Meet A WINner: Banu Aykın Köylüer

We would like to introduce you to our lovely TurkishWINner Banu Aykın Köylüer.

We are very happy to have Banu, Founder of BANAY Academy in our sisterhood community.

Banu is a creative instructional designer and EIA Senior Practitioner accredited professional coach/mentor.

She is great at providing creative digital 1:1 mentoring and 1:1 coaching as well as corporate mentoring & coaching & soft skill training. 

We are very lucky to have Banu with her amazing contributions as one of our #IamRemarkable Facilitators and one of our Million Women Mentor Program Ambassadors.

Don't miss this great chance to know Banu closer!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

I took the advice that a dear friend's father told him, "The way others behave should not change the way you behave."

One thing you wish you had known earlier in your career?

The importance of networking for improving business growth and making more impactful connections.

What is the most courageous thing you have ever done?

I started my career as a chemist, then I switched to the education sector. After teaching for many years with success and pleasure, I synthesized original and creative corporate trainings under the facilitation of technology and art.

If you could have any three people (dead or alive) over for dinner – who would they be?

If I had the chance to have dinner with Türkan Saylan and Aziz Nesin and Miles Davis, it would be an inspiring evening on leadership, social awareness and a humorous view of events.

Who are your role models?

My father, whom I lost at a young age, is my most important role model with his life energy, helpful personality, artistic perspective and talent.

Name a book you read that positively shaped you.

The novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, which I read for the first time when I was in middle school, deeply impressed me that all people have equal rights regardless of race, language or gender.

You believe in sisterhood at work because…

I believe in sisterhood at work it strengthens and nurtures both individuals and institutions.

If you had one superpower, what would it be?

I would like to be able to play any musical instrument or draw very well, because art unites people and facilitates communication.

Share a story about a time when you were really proud of your achievement.

In an international event I attended during the pandemic process, I did an online digital art-based activity for coaches from different countries all over the world. It was a great creative experience with good feedback. Another one, In an association where I volunteered, we successfully completed a summer school that teaches coding to underprivileged youth living in Anatolia, reaching more than a hundred students for two years.

Share a story about a time how you recovered from a great mistake.

It was when I chose to leave at the beginning of my career path from an institution where I realized that the toxic culture was ingrained.

Your advice to the next generation of professional women from your learnings.

In order not to be exposed to mobbing, which is unfortunately very common in our country, I recommend that they increase their self-awareness by getting coaching at the beginning of their careers and always be aware of their rights. "Be aware of your own power"

Do you have any pets?

Yes. I have a gorgeus greencheck Conure parrot named Lilly.

What’s in your handbag right now? What are your absolute must-haves in travels?

A book, my Jazzy spotify travel playlist, Red lipstick.

Last book you read or are reading now. 

Meaning and purpose of life, Alfred Adler.

What’s on your playlist right now?

Paganini Jazz Version by Fazıl Say & Niklas Liepe https://open.spotify.com/track/2OVgdVJheB6roPeTZn10zt?si=6db87488d88345d9