Have you ever looked around your successful career and wondered… Is this really it?
You’ve worked hard.
Climbed the ladder.
Earned the respect.
Checked all the boxes.
And yet—you’re still not fulfilled.
If that resonates with you, you’re going to love this week’s episode of From a Woman to a Leader.
I sat down with Ksenia Votinova-Arnaud, a Paris-based serial tech entrepreneur and INSEAD business coach who helps executive women in tech transition into purpose-driven entrepreneurship—without quitting their jobs too soon.
And let me tell you: her story is extraordinary.
When the Dream Job Isn’t Your Dream
Ksenia started out in fintech, landing a CFO role by age 27.
Then came an MBA from INSEAD. A dream job in Bali.
A luxurious, high-level role running a five-star villa business.
But something wasn’t right.
Despite the success, she felt the pull of something deeper—something more hers.
And that’s when she made a bold decision:
She left it all to build a business of her own.
From Fear to Freedom
Like many women I coach, Ksenia didn’t feel “ready.”
She questioned her experience. Worried about failing.
Sound familiar?
But she leaned in anyway—and co-founded a SaaS company that’s still thriving 14 years later.
She traveled the world, lived as a digital nomad, and eventually returned to Paris—ready to build again.
Now, she helps other high-achieving women build businesses that are resilient, profitable, and aligned with their purpose.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
In our conversation, Ksenia shares:
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💡 The mindset shift that helped her take the leap
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💡 How to validate a business idea before leaving your 9-5
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💡 Why your corporate experience is your greatest asset
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💡 What makes a business “weatherproof” in any economy
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💡 How she found clarity through experimentation—not perfection
If you’ve ever thought about starting something of your own—but felt overwhelmed or unsure—this episode will give you the clarity and courage to move forward.
🎧 Ready to hear the full story?
Watch now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FOaOIYFd6yI
Or listen on your favorite platform: https://limorbergman.com/podcast
About Ksenia Votinova-Arnaud
Ksenia Votinova-Arnaud is a serial tech entrepreneur, INSEAD MBA, and business coach who helps executive women in tech confidently transition from corporate leadership to purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
She began her career in fintech, quickly rising to CFO before earning her MBA at INSEAD. After leading a luxury real estate business in Bali and co-founding the profitable SaaS company Le VPN, Ksenia discovered her true passion: helping other ambitious women build scalable businesses they love—without burning out or giving up their careers too soon.
With over 20 years of experience and a track record of coaching 1,100+ leaders from top companies like Google, AWS, Salesforce, and Adobe, Ksenia blends deep business insight with a clear, human-centered approach. She’s the creator of the Weatherproof Business Formula™, a proven method to help new founders build resilient, profitable ventures that align with their lifestyle and values.
Ksenia regularly hosts free masterclasses and shares practical tools for women ready to build something of their own.
Masterclass sign-up page: https://kseniavotinova.com/masterclass
Website: https://kseniavotinova.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kseniavotinova/
This episode is for every woman in tech who’s silently wondering if there’s more out there—and needs a roadmap to find out.
Let me know what stood out to you—and who else needs to hear this story. 💬👇
About Me
I’m Limor Bergman Gross, a former Director of Engineering who has become an executive coach for women in tech. I help women rise into leadership roles with confidence without burning out or compromising their identity.
🎙️ From a Woman to a Leader is where I bring you honest, powerful conversations with women who’ve been there—and want to help you get there too.
Let’s connect:
🌐 Website
▶️ YouTube
Want to Step Into Executive-Level Leadership?
If you’re a mid-to-senior woman in tech leadership who’s tired of being overlooked and ready to be recognized, respected, and promoted—without changing who you are—join the waitlist for my Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator. It’s a 12-week coaching experience designed to help you show up with clarity, confidence, and influence.
- Speak up with confidence
- Get invited into strategic conversations
- Position yourself for VP or executive roles—without burnout
👉 Join the waitlist today: https://limorbergman.com/accelerator/
Let’s get you the recognition you already deserve
