestigious award.

In 2018, she made a transformative move to the UAE and transitioned into Human Resources, where she could support organizations and leaders in fostering inclusivity and growth.

Her passion for writing has resulted in three published books, including a co-authored work titled ‘She Dares’ and ‘She Rises’ which features inspiring narratives from 36 women worldwide. Additionally, her articles on diversity, women empowerment, and challenging the status quos have been featured in prestigious magazines, blogs, and websites.

With her blend of legal acumen, people expertise, and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, Öykü brings a unique perspective to the table, offering actionable strategies and insights to create lasting positive change.

A Journey Through My Multifaceted Life

BUSINESS ADVISORY

Reimagining organizations as inclusive and future ready spaces, I, being a certified coach work passionately to guide leaders (and leaders to be) in embracing change integrating inclusion as a core value.

WANDERLUST

50+ Countries & Counting Journey with me as I traverse the tapestry of cultures, traditions, and perspectives. With each adventure, I deepen my understanding of the richness that diversity offers, and I bring this knowledge to my work every day.

Single Parent

While motherhood has taught me the importance of empathy, understanding, and the value of creating safe spaces for growth, being a single parent has also gifted me with insights into strength, resilience, and the power of embracing change.

These qualities resonate in my approach as a human and as a founder to guide individuals  through transformative journeys, and breaking barriers.

WINE SOMMELIER

Have you ever thought there can be a correlation between wine making and personal transformation. Both processes involve a journey of growth, change, and refinement, leading to a final outcome that is greater than the sum of its parts. This is what diversity is and this why I am also in love with winemaking!

BUSINESS COACH

Reimagining organizations as inclusive and equitable spaces, I, being a certified coach work passionately to guide leaders (and leaders to be) in embracing diversity as a powerful asset and integrating inclusion as a core value.

WANDERLUST

50+ Countries & Counting Journey with me as I traverse the tapestry of cultures, traditions, and perspectives. With each adventure, I deepen my understanding of the richness that diversity offers, and I bring this knowledge to my work every day.

Single Parent

While motherhood has taught me the importance of empathy, understanding, and the value of creating safe spaces for growth, being a single parent has also gifted me with insights into strength, resilience, and the power of embracing change.

These qualities resonate in my approach as a Diversity Strategist, as I guide individuals and organizations through transformative journeys, breaking barriers and fostering unity.

WINE SOMMELIER

Have you ever thought there can be a correlation between wine making and personal transformation. Both processes involve a journey of growth, change, and refinement, leading to a final outcome that is greater than the sum of its parts. This is what diversity is and this why I am also in love with winemaking!

legal disclaimer

* This website operates independently of my corporate responsibilities and is exclusively dedicated to sharing my personal passion with the world. The content, thoughts, and ideas presented on this platform solely reflect my individual viewpoints and are not affiliated with any current or former organizations I have been associated with.