About Beyond Cubicles
📢 #BeyondCubicles is a weekly LinkedIn series created by Carolina D’Souza, born out of her own experience transitioning from a corporate career to independent consulting. Since its launch in June 2024, the series has evolved into a platform that showcases the inspiring journeys of several founders who have redefined the traditional 9-to-5.
Through authentic narratives, #BeyondCubicles highlights themes of courage, resilience, and purpose. The stories feature individuals from diverse industries—ranging from tech and education to wellness and adventure—who share their experiences of stepping away from conventional roles to pursue passion-driven careers.
✨ Note: All features in this series are unpaid and shared as a way to honor and amplify real stories of transformation.
“There is no day off or weekend at the beginning.”
After eight years in special education, Mirna Bolmanac believed she understood parental challenges.
But only in 2020, when she became a mother herself, her perspective shifted in ways that reshaped her career and mission.
“When mothers prioritize themselves, it profoundly impacts their children and family harmony,” she says.
As an NLP and Mental Emotional Release practitioner with experience in supporting families and their wellbeing, she launched One Way to Harmony in 2021 to help mothers nurture mental wellbeing and resilience.
She navigated significant challenges as she transitioned to entrepreneurship. Balancing family and building a business was no small feat.
“There is no day off or weekend at the beginning,” she says.
Financial unpredictability and setbacks added pressure. To overcome these challenges, she relied on her coaching expertise. She stayed grounded by setting clear daily and weekly goals, focusing on key priorities, and cultivating gratitude.
“As a mom, to reduce guilt and societal pressure, I try to focus on what’s important and celebrate everything I have achieved so far. Gratitude, community, and family love help me during tough times,” she says.
In addition to managing these challenges, Mirna built her personal brand to amplify her mission. “I started by identifying my unique value proposition: empowering mothers and families,” she says, adding that she shared her story on social media and LinkedIn expanded her reach.
The journey has been professionally and personally transformative. “I’ve developed leadership, resilience, and practical skills I never thought I would learn,” she says. On a personal level, she has found peace with uncertainty and achieved harmony between ambition and family life.
Looking back, she highlights the lessons that have shaped her path: “Trust the process—progress is not always linear. Collaboration is powerful; talk about your work wherever you go. Clarity in your purpose is the foundation of sustainable success.”
Her advice: Reflect on your “why”, start small, and find supportive people.
“Be bold,” she says. “The only way to succeed is to create your own opportunities.”
Through One Way to Harmony, her mission remains clear: to help mothers integrate self-care into their lives and thrive. “I’ve learned to integrate self-care and hobbies because they replenish my energy and creativity,” she says.
Originally from Serbia, Mirna now calls the UAE home. “I’m grateful for the opportunities the UAE offers women in business,” she says, a sentiment echoed in her work to empower others.