Dasha Paun, MBA

International Career Strategist | Founder, Career Coaching Ventures London | Helping graduates, MBAs & professionals secure competitive roles in the UK & global markets | Consultant to UCL, WBS & leading business schools

London Area, United Kingdom

About

I have spent more than 15 years helping ambitious graduates, professionals, international candidates and experienced hires navigate competitive career transitions with more clarity, confidence and strategy. As Founder of Career Coaching Ventures, London, I work with people who often have far more to offer than their applications or interviews are showing. Strong academics, good experience or serious ambition are not always enough if the way someone presents themselves is not landing with employers. I do not believe in vague encouragement, generic templates or career advice that sounds good but changes very little. My approach is direct, practical and strategic. I help clients understand what is not converting, sharpen their positioning, and build the tools they need to compete properly: CVs, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, application strategy, outreach, interviews, assessment centres, cases and overall career direction. I have supported clients across consulting, banking and finance, tech, marketing, PR, advertising, education and wider corporate roles, helping them secure interviews and offers with organisations including McKinsey, HSBC, PwC, L’Oréal and Amazon. I have also worked with UCL, Warwick Business School and Bayes Business School. My work also informs my forthcoming book, The System – How Smart People Get Stuck, about why capable people can work hard, do many of the “right” things, and still remain stuck because their effort is misdirected or their story is unclear. I work through focused programmes: 🌍 The Career Accelerator For graduates, interns and early-career professionals who want stronger applications, clearer positioning and better interview performance. 🔄 The Transition Lab For mid-career professionals, career changers and international candidates who need to reposition their experience with credibility and direction. 💼 The Executive Reset For experienced professionals, MBAs and senior candidates re-entering, redefining or accelerating their careers after redundancy, relocation, a career break or major transition. Across all my work, I focus on positioning, preparation and progression: identifying what is strongest in a client’s background, building the tools that decide outcomes, and creating a clearer direction beyond one application or interview. Clients often describe my approach as honest, demanding and transformative. For information on how I work and the associated fees: [email protected]

Experience

  • Managing Director, Career Coaching Ventures at Career Coaching Ventures
    2012 - Present · 14 yrs 7 mos

    Based in London — supporting ambitious people worldwide. I don’t believe in vague advice or one-size-fits-all templates. For over fourteen years, I’ve helped graduates, professionals, and international talent cut through the noise, tell their story, and secure the roles and careers they truly want. From crafting standout CVs and mastering interviews to choosing the right business school or returning to work after a career break — my approach combines honest feedback, strategy, and a deep understanding of how careers really move forward. I also work with small and medium-sized businesses to train and inspire their teams — bringing together on-the-job development, practical sales insight, and tailored digital strategies that deliver measurable growth. If you’re serious about building a career or business that lasts, let’s talk. 📩 [email protected]

  • Account Director at Mintel
    2009 - 2012 · 3 yrs

  • Client Director at WPP
    Nov 2007 - Nov 2008 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Consultant at Euromonitor International
    2004 - 2007 · 3 yrs

  • Managing Director at Central European Languages Professionals
    2000 - 2004 · 4 yrs