Maria Katsarou-Makin is a chartered leadership psychologist and executive coach, an IoL Fellow and founder of the Leadership Psychology Institute. She was shortlisted for Institute Advocate of the Year 2025.
How did you come to be doing the job you are doing today?
From early on, I knew I wanted to marry leadership and psychology. I was fascinated by human behaviour, why people think, feel, and act the way they do – and equally drawn to how leadership can transform teams, cultures, and organisations. Over time, that passion became my path: bringing these two worlds together so I could help leaders and teams grow with both psychological insight and practical leadership skills.
“I have been an IoL member for many years and it feels like family. The support is personal, individual, and you feel you have a true partnership in every sense of the word”
If you weren’t doing this job, what would you like to be doing?
In another life, I think I would have gone to medical school and become a psychiatrist. I’ve always been fascinated by the human mind and psychiatry would have been another way to blend science with psychology while helping people change and grow.
What is one common misperception of your work?
A common misperception is that being good at the work itself is enough. In reality, there’s a big difference between being a skilled practitioner and running a successful business. Each requires very different skill sets. People often underestimate the business side of what I do, but both are essential and need to work hand in hand.
If you could offer a piece of advice to your 18-year-old self, what would it be?
I would tell my 18-year-old self to be more confident and to believe in my own abilities. At that age, I often underestimated myself and worried too much about fitting in. I would remind myself that individuality and difference are not things to hide, but strengths to embrace and capitalise on – they are what set you apart and open doors to opportunities you can’t yet imagine.
What is one fact about yourself that others would be surprised to know?
Most people are surprised to learn that I’m actually introverted. Because of the work I do, I’m often seen as outgoing and confident in groups, but I recharge best through quiet reflection and time on my own.
How do you feel to be nominated for the Institute Advocate of the Year 2025 award?
I feel truly honoured to be nominated for the Institute Advocate of the Year award. It’s both unexpected and humbling, and it reinforces the value of the work I’m so passionate about. I have been an IoL member for many years and it feels like family. The support is personal, individual, and you feel you have a true partnership in every sense of the word. I’m also inspired to be in the company of so many others who are making a difference.
