We recently had the chance to connect with Aubrey Zinaich and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Aubrey, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something that has been bringing me joy outside of work lately is playing tennis again after a 10-year hiatus due to breaking my back while on the court. Getting back into the game feels both healing and empowering, as it reconnects me with something I once thought I had lost. I recently started working with a new tennis coach, and what makes the experience even more meaningful is that we often talk about Buddhist principles, especially mindfulness and compassion. These conversations not only help me stay grounded during practice but also add a deeper sense of purpose to my time on the court, blending physical activity with personal growth.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a multifaceted leader with deep experience in hospitality, operations, and organizational development, where I’ve had the opportunity to build strong teams, streamline systems, and lead with both creativity and care. Fluent in French and skilled across marketing, HR, tech systems, and client relations, I enjoy bringing a well-rounded perspective to every project I take on. Currently, I am pursuing advanced studies in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, which fuels my passion for cultivating strong, positive company cultures and mentoring emerging talent. What makes my work unique is the blend of practical leadership experience with a people-centered approach, always focused on creating environments where individuals and organizations can thrive together.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people are often broken when there is a lack of clear interpersonal communication, leading to misunderstandings, assumptions, and feelings of disconnection. Without open dialogue, trust erodes and distance grows. However, relationships can be restored when both parties choose to engage with transparency and honesty, creating space for genuine understanding. Approaching each other with humility and compassion allows walls to come down, making it possible to rebuild trust and strengthen the connection in a more authentic and resilient way.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain and started using it as power when I realized that living with chronic pain could become a practice of compassion rather than a source of limitation. Instead of masking what I was going through, I began to use my experience as fuel to connect more deeply with others, recognizing that everyone carries their own form of struggle. By leaning into the lessons pain taught me—patience, resilience, and empathy—I found a way to transform it into strength, using it not only to grow personally but also to show up with greater understanding and care for those around me.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is a true part of who I am, but it’s not the whole picture. In professional and social spaces, I lead with qualities like confidence, creativity, and care, which are all genuine aspects of my personality. At the same time, there are deeper layers—my vulnerabilities, struggles, and quiet reflections—that aren’t always visible but shape the way I show up in the world. I see the public version of myself as an authentic expression, but one that’s intentionally filtered to highlight the strengths and values I most want to share with others.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I believe I could give everything my best even without external praise, because I am highly intrinsically motivated. For me, the real reward comes from the process itself—knowing I showed up fully, challenged myself, and stayed aligned with my values. While recognition can feel validating, it isn’t what drives me; I find deeper fulfillment in growth, mastery, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing I’ve done the work with integrity and intention.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aubreyzinaich.com
- Instagram: @aubrey.zinaich
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aubrey-zinaich-144230332/
Image Credits
Hillary Honeck
