By: Svetlana Khachiyan

Difficulties in her personal life became the starting point for Anna Boltenko’s journey to help others find their calling and place in life. She developed a unique coaching method called RE.SET, which has no analogs in the world. Anna’s strategy involves identifying unconscious emotions and patterns through a board game with all the attributes. In an exclusive interview, Anna shared her authorial methodology and explained how her phrase “Let’s play” is helping to enhance the lives of many people. 

Interviewer: Anna, how did you become an advocate for happiness for your clients? Why did you decide to pursue coaching?

As the saying goes, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” This was true for me when I moved to another country and struggled with adapting to new realities. I went through the classic five stages of accepting difficulties— starting from denial and depression to acceptance—until I was able to rebuild myself. During this process, I realized that I wasn’t alone and many people face the same challenges. But not everyone is able to find a way out. This became the turning point for creating psychological and mentoring tools to help people who want to build a better version of their lives today.

Interviewer: How did you come up with the idea of creating the transformative coaching game RE.SET? What is its essence?

In the process of working with clients, I’ve always enjoyed the idea of interactive engagement with people rather than a one-sided coaching approach. Initially, I used metaphorical associative cards, but soon, I noticed how much interactive elements captivated people. It became easier to uncover unconscious patterns, stories, and emotions without unnecessary effort. As soon as I would say, “Let’s play,” the curious child inside would awaken in people, reducing stress and facilitating better results. That’s when the idea of creating a full-fledged board game with a game board, tokens, dice, and cards came to life.

Photo Courtesy: S92 Photography / Anna Boltenko

Interviewer: Why does this coaching format yield better results?

When the brain is relaxed, it can easily generate creative ideas and open new opportunities for communication. The game helps reduce stress, improve results, and activate creative thinking. Using principles of positive psychology develops confidence and focuses attention on strengths. Scientifically speaking, thanks to the brain’s neuroplasticity, the game stimulates the formation of new neural connections, improving learning and the implementation of changes.

Interviewer: Gamification itself is no longer a novelty. Was it previously used in coaching?

Gamification has long gained popularity, but game elements are still not widely used in coaching. Many coaches limit themselves to cards with coaching questions or affirmations without going beyond these boundaries. My game combines coaching, positive psychology, and methods that improve brain function. Unlike others, it’s not confined to cards or specific themes—it makes the self-development process engaging and exciting, helping participants grow both personally and professionally.

Interviewer: Could you explain how the process works in more detail?

The game consists of four key elements: the game board, the facilitator, players, and random events. Every detail is carefully thought out to help the player go beyond their usual thinking patterns and find new solutions. Random elements, like rolling dice and drawing cards, create unexpected moments that stimulate creativity and train the brain to adapt to change. As a result, the game helps individuals find solutions to complex life questions, builds confidence, and unlocks their potential.

Interviewer: Who is RE.SET suitable for?

The game is suitable for both coaching beginners and those who are unsure if they need a coach. For those unsure, it serves as a “test drive” for coaching. In a playful form, without pressure or complicated terminology, participants get acquainted with coaching’s core principles, identify internal blocks and beliefs, and make decisions about whether to continue individual work.  

It’s suitable for both personal and professional goals: self-realization, starting a business, expanding a team, or finding a partner. Each player works toward their personal objectives.

Photo Courtesy: Anna Boltenko

Interviewer: Who are your clients?

I roughly divide my clients into several categories:

– Individual clients experiencing significant life changes: moving to a new country, transitioning from employment to running their own business, career advancement, etc.

– Corporations, organizations, and startups that need support in developing skills such as leadership, teamwork, change management, and others.

– Coaches—from beginners to experienced specialists—seeking advice on building their practices, promoting services, and accreditation. As a certified ICF mentor, I help coaches develop their skills and successfully navigate the certification process.

Interviewer: How and where do clients find you?

Most clients come through word of mouth, LinkedIn, and networking at conferences. I also often receive invitations from educational institutions due to my academic background—I hold a PhD in Canada.

Interviewer: How do American clients perceive coaching through games compared to clients from other countries?

Americans are more open and receptive to new forms of interaction. Unlike the post-Soviet space, where transformational games have become a well-established phenomenon (and even an anti-trend since every psychologist and related professional has their own game), coaching in the U.S. is viewed as a valuable tool. Clients are open to various forms of engagement, reflect actively, and open up deeply during sessions. They understand the purpose of these sessions and are ready to work on themselves. Americans don’t need a step-by-step guide on “what and how to do” — a delicate direction in line with their personal goals and preferences is enough. Many understand that change doesn’t happen instantly and requires a serious approach.

Photo Courtesy: Anna Boltenko

Interviewer: How do you measure the success of your clients?

My primary metric is the achievement of the set goals. Sometimes, initially stated goals turn out to be false and change during the process. For example, a person might say they want to earn a million dollars, but in reality, they are seeking recognition. The same happens with teams: they want to complete a project in a week, but after planning, we realise it’s actually a year-long job. Sometimes, companies ask to form a new team, but during the process, they realize that they first need to optimize the work of the existing team. We adjust the goals and move step by step toward the result.

Interviewer: Anna, with the rise of social media, many “Instagram experts” without professional qualifications have emerged. What are the dangers of low qualifications in coaching?

One of the main issues in coaching today is the rise of unqualified specialists who have only completed short courses or received certificates from questionable organizations. The popularization of coaching has led to the risk of pseudo-coaches actively promoting their services through social media. These specialists often fail to adhere to professional ethical standards, behavior norms, and confidentiality. An unqualified coach might give advice without understanding the depth of the client’s request, which could lead to incorrect decisions or even make the situation worse.  

A true, qualified coach understands the limits of their competence and knows when to refer the client to a psychologist. Unlike consultants, the coach’s role is to help the client find solutions independently based on their personal goals. An unqualified specialist can slow down the client’s progress or even worsen their problems.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to our readers?

Check a specialist through certification organizations’ websites. Consider their education, recommendations, and successful cases, and always have an introductory session to get to know them. Be curious; don’t be afraid to try something new and open new horizons.  

Don’t be afraid to play!

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Published by Nicholas A.