Multi-talented and multi-faceted, our Entrepreneur of the Month, Maresa Yasmine shares what she’s currently involved in, and lessons learned along the way.

“I learned that true leadership isn’t about doing it all; it’s about co-creating with others. That realization changed everything for me. It’s also the foundation of CCS: recognizing that sustainable success happens when we create together, not in isolation.”

Where are you now in your working life, and what do you do?

I’m now a Senior HR Leader at Stryker, Neurovascular (in the med-tech industry), focused on helping leaders reach their strategic goals through and with their people.

I’m also an executive and leadership coach and founder of Co-Created Strategies – my consulting practice, blending HR and coaching to help individuals and teams thrive.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed how deeply workplace dynamics can influence people’s mental health. We spend so much of our lives at work, yet few workplaces are equipped to support employees through the challenges those environments can create. Witnessing how workplace dynamics affect mental health inspired me to ‘begin again’ and pursue my Master’s in Psychology. I’ve recently completed my coursework in Marriage and Family Therapy and started working with clients.

Even though I’m technically starting over, it doesn’t feel like square one, it feels like alignment. One of my greatest strengths is helping others find their way, which in turn helps me find mine. From supporting kids on Rikers Island to partnering with VPs at Meta, I’ve discovered a simple truth: we’re all just trying to figure life out to find connection, fulfillment, and meaning while ideally, staying out of jail. 😄

What is in the pipeline?

My husband and I are soaking up every moment with our 12 year old son. As a family, we’re dreaming up more adventures including camping out in Alaska under the Northern Lights!

Career-wise, I’m focused on expanding my business and launching a new offering centered on performance evaluation strategy. I’m developing tools to help professionals approach performance reviews with intention not just reacting to feedback, but proactively assessing their impact, aligning with their managers, and communicating achievements with confidence. It’s an area I’ve noticed many people could use more support.

In parallel, I’m designing companion tools for managers to help them lead more meaningful, two-way evaluations that foster growth and clarity on both sides. I’m currently curating focus groups to refine these tools and ensure they’re adaptable across industries.

Outside of HR and coaching, I also run a small real estate business with properties in North Carolina and Brooklyn. One of my long-term goals is for my family and I to be bi-coastal, spending a few months each year living in New York.  To make this a reality, I’m converting one of my properties into a furnished mid-term rental for traveling professionals which will hopefully create a seasonal space for us to share with friends and family more flexibly.

Beyond work, I’m passionate about building community. I’m actively involved in my local community garden, which has become a grounding and joyful part of my life. It’s taught me that cultivating thriving environments, whether for plants or for people, takes patience, care and connection.

What has been the proudest moment in your working life thus far?

The proudest moment came when I officially launched Co-Created Strategies (CCS). It wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about creating something that reflected everything I believe about leadership, growth, and human connection. After more than 20 years in Human Resources and coaching leaders around the world, CCS became a way to merge those experiences with my passion for helping people lead with clarity and compassion. Seeing clients experience breakthroughs, whether it’s a leader finding their authentic voice or a team rediscovering trust, reminds me that this work truly matters.

What has been your biggest mistake or learning experience?

Early in my career, I equated competence with carrying everything on my own. I thought being the “go-to person” meant never needing help. Over time, I learned that true leadership isn’t about doing it all; it’s about co-creating with others. That realization changed everything for me. It’s also the foundation of CCS: recognizing that sustainable success happens when we create together, not in isolation.

Who are your role models?

My role models are all of the strong women around me who make things happen despite the challenges they face. They show up every day with courage, creativity, and perseverance, often juggling multiple responsibilities while still leading with heart. Their ability to keep moving forward, build community, and uplift others reminds me that leadership doesn’t always happen in the spotlight, it happens in the everyday choices to keep showing up.

Any words of advice or wisdom for others thinking of setting up their own business?

Start before you feel ‘ready’. Clarity comes from action, not from waiting for perfect timing. Ground your business in why it matters, not just what you do, because that purpose will sustain you when things get hard. Build systems early, ask for help often, and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision even on the days you can’t. Most importantly, remember that success doesn’t happen alone. As I often tell my clients: Let’s get it together, together.

Is there any other information that you would like to be included?

I’d love to stay connected with the Mountbatten community and hear what others are up to. Find me on LinkedIn! If anyone’s interested in collaboration, sharing ideas, or a bit of thought partnership, I’m here for it!