And just like that, we welcome October – the final summer sunsets and the first crisp autumn notes are in the air. As fall marks the transition we’re thrilled to return with our most cherished series on the platform—a place where we highlight the stories and achievements of women entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders. These stories have consistently touched our hearts and inspired many to take that bold leap of faith.
I’m excited to introduce our Entrepreneur of October, Carolina Almeida, who moved from a corporate career into a unique coaching business called Hikes of Life. Carolina’s journey is all about change—she decided to pursue her passion for helping others grow, all while enjoying the beauty of nature. In this interview, she shares her inspiring story of navigating challenges and how she supports others in finding their paths to fulfillment. Whether you’re seeking motivation to follow your dreams or tips on balancing work and life, Carolina’s story is sure to resonate.
Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself
My name is Carolina, and my international journey began early, driven by a curiosity to explore. I’ve lived across Europe and Asia, eventually settling in Switzerland in 2016 after an exciting MBA opportunity at INSEAD in Singapore. Growing up in São Paulo and living in cities like Shanghai and Paris, I feared I wouldn’t adapt to Switzerland’s slower pace. But from my first landing in Zurich, I felt a connection.
Despite the challenges of moving to a new country with a small child and a full-time job, I quickly fell in love with the slower pace of life, the connection with nature, and varied outdoor sports. Building a network took time, but after five years, I had close friends, loved my job, and felt deeply rooted. So, when my husband got a short-term assignment in Lisbon, my initial reaction was to stay.
We moved anyway, and while I expected a longer stay, we returned to Switzerland last July, this time settling in Meggen, near Luzern. I call this my “second life” in Switzerland, where I decided not to return to my corporate job but to follow a new dream that had quietly started its ascent while I was in Portugal—a journey I now embrace and call Hikes of Life.
Tell us about your current business. What are you doing exactly?
At Hikes of Life, I offer executive coaching and leadership development programs that combine coaching with hiking in nature. Each program is customized to help individuals achieve personal growth or transformation. For me, the key to coaching is a client’s drive for change, even if they’re not entirely sure what that change looks like. I often compare it to hiking—challenging, requiring effort and persistence, but ultimately rewarding.
Switzerland’s incredible landscapes play a crucial role in my coaching. Hiking has always been grounding for me, and solid research supports its mental and physical benefits. Each session begins with a mindful hike, encouraging clients to leave their heads, connect with their bodies, and be present in nature. This process blends mindfulness with physical activity, creating a unique environment for reflection. Together, we work on personal insights and challenges, and I guide clients to build resilience and reflect between hikes.
I often use hiking metaphors in my work, comparing the coaching journey to a pathfinder on a trail. They guide us, offering clarity on the way forward and supporting our ascent. The first step in any change is gaining perspective on how the client approaches the issue. From there, we build the necessary skills, like strengthening muscles through small, thought-provoking challenges that lead to lasting sustainable growth.
Three main trends I see among clients:
- People who’ve moved abroad are reconnecting with themselves and starting fresh professionally.
- Those drained by prioritizing others need to rediscover their energy sources.
- High-achievers struggling with self-imposed demands work on easing the pressure they place on themselves.
While I also coach online, I believe nature enhances the development process. The Swiss landscape is an ideal setting for reflection and growth. In addition to one-on-one hikes, I run active retreats and workshops worldwide. A highlight this year was a retreat on Rigi, and I’m excited to co-lead a biking retreat along the Camino de Santiago next year. Each retreat fosters shared learning and connection, much like how hikers support one another on a trail.
Tell us your story, how did you come up with this idea?
The idea for Hikes of Life was born out of my journey of self-discovery. As a child, I always felt out of place, sensing that I was different from those around me. I struggled to connect with who I was, often feeling empty when I tried to understand my own needs or desires. I vividly recall spending a month alone at 11, realizing just how little I knew about myself. I returned determined to reinvent myself in a way that would be accepted by others—an effort I now recognize continued into adulthood.
Years later, during a pivotal coaching training, I had a breakdown in a meeting with my manager at a startup in Portugal. He asked a simple question: “If you could do anything here, what would it be?” I realized then how disconnected I was from my true self. That moment made it clear that my search for belonging and connection needed to start within.
As I worked with a coach to map out my next steps, I knew I loved helping people navigate challenges, but I didn’t see myself sitting behind a desk. I loved being outdoors, and when my coach suggested combining coaching with movement in nature, it struck me—why not blend my passions?
That question brought me back to the peace and clarity I found as a child hiking and to my favorite moments in Switzerland. And that’s how Hikes of Life was born—a way to combine my love for nature with guiding others on their paths to growth and self-discovery.
What is a day like “in your heels?”
Besides Hikes of Life, I also freelance on online projects that I’m passionate about, mainly involving the US or Brazil. To balance it all, I reserve my mornings for Hikes of Life and personal hobbies. I start each day with mindfulness exercises before my kids wake up, and after they head off to school (they walk there themselves, which I love about living here), I either lead hikes or play padel—a hobby I picked up in Portugal and have become quite hooked on. Mornings also give me the quiet time to create content for new workshops.
In the afternoons, I focus on my online work, which includes one-on-one coaching and facilitating professional development workshops. I’m always amazed at the impact these sessions have in such a short time, so I prioritize them as well. Afternoons also involve kids logistics, as they have lunch at the “hort,” and on Wednesdays, I try to do something fun with them—part of embracing my “Swissness.”
Like many moms, I face the usual end-of-day rush: getting the kids through dinner, bath, and bedtime. Once they’re asleep, if I’m not working, I love to unwind with a good book. What I enjoy most about my projects is the constant learning—whether in work or hiking, it’s about appreciating the journey, not just the summit.
Would you like to give any specific advice to fellow entrepreneurs?
I don’t believe in giving direct advice, as everyone walks their unique path with challenges specific to their journey. However, there are a few principles from my experience as a solopreneur, particularly for women, that may resonate. One is to reconnect with people simply for the joy of connection, without the pressure of business outcomes. Another is to set clear priorities—not just for your business, but for your passions and adventures—and stay true to them. While setting goals is important, the most fulfilling projects often come from staying curious and open to the opportunities and people you meet along the way. It’s about savoring each step, embracing detours, and trusting the trail to unfold as you go.
A common misconception, especially among women, is that entrepreneurship offers more flexibility and less work. In reality, it’s often the opposite. Starting a business is like tackling a steep, rugged trail—it requires focus, energy, and often longer hours than a corporate job. That’s why finding a project you’re genuinely passionate about is essential to navigating the tough stretches. A coach can help you uncover that passion and keep you aligned with it, guiding you when the path becomes difficult.
Did Carolina’s story resonate with you?
Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn or browse her Website.
Are you a Woman Entrepreneur/ Leader/ Content creator? Get featured on My Swiss Story!
We are constantly looking for women with fascinating stories and experiences; those who are passionate enough to make a difference, those who have built successful businesses, those who have paved the path for others, and those who have taken actions to overcome adversities.