An Interview With Dr. Carla Marie Manly
Travel When Possible: If you have the opportunity, travel to different countries. This hands-on experience is invaluable for gaining a true understanding of global issues and cultural practices.
Growth is an essential part of life, both personally and professionally. Every day presents an opportunity to learn, evolve, and become better versions of ourselves. But how do we seize these opportunities? How do successful writers, leaders, and influencers ensure they are constantly growing and improving? What daily habits, practices, or mindsets contribute to their continual growth? In this interview series, we would like to talk to authors, leaders, influencers, and anyone who is an authority about “What We Can Do To Grow Every Day”. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Serhii Kolisnyk.
Born in 1986 in Donetsk, Serhiy Kolisnyk has carved out a distinguished career in the fields of human rights and legal advocacy. His journey began in Donetsk, where he completed his high school education. Seeking further academic challenges, he moved to Kyiv and enrolled in an academy, subsequently joining the National Academy of Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine. His academic dedication was evident as he graduated with honors.
With over 16 years of experience in human rights, Kolisnyk has established himself as a thought leader in his field. His career started in the prosecutor’s office, where he progressed from a district investigator to an investigator at the General Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine. His expertise and leadership skills were further recognized when he served as a district prosecutor and head of department in regional prosecutor’s offices. This extensive experience laid a solid foundation for his later roles.
Transitioning from public service, Kolisnyk became the head of the investigative division of the tax authorities in Kyiv. This role further honed his skills in legal and regulatory matters. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a private law practice. His success in private practice culminated in the spring of 2024 when he, alongside partner Kateryna Odarchenko, co-founded the closed-type lobbying club “LOBBY CLUB” with offices in Kyiv and Washington, DC. Odarchenko, who is currently in the United States, works to enhance transparent dialogue between state, business, and society within the International Government Relations Association.
Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us your “Origin Story”? Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I was born in Donetsk, a region in Eastern Europe that has faced significant challenges over the years, particularly with regard to political stability and human rights. Growing up in such an environment, where justice and the rule of law were often tested, I developed a deep commitment to contributing positively to society. This commitment led me to pursue a career in law, with a particular focus on human rights and international justice.
After completing my early education, I specialized in international law, which provided me with a broader perspective on justice that transcends national borders. My career in both public service and private practice has been dedicated to advocating for fairness and human rights, not just in my home country but on a global scale. These experiences have given me a unique understanding of the impact that law and justice can have on individuals and communities around the world, including in the United States.
Can you tell us a bit about what you do professionally and what brought you to this specific career path?
I’ve spent over 16 years in the legal field, focusing on human rights and justice. My career began in the prosecutor’s office, where I was involved in cases that demanded a rigorous application of legal principles and ethical standards. As I progressed, I moved into private practice with a focus on international law, which allowed me to engage with legal systems and issues from around the world, including those that are significant in the U.S.
Currently, I co-lead “LOBBY CLUB,” a global lobbying organization with operations in Kyiv and Washington, D.C. Our work involves connecting diverse interests across borders, particularly in areas of post-conflict reconstruction, economic development, and human rights. This role enables me to apply my legal expertise in ways that resonate with both European and American legal practices, bridging cultural and legal differences to achieve common goals.
Let’s talk about personal growth. What does “Personal Growth” mean to you in an international context?
Personal growth, especially in an international context, is about continuously expanding your understanding of the world beyond your immediate environment. This could mean gaining insights into how legal systems operate differently across the globe, understanding diverse cultural practices, and adapting to new ways of thinking. It’s about being open to learning from the world around you and applying those lessons to your professional and personal life in a way that enhances your global perspective.
Why do you believe that it’s important to commit to growing every day, especially in a globalized world?
In today’s interconnected world, where events on the other side of the globe can have immediate impacts in the U.S., committing to daily growth ensures that we remain adaptable, informed, and prepared to tackle complex challenges. For example, understanding global trade laws or international human rights issues can significantly enhance an American professional’s ability to navigate the complexities of international business or advocacy work. Daily growth is crucial for anyone who wants to stay competitive and make a meaningful impact on both a national and global scale.
What are the key benefits for those who engage in personal growth with a global perspective?
Engaging in personal growth with a global perspective offers numerous benefits, particularly for Americans. It enhances your ability to work effectively across cultures, makes you more adaptable to the rapid changes in global markets, and increases your effectiveness as a leader in international contexts. Additionally, it fosters empathy and understanding, which are critical for building strong, cooperative relationships across borders — a key asset in today’s global economy and political landscape.
What could be the downsides of not focusing on personal growth in a globalized context?
Not focusing on personal growth with an international outlook can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of competitiveness in a global market. It can also result in a narrow worldview that limits your ability to innovate or respond to global challenges effectively. In a professional sense, it may mean being unprepared to engage in international collaborations or failing to understand the cultural nuances that are essential for successful global partnerships.
What specific practices do you have in place to ensure that you continue to grow, particularly in your international work?
To ensure continuous growth, I prioritize staying engaged with different cultures and legal systems. This includes attending international conferences in places like Washington, D.C., participating in cross-border collaborations, and staying updated on global legal trends that have direct implications for U.S. law and policy. I also believe strongly in the importance of mentorship, both as a mentor and a mentee, to gain and share knowledge across different legal and cultural contexts.
Is there any area of your international work where you are particularly committed to growth?
I’m particularly committed to growing in the area of international law and human rights advocacy, which has significant implications for global justice, including within the U.S. As the world evolves, so too must the legal frameworks that govern international relations. I’m focused on understanding these changes and ensuring that the work we do at LOBBY CLUB is informed by the latest developments in international law, particularly those that affect transatlantic relations and U.S. foreign policy.
If you could offer five tips to our readers on how to foster personal growth with an international focus, what would they be?
- Stay Informed on Global Issues: Staying updated on global issues — whether it’s international trade, climate change, or human rights — can significantly enhance your personal and professional growth.
- Build a Diverse Network: Cultivate relationships with professionals and leaders from different countries, including the U.S. and beyond. These connections will broaden your perspective and open up new opportunities.
- Learn About Different Legal Systems: Understanding how other countries’ legal systems work can give you a competitive edge in international business and legal practices.
- Embrace Cultural Differences: Rather than seeing differences as barriers, view them as opportunities for learning and collaboration, which is especially important in a multicultural country like the U.S.
- Travel When Possible: If you have the opportunity, travel to different countries. This hands-on experience is invaluable for gaining a true understanding of global issues and cultural practices.
What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck and unsure of how to start their international growth journey?
Start by engaging with global news and literature, particularly sources that offer diverse perspectives on international events. If travel isn’t an option, immerse yourself in cultural experiences available in your local community, such as international festivals or cultural centers. The key is to take the first step, however small, and build from there.
Are there any books, podcasts, or other resources that have significantly contributed to your international perspective and growth?
One book that has had a profound impact on me is “The Second World War” by Winston Churchill. Churchill’s detailed account of the global conflict not only offers insights into leadership during times of crisis but also highlights the importance of international alliances and understanding different cultural and political contexts — lessons that are incredibly relevant today, especially in a globally connected world like the United States.
You are a person of global influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people internationally, what would that be?
I would start a movement focused on global legal literacy. By providing accessible legal education to people worldwide, including in the U.S., we can empower individuals to understand their rights and navigate legal systems more effectively. This could have a profound impact on justice and equality across the globe, helping to bridge gaps between different legal systems and promoting a more just world.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can follow my work on Facebook through my profile: Facebook. Additionally, on the website of LOBBY CLUB: https://lobbyclub.org/
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to share my experiences and thoughts. I wish your readers all the best in their international growth journeys.
About The Interviewer: Dr. Carla Marie Manly — clinical psychologist, author, and advocate — is based in Sonoma County, California. In addition to her clinical practice focusing on relationships and personal transformation, Dr. Manly is deeply invested in her roles as podcaster and speaker. With a refreshingly direct and honest approach — plus a dose of humor — Dr. Manly enjoys supporting others in the ever-evolving journey of life. Her novel self-development paradigm builds resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem. Highlighting the importance of loving connection, her work also focuses on helping others create deeply connected and satisfying intimate and social relationships. Working from a transformative model that honors the body-mind-spirit connection, Dr. Manly offers holistic relationship and wellness seminars around the world. An award-winning author, Dr. Manly’s books, The Joy of Imperfect Love, Date Smart, Joy from Fear, and Aging Joyfully highlight her empowering approach and profound expertise. Host of the captivating podcast, Imperfect Love, Dr. Manly offers uplifting guidance on navigating the messy road of life. Her expertise is also regularly cited in media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Forbes, Oprah, Newsweek, NBC, HuffPost, Reader’s Digest, Psychology Today, Parade, GQ, Women’s Health, Architectural Digest, Men’s Health, and more.
Growing Every Day: Serhii Kolisnyk On What We Can Do To Grow Every Day was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.