275: Direction, Not Perfection: The Gap Between “I Want” and “I Do” with Irina Cozma
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275: Direction, Not Perfection: The Gap Between “I Want” and “I Do”
What if the key to your next career move wasn’t a perfect plan, but simply taking action? In the latest episode of the Work From the Inside Out podcast, I sit down with Irina Cozma, PhD, an executive coach, organizational psychologist, and writer for the Harvard Business Review. Irina shares her remarkable journey from Romania’s national junior volleyball team to leading roles in Fortune 500 companies and ultimately building her own coaching business. Her story is a powerful reminder that clarity and momentum often come not from overthinking but from doing.
We talk about how overthinking keeps many professionals stuck, especially when craving a meaningful career change. Irina believes that once we know what we want, our path forward becomes easier. She’s lived this truth firsthand, making significant international moves, earning multiple advanced degrees, and reinventing her work life, all without getting caught in analysis paralysis. Her mindset? Don’t obsess over whether it’s the perfect next step. If it aligns with your interests and values, take the steps needed to make it real.
One of the most powerful takeaways from our conversation is Irina’s mantra: shorten the distance between “I want” and “I do.” That simple shift in perspective can break the cycles of overthinking, and perfectionism to unlock progress. Whether you’re exploring a new industry, thinking about entrepreneurship, or trying to lead more effectively, Irina emphasizes the value of taking small, deliberate actions instead of waiting for certainty.
We also discuss the neuroscience behind why having direction fuels motivation. When your brain knows where you’re headed, it filters information differently and helps you stay focused. That’s why Irina encourages her clients to develop clarity, even if it’s just about the next step, not the entire plan. For those stuck in the discomfort of not knowing, she offers coaching that blends practical tools with insight, helping people find purpose in their professional lives.
In this week’s Work From The Inside Out podcast, learn more about:
Why having a strong sense of “what you want” makes decision-making easier, even when the path forward is uncertain.
The power of following curiosity and interest as a compass for career choices, rather than chasing traditional markers of success.
What it looks like to reinvent your career across industries, countries, and interests.
Learn more about Irina:
Visit irinacozma.com
LinkedIn: @irinacozma
YouTube: @irina-cozma
Interested in individual or group coaching with Tammy? Learn more about her coaching service.
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About Tammy, host of
Work from the inside out
Prior to establishing her practice, Tammy held a variety of positions in mental health services, higher education administration, public policy analysis and fundraising. Her practical knowledge and experience in organizational development, program management and business operations builds a relatable relationship with clients striving for higher performance results.