Mia Pavlikova

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.

“If the idea excites you, do it.”

The night the idea for her business struck, Mia Pavlikova couldn’t sleep.

“If I didn’t pursue this, I would regret it forever,” she says.

Her corporate career felt unfulfilling. “I realized my inner light had been dimmed, and it only began to shine when I chose to build something of my own,” she says.

Leaving a stable job for the unknown was thrilling and terrifying. She faced financial uncertainty, self-doubt, and the isolation of leadership.

“Unlike in corporate settings, where teams share responsibility, as an entrepreneur, every decision falls on you,” she says.

She relied on patience and strategy. “I had to silence the inner voice questioning if I was capable, worthy, or ‘ready.’ The truth is, no one ever feels fully ready: you just start and grow along the way.”

She met these challenges with discipline and preparation. “I built financial reserves before leaving corporate life and ensured I had a sustainable strategy,” she says.

She set clear milestones to track progress instead of seeking external validation. “Structured routines and clear goals kept me focused. I also practiced self-reflection to remind myself why I started this journey in the first place.”

Diversifying services like coaching, matchmaking, and group workshops, helped stabilize cash flow. She prioritized self-growth, surrounding herself with mentors, attending mastermind groups, and tracking success.

Personal branding played a key role in her transition. “I focused on refining my messaging to position myself as an authority in my field,” she says.

Now, as the founder of Find Your Swan, a matchmaking service, her mission is to bring happier, fulfilled couples and individuals into the world.

“And why Swan? It is a cultural symbol associated with true love, making it the perfect emblem for my work.”

Originally from Slovakia, she moved to Dubai in 2016 as a flight attendant. “Living abroad enhanced my interpersonal skills, an asset in my business,” she says.

She continues to prioritize personal interests. “I now focus on experiences that fuel my creativity and wellbeing, like traveling, personal development events, and connecting with like-minded individuals.”

Her advice? “If the idea excites you, do it, but do it wisely. A year from now, would you regret not taking the leap? If the answer is yes, you already know what to do.”