About
Hi I’m Stephanie, focused on Igniting Your SPARK!
I work with multicultural corporate women in male-dominated industries
To increase engagement, confidence and joy in work and life
Through my Certified 12-session High Performance Coaching program
Online in groups and one-on-one
Certifications
Ignited Clients
Lee-Ching Chong
I have been mentored by Stephanie as part of her Career Mentoring Program. Stephanie is an excellent coach.
The mentoring sessions with Stephanie have been very beneficial as I now have great clarity on what my ideal role is. It definitely enabled me to make career decisions wisely and also identified my strengths. I have increased confidence in the value that I can deliver in my work.
I am glad that I invested in myself!
NSW Transport
My experience with the coaching is as follows: Although I was a little ambivalent about the coaching in the beginning, I am now finding that I am much more engaged and actually look forward to the sessions as Stephanie breaks down the program into logical chunks that you can work on week by week to try to be your best self. this includes all aspects of your life, personal, professional, family etc as they are all so connected for every individual. I think this is something that if you put the effort in, you will definitely get something back.
Jennifer Kuiters
I started with Stephanie after 20 years working in Corporate, I was looking for work with more purpose and I was very stressed. I have worked with Stephanie on and off for three years undertaking her High Performance Coaching Program (Foundations, Charge & Declaration modules). Stephanie helped me gain clarity on my own mission, encouraged me to dream big and take responsibility for my life. It feels so good when you are living in alignment with your authentic self. It is very easy for me to realise when I am off track and make a change. Previously I was living everyday off track. I have gained confidence to make a career transition into the not for profit mental health sector. I have so much more energy, time for my family and I am a much happier person. Stephanie is passionate, real and intelligent. Stephanie has great leadership and corporate experience that allows her to understand her clients and provide insightful effective coaching. I recommend Stephanie for career coaching, helping you discover your purpose, helping you change negative thoughts and implementing healthy daily habits, leading to a more fulfilled life.
Cynthia Evans
Stephanie is both a talented coach and a dedicated mentor. I was recently coached by Stephanie for 6 months as part of the FIIT mentoring program. During this collaboration, Stephanie demonstrated a deep knowledge of her field and a natural ability to share her expertise in a pleasant and comprehensible manner. She constantly challenged my thinking, in a supportive way, and assisted me to implement some fundamental changes to my behaviours, producing great outcomes. Stephanie offers clear guidance, genuine inspiration and practical real-life examples to help facilitate understanding. She made me feel like my successes were her successes. I now feel confident to develop and apply my influence in both my personal and professional life. Stephanie brings her brand of authenticity to every interaction. I strongly recommend Stephane if you are looking for a professional coach who is a passionate and effective communicator with great listening skills
Minette Tiglao
Ignite the Spark aptly describes how Stephanie is as a Mentor. Not only is Steph very generous in sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience, she is also supportive, listens well, gives the best advices and inspires one to be a highly effective individual not just at work but life, in general so don't hesitate getting her coaching services if you need it.
Amanda Englund
I was fortunate enough to be assigned Stephanie Barros as my mentor through the Females in IT mentoring program. She has been such an inspiration and her advice so wise, regardless of the difficulty of the situation that I found myself in. Stephanie and I are around the same age but what she has achieved in her career in the same time period is incredibly inspiring. It is fantastic that she is giving back by volunteering her time to FiiT to help other women be their best self. I have learnt so much from Stephanie from overcoming my resistance to share negative feedback, how to best manage my time, how to have crucial conversations as well as setting and executing on leadership actions. Stephanie also shared an influencing model which I have put into practice, providing a tool for important situations. On top of the practical tools and advice that Stephanie can provide - she has a lovely positive, supportive demeanour. I cannot imagine a better mentor.
Carol Vayanos
I was fortunate enough to participate in the Females in Information Technology mentoring program in 2017 with Stephanie as my mentor. The mentoring that I received from Stephanie was incredibly impactful on me - professionally and personally. Through our sessions (with homework!) I was able to identify my key strengths and practical ways to enhance these strengths further; following which we worked to identify next options for my career. Stephanie's knowledge base is broad enabling deep and varied discussion on what was topical to our mentoring sessions. She graciously shared her knowledge, experience, time and network as a senior leader. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to work with such an experienced and committed mentor. Thank you Stephanie.
Kylie Richardson
I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to be mentored by Stephanie as part of the Females in IT & Technology (FITT) mentoring program in 2017. Stephanie and I were not originally paired together but due to circumstances Stephanie stepped up in her own time and worked with me in particular areas, such as career development & self-assessment. I found Stephanie to be a great mentor and an incredible wealth of advice both in and out of the workplace. Each of our sessions ended with a feeling of support and that Stephanie had listened to me. Stephanie assisted me greatly to develop skills that I am able to call upon and reflect on consistently today. I would highly recommend Stephanie as a mentor and appreciate the time she gave me out of cycle for the normal FITT program.
Sandra Tuohy
Stephanie was my mentor last year for 6 months which we did through FITT. It was such a great experience. I have to thank her for opening my eyes to new stage of opportunity and strength. For her tenacity of purpose and outstanding leadership qualities. Always on hand with words of encouragement and support. I want to really thank you for all the time and effort you gave to me. I am very grateful.
Dianne Gall
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be mentored by Stephanie as part of the Females in IT & Technology (FITT) mentoring program in 2014. I found Stephanie to be a very effective mentor and an incredibly inspiring leader. She is very organised and approached the program in a well-structured way that saw immediate positive benefits to my career. She is extremely personable and I left each session feeling supported by her words of encouragement, motivated by her contagious energy and enthusiasm, and better equipped to achieve my goals with her words of advice. She helped me to develop skills that I still constantly call upon and reflect on today. I would highly recommend Stephanie as a mentor and thank her for the truly valued contribution she made to my career.
Christy Luong
Amazing is the word that comes to mind when I describe Stephanie. I had the opportunity of being professionally mentored by Stephanie for a year. She was my mentor as part of the Females in IT & Technology (FITT) program at Optus Business. I was astounded with her mentoring skills, guidance and support in my professional career development. Stephanie was at all times during our mentoring period committed to helping me identify my areas of development, my wins and future strategies to achieve my career goals. Even after the program had finished, Stephanie was willing to stay in contact and continue to offer career guidance if needed. I can honestly attribute my mentoring time with her to my career success today, recently being appointed to a management role in Optus Business leading a team of 13 members. I would highly recommend Stephanie to anyone needing career mentoring due to her vast experience, leadership and strategic thinking. Thank you Stephanie for always being there for me.
Toni Cadden
I had the pleasure of being coached by Stephanie for 6 months as part of the FITT Mentoring Program. I’ve always seen real value from having a coach, which is different to a mentor, and at the time I met Stephanie I was at a bit of a crossroads with my career and was looking for guidance on how to best identify and navigate a path forward. I’d taken an unplanned step in my career to gain more diverse experience in the industry however I was unsure how to fit into the role and for the first time I felt a bit lost. Since working with Stephanie, I now have real clarity about my role and the value I bring to the business and our customers. I have learned to be brave enough to step outside of my comfort zone and back myself in my what can sometimes be perceived as unconventional leadership. As a result, over the last 12 months I have built an incredibly successful business, a true high performing sales team and am very clear and confident in what’s next in my career. What I loved about being coached by Stephanie was that she never gave me the easy answers or the easy way out – she always challenged me to and enabled me to dig deep and find that inner bravery she knew I had and re-spark the fire in my belly. Stephanie’s style is similar to my own in the way that I lead my teams and it was at first a bit strange to let my guard down, allow myself to be vulnerable and work through the development areas I knew I had - but she made me feel at ease almost immediately and quickly I found myself really looking forward to my next session. I would recommend Stephanie to anyone who is looking for someone to challenge them in a constructive way for the purposes of growth and development. Additionally any woman in business who has a family can relate to the internal and external challenges of getting balance, Stephanie really helped me understand what firstly, balance really means to me (because it’s different for everyone), and secondly how to achieve it.
Manish Kumar
I have fortune of working with Stephanie as my Mentor from last 1 year and continue…. Stephanie is extremely passionate about personal development and can help you break down complex thoughts into simple ideas. Her communication framework is simple to implement and applicable to communications at any level. Her natural style was great to work with.
Attending Stephanie Capitative communication workshop at J&J has improved my professional and personal communication presence dramatically. Her communication course has made an indelible, positive impact on my professional life. She has provided me with innovative and powerful means to become an effective communicator and to control my ability to effectively address an audience. It's been an invaluable learning experience.
Stephanie brings her wealth of experience as a presenter to her coaching/mentoring, imparting plenty of knowledge and tips. She also excels at coaching participants and gives very targeted feedback and suggestions for improving.
Her mentoring greatly increased my confidence and effectiveness as a presenter, professional, individual and communicator. She has shown me the mirror and helped me to identify my SPARK. I'd highly recommend Stephanie for personal/professional/Social and community coaching and mentoring.
NSW Transport
Thank you for organising the High Performance Coaching with Stephanie Barros. I have certainly been enjoying the experience. In particular, as a result of the combination of interactive sessions with the team and self-evaluation exercises I find that I am:
a. Actively thinking about how I can change my behaviour to improve effectiveness and responsiveness for getting tasks done
b. Actually turning those thoughts into incremental changes to make them habitual
c. gaining clarity on what is important to me for personal and professional goals, and work-life balance
d. understanding the perspective of each of my team members better
e. I think that the above would be even more effective with periodic, brief one-on-one sessions for tailored focus.
NSW Transport
While these workshops are still in progress, I would like to provide my thoughts and experiences from the workshops I have been part of so far. I believe the workshops are perfect timing to check –in and triggering each individual to review their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. I believe the workshops help to provide a processes and tools for each individual to recognize the current problem they are facing as the first step and fixing the problems as the next steps.
NSW Transport
Just a quick note to let you know that I am getting a lot of benefit from the work we are doing with Stephanie. I have already made changes to the way I work and these appear to be improving my productivity. I’ve also found it helpful with my personal life, including priorities and health and wellbeing.
NSW Transport
What I am getting out of the coaching? How to stay focused. List of important things in my life. What to do I need to do immediately to achieve the goal I committed to deliver in three months. Understanding more about my team members in the team coaching sessions. This helps a lot to work closely and connect easily with the team. The best part of the session is the how-to generate positive energy and the energy level of Stephanie inspired me a lot.
NSW Transport
What I am getting out of the coaching? How to stay focused. List of important things in my life. What to do I need to do immediately to achieve the goal I committed to deliver in three months. Understanding more about my team members in the team coaching sessions. This helps a lot to work closely and connect easily with the team. The best part of the session is the how-to generate positive energy and the energy level of Stephanie inspired me a lot.
NSW Transport
I found the Stephanie Sessions to be a welcome exercise, especially during Lockdown. The main feedback after 3 sessions to date is that the coaching allows you to reflect on a personal basis. It allows a SHIFT or ability to PIVOT slightly when it comes to Work Life Balance. i.e. Its not all about performance @Work alone definitely think it would be worthwhile in other areas of the CoE
NSW Transport
While these workshops are still in progress, I would like to provide my thoughts and experiences from the workshops I have been part of so far. I believe the workshops are perfect timing to check –in and triggering each individual to review their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. I believe the workshops help to provide a processes and tools for each individual to recognize the current problem they are facing as the first step and fixing the problems as the next steps.
NSW Transport
Thank you for organising the High Performance Coaching with Stephanie Barros. I have certainly been enjoying the experience. In particular, as a result of the combination of interactive sessions with the team and self-evaluation exercises I find that I am actively thinking about how I can change my behaviour to improve effectiveness and responsiveness for getting tasks done and atually turning those thoughts into incremental changes to make them habitual.
Serge Stefanovic
The coaching was super super impactful and I actually went into it wanting one thing but completely was blown away with what I got! I was able to, with working with Stephanie, really identify and get clear on what my success formula is, like how do I perform at my best, and it wasn't conventionally what I thought it was. That was super invaluable! And also really realising what do I actually want, and Stephanie really challenged me to think about what is really true for me as opposed to what I think I should be doing.
Helle Otteson
I will recommend Stephanie to everyone who wants to grow and step out in the unknown. Stephanie was able to coach me to find new opportunities, and daring to take the new steps, I was facing. It is obvious that she has a lot of experience, are able to implement different kinds of work, and also are able to get me along and engaged during the whole processes, and that is difficult to manage, as a coach.
Belinda Williamson
Earlier this year I chose to do the high performance coaching programme with Stephanie Barros. This was really transformational for me as it really helped me get some clarity about what it is I wanted to do with the rest of my professional and personal life. And it's really helped to give me the courage to do that. So it's been really exciting, challenging at times, but really great fun. If you're a little uncertain about what you want to do and you're trying to establish what that is, if you feel a bit stuck, I would really encourage you to doing this 12 week programme it's been fantastic. Thanks Stephanie!
Helle Otteson
During our conversations Stephanie brings her authenticity by guiding me and always landing in a safe place with both feet on the ground. I can only strongly recommend Stephane if you want to work with a professional coach who, at the same time are passionate and an effective communicator getting the best results. I can only give my best advise to invite Stephanie to help your business grow.
Leticia Alvarez
It's only until the mirror is held up for you, that you will see deeply seeded negative beliefs blocking (sometimes paralysing) your path. With her help, these limitations are dealt with, unravelled, smoothed out and even eradicated! Stephanie's extensive accolades in the corporate world topped with her abundant, personal & life experience, make her a highly sought after executive and personal coach.
Api Kumaradevan
I've been coached by Stephanie for 12 weeks as part of the high performance coaching certified programme, and the experiences that I've had have been quite internally life changing. I've been really clear on what I want to do and how I want to juggle things around and make sure that life really works for me holistically and not just compartmentalised in the way that I've traditionally done that. One thing I really liked about this programme was the structure it provided, and just having somebody like Stephanie to talk through that has been really great and beneficial for me. So, for somebody considering this programme, I would highly recommend it.
Susan (Suzi) Espaza-Badola
Stephanie, I see your talents and high energy during the program. You are very knowledgeable and inspiring. What I'm impressed about you is how you "listened" attentively and paraphrased our stories very effectively. That there is a skill, a talent. MOST coaches, therapist, professional people cannot listen and get to the point. They get lost in their own explanation. I see the value and your worth. If I could, I would continue with coaching sessions. Thank you for making an impact in my life! Namaste!
Api Kumaradevan
For me, it worked out because I was ready to take action and action being very small things. It could be just a small tweak in a habit that's really helped me for the longer term, but it's really understanding what those habits are and changing them as well. So I would highly recommend anybody who's looking for a way to just improve their life holistically, to just start on this programme.
Ivan Gestoso
I took the high performance programme with Stephanie. And my levels of productivity and performance have raised considerably. And not just that, they not just raised, they didn't go back down so they are maintaining there. So, I'm really really happy about that because that's been one of my weaknesses. I've always been up and down, up and down, so that's why I really appreciate this programme, and it helped me, I believe it can help anyone. I feel my performance in all aspects of my life is just a little bit higher. You know, I have more stamina, more energy, I'm more productive. If you are thinking about looking for something to perform a little bit better. I think this is it really. Thanks Stephanie again for this amazing programme.
Anthony Albinda
I have been coached by Stephanie for six weeks as part of her certified high performance coaching programme. Here are a few things that I've learned. First, clarity of my purpose. So it gives me focus in which I need to learn, and which aligns to my purpose. Second, I learned tools to keep my energy the whole day, and then it will allow me to also know when is my energy going down, and with these tools and tips I am able to raise them up. And third and most importantly, Ive been able to overcome my fear, fear of not trying, fear of failing. That's why I highly recommend Stephanie's high performance coaching programme, because she really pushes you to become the person, the best that you can be, anything to discover your true potential.
Johann Yuen
What thing I like about how Stephanie runs the programme is she allows every voice to be heard. Everyone, and a lot of time, I didn't want it to share, but she able to notice my facial expressions if there's an eyebrow. She can literally read my mind for that. If needed, you know, a buddy to, to help you go through ups and downs. This is definitely a one.
Wipawadee Paopaka
Stephanie helped me truly to find my most definite purpose as a new entrepreneur. And also she helped me to get clear on the action plan that I need to do in order to achieve my goal. She helped me to clear on the little voice and becoming more confidence on my skill, knowledge, and my past success, that will support me to striving my goal in the future. I really recommend that you work this with Stephanie. So she will help you to be more clear on what you are going to achieve. She will help you to find your purpose and clear out all the little voice that will help you to move forwards.
Thaddeus Lawrence
Stephanie is the ultimate blend of sparkling intellect and radiating authenticity. It is rare to meet a consummate professional with a powerful inner compass such as herself. She uses her impressive experience in the corporate sector and her clear personal mission to make a difference in the lives of her clients and those she works with. This century will come to be defined by individuals who create daily ripples that crescendo into waves. Stephanie is one such individual.
Kim Joachime Jans
You’ve made a massive difference to my life & thinking. I’ve read all your emails and most of your posts and, since you were a VP at J&J, I know you’re speaking from experience. As I am going through this massive transformation in my own life, it’s been hugely helpful, hopeful and inspirational. I cannot recommend you enough, thank you!!
NSW Transport
Prior to these sessions my understanding about a high performer was more focused on the day to day work related delivery and to go above and beyond the expectations and commitments. Now I understand that performance is improved by cultivating the correct habits in both personal and work life. As well as the bigger picture of life is beyond the workspace.
Amanda Englund
I have learned so much from Stephanie from overcoming my resistance to sharing negative feedback, how to best manage my time, how to have crucial conversations, and setting and executing leadership actions. Stephanie also shared an influencing model which I have put into practice, providing a tool for important situations. On top of the practical tools and advice that Stephanie can provide – she has a lovely positive, supportive demeanor. I cannot imagine a better mentor.
Peter Rowell
Stephanie Barros is an excellent High Performance Coach! I took High Performance coaching with Stephanie after opening my business. I wanted to make sure I was performing my best in all my important life roles – work, family and community leadership. I learned and applied so much valuable techniques and information with Stephanie and the high performance program that I significantly increased my business revenue while decreasing my stress level and also spending quality time at home. I highly recommend Stephane as a coach!
My Story
The purpose of my life is to be a joyous, positive influence, to adore and appreciate my loved ones and enjoy life passionately;
so that I may gracefully inspire others into courageously
Igniting Your SPARK & live life fully!
Hi, I’m Stephanie Barros, Certified High Performance Coach, wife, mother and wearer of many hats.
My 25 years in the corporate environment saw many changes in my role, function and industry but what remained constant was my passion for helping others discover and EXPLODE their potential. Whether it’s a new job or an increased level of confidence, my greatest feeling of joy and satisfaction is seeing others really achieve.
As a Certified High Performance Coach, I am now doing what I love and excel in professionally and that’s helping YOU get the best out of you!
This is where and who I am today, but my journey started much like yours.
I had lost my spark, my spirit, the essence of who I was. I became disengaged from my career, my relationships and my self. Losing connection with my feelings and goals meant I was no longer inspired to be or do more. However, my spark wasn’t gone. It was just laying dormant, asleep inside me. It was time to wake it up! To truly see WHERE I was, WHO I was and WHAT I was capable of!
It was time to stop living a lie and live a LIFE!
This realisation changed me and inspired pursuit of my passion. I researched, went to seminars, spoke to coaches, mentors and gurus, all aiding in the culmination of my becoming a Certified High Performance Coach.
In facilitating the 12-session High Performance coaching program, my role is to help you master the areas of Clarity, Energy, Courage, Productivity and Influence. We will delve into your beliefs, goals, distractions, habits and routines; developing your confidence and ensuring you have the physical energy and mental stamina to perform at your best.
I bring authenticity, relatability and passion to our sessions. Connecting deeply with my clients allows me to help shift your mindset and enable positive action.
TOGETHER we can discover your unique success formula and move yourself, your career, your health and your relationships to your next level of engagement, joy and confidence and equip you with the tools to live a fulfilling and successful life!
I’M ready to start you on your journey.
Are YOU ready to IGNITE YOUR SPARK?
My Values & Beliefs
LOVE is unconditional acceptance
I appreciate my loved ones rather than have expectations of them
I always accept myself for who I am – past, present and future
I have faith in myself to love unconditionally
I have faith that others can and will love me unconditionally
COURAGE is the faith in myself to be self-assertive as and when appropriate; and the determination to see things through to a point that is right for me
I have faith in myself; I honour my thoughts, feelings, emotions and intuition
I trust myself to know right from wrong and to always act with good intent
I honour commitments to myself and others
PASSION is the willingness to be my authentic self and not hold back; determined to achieve my dreams and play at the same time
I have confidence to demonstrate my ability to think, learn, choose and make appropriate decisions
I have confidence in my right to be happy and demonstrate my happiness
I have confidence that achievement, success, friendship, respect, love and fulfilment is appropriate for me
JOY is choosing consciously each and every day to be positive and optimistic
I take control of my existence and my happiness by being solution-orientated
I distinguish between facts, interpretation and emotion and be response-able
I enjoy my life, have fun and remember to laugh
GRACE is unrestrained goodwill and smiling acceptance
I interact with others with positive IN-10-TION
I accept others as they are with a smile
My words and actions are congruent
My Background
Stephanie is an inspiring and passionate certified High Performance coach, facilitator, speaker and international best-selling author with an insatiable appetite for continuous learning; is approachable, engaging and focused on Igniting Your SPARK to explode your potential and live life fully!
For over 25 years, Stephanie has created sustainable high performance cultures driving results consistently over the long term. She has worked in the corporate world with a variety of individuals, teams and functions. Stephanie is focused on the personal and professional development of individuals and teams with a particular passion for developing talent, culture and leadership potential in IT Professionals and for IT Organisations.
Stephanie is a certified high performance coach, trained facilitator and multi-disciplinary senior leader with experience in Information Technology, Finance as well as Human Resources. She has worked in the Healthcare, Property and Financial Services industries and has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and Master of Business (Information Technology Management) from the University of Technology, Sydney.
Stephanie coaches individuals and teams from her extensive experience, she facilitates workshops in high performance, captivating communications, personal and professional leadership development. Stephanie speaks to small and large audiences on a breadth of topics including having delivered a TEDx talk on Making Connections. She is a volunteer mentor for Females in Information Technology & Telecommunications, a co-founder of the Women Leading into the Future movement and in her last corporate role, Stephanie was the Asia Pacific Regional Director of IT for Johnson and Johnson.
Featured Publications
Articles
June 9, 2021 Disrupt Magazine
Stephanie attributes her transition from employee to entrepreneur as a result of when she felt the ‘Universal Slap’ that woke her up and ignited her spark. In this article, Stephanie reveals her 5 steps to “Ignite Your SPARK”.
See publication
May 29, 2021 Yahoo Global
Stephanie shares why her mission is to enable women to succeed in their own unique way to fully engage at work and home and remain happy and confident without the risk of burnout.
See publication
Jun 11, 2018 The Asian Entrepreneur
Stephanie Barros is playing a small part in helping others reach their full potential.
See publication
2014 Investing in non-IT Skills
CIO Magazine
2013 Cultivating Collaboration – Head to Head Feature
CIO Magazine