About Joana & Luzia
Why Luzia?
“Luz” means light in Portuguese, my mother tongue and the language of the women who came before me.
Luzia was born from the belief that even in uncertain times, we can find our way forward.
Luzia grew out of my own experience of learning to navigate uncertainty with greater patience, self-trust, and compassion.
It reflects the way I have learned to move through change — and the way I now support others.
Meet Joana
I'm Joana.
I've lived through many forms of change.
Some I chose. Others arrived without warning.
Over the years, my path has taken me across countries, careers, and periods of personal reinvention. I've lived in Portugal, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Malta, and Switzerland, and spent more than 25 years supporting people and teams through change in international environments.
Like many women who find their way to Luzia, I have experienced significant transitions of my own — illness and recovery, career changes, relocation, burnout, and the quieter shifts that come with midlife.
These experiences have taught me that meaningful change rarely comes with a clear map.
I've learned that we don't always need to know exactly where we're going.
Sometimes we simply need enough trust to take the next step.
How I Work
My approach combines coaching and mentoring in a way that feels human, grounded, and practical.
I offer a calm space for reflection, honest conversation, and gentle forward movement.
I don't believe change needs to be rushed.
Instead, I help women understand where they are, reconnect with what matters most, and take the next steps that feel right for them.
If parts of my story resonate with yours, I would be honoured to walk alongside you as you explore what comes next.