There is a kind of leadership that does not need loud words. It is felt in a calm gaze, in the ability to pause and support others. This is exactly the kind of leadership Nina Mishchenko embodies – a person for whom yoga has become not just a hobby, but a way of life and a source of strength for herself and her colleagues.

Movement and physical activity have always been part of Nina’s life. From early childhood, sports were an integral part of her daily routine. In the 1990s, she practiced shaping and Pilates. In the early 2000s, yoga entered her life – first through video cassettes, and later through classes with instructors and various seminars. It all began in Mariupol, within a community of like-minded people, where practice was not only about the body, but also about connection, support, and personal growth.

Over time, there were periods of pause, returns to fitness, and then a new, deeper understanding of yoga. Nina felt its true significance most acutely during the full-scale war:

“As someone from Mariupol, I went through a very difficult emotional state – uncertainty, relocation, loss of loved ones, and exhaustion. I started practicing at home on my own and gradually realized: I truly need this, it keeps me grounded. Yoga helped me rebuild myself, find inner balance, and discover support within.”

When Nina joined NIBULON, the company was actively developing a corporate culture focused on employee well-being. Her yoga initiative naturally aligned with this philosophy. The company’s openness and support for such ideas became the starting point of a new chapter.

“I still remember our very first class – it took place on September 17. At first, we practiced on the terrace, and later we were given an entire room that now serves as a training studio. I am truly grateful to NIBULON for the opportunity to hold our sessions, for supporting the initiative, providing space, time, and equipment.”

Yoga classes are a harmonious combination of working with the body and deep relaxation. Nina designs each practice so that participants work through the entire body in one session: the back, core, shoulder girdle, hips, and knee joints.

She pays special attention to breathing. According to Nina, it is through breath that health, energy, and inner cleansing come. She teaches people not to run away from difficult sensations, but to experience them consciously. Step by step, participants learn to listen to themselves, slow down the flow of anxious thoughts, and find a state of calm.

“Today, it is incredibly important to know how to pause. We are constantly rushing somewhere, feeling nervous, living in anxiety, and often missing what truly matters. When we are calm, balanced, and feel how our body responds to movement, it brings a special kind of pleasure.”

Thanks to Nina, yoga at NIBULON has become more than just a physical activity after work. It is a space for recovery. The practice helps release tension, reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and even increase work efficiency.

“After a class, you feel light and fulfilled – all anxiety and unresolved tasks seem to fade away. It’s important to understand that balance in yoga is not just about standing on one leg; it’s about inner equilibrium, calmness, and emotional state. When you are nervous or exhausted, it’s hard to maintain balance. But after practice, once you feel restored and calm, a genuine sense of joy appears – you just sit there and suddenly realize you’re smiling.

After practice, I experience incredible clarity and focus: tasks that used to take a long time become easy and quick. And I see that everyone who practices regularly feels the same results.”

When Nina speaks about her group, her voice is filled with warmth and care. She is attentive to people, their emotional states, experiences, and small victories. Everyone matters to her – both beginners and those who have been practicing for a long time. She sincerely rejoices in everyone who comes to class. What inspires her most is her colleagues’ progress: their results, first moments of closing their eyes in balance, longer-held asanas, and calm, relaxed faces after practice.

“I don’t consider myself a super master, but my students inspire me, and I genuinely love yoga. I enjoy practicing, feeling the process, and, most importantly, seeing the results in others. That brings me true joy.”

Her example shows that leadership is expressed through care, calmness, and the ability to fill others with energy.