Meet the New Regional Director of Mongolia – Nara Thompson

With Global Woman clubs all over the globe, from New York to Manila, Global Woman is excited to announce the beginning of a new chapter in another corner of the world. After many weeks in the works, the Global Woman Club Mongolia will be live for its first meeting on December 11th at 6 pm Mongolia time. With women comprising nearly 40% of Mongolia’s entrepreneurs, the future of women in business is tied to their ability to grow globally. The challenge that many female entrepreneurs face today is gaining access to a business community to share their stories and promote their businesses. Global Woman provides an international networking opportunity, providing businesswomen and entrepreneurs of Mongolia with a platform, helping them grow locally and globally.

Come and join us on December 11th to welcome our new Global Woman Club Mongolia!

Meet the Regional Director – Nara Thompson

You are the new Global Woman regional director of Mongolia. How does it feel, and what is your vision for this new Global Woman Club? 

I’m very excited for Global Woman to have a presence in Mongolia! I’m a woman on a mission to empower the entrepreneurial women of Mongolia locally and to connect them globally. Mongolian women are resilient and resourceful and we are ready to assist with topics that are poignant at this time in the world’s history, such as gender equality, feminine leadership, women empowerment, purpose-aligned communities, global collaboration, personal development, soft skills, innovation, and individual confidence building. We have been looking to join forces with like-minded women on important topics and the time has come. The world needs feminine leadership, and it needs communities of women to heal and to help balance it. Global Woman offers that community environment and opportunities for feminine leadership and collaboration. Mongolian women, much like others in the world, seek global visibility, partnerships, and collaboration. We’re ready to go global and have been for some time. Now, do you see why I’m so excited to introduce successful Mongolian entrepreneurs and businesswomen to a global network of powerful women in business?

How did you get involved with the Global Woman community? 

As an international woman, I’m constantly seeking to uplift women from around the world. I was born in Mongolia, attended Russian schools, and was later educated in America. I speak three languages, love international travel, and have been happily married to my college sweetheart who was born and raised in the United States for 23 years. We have three handsome sons who like volunteering abroad. 

I’m always attracting global experiences like speaking invitations from different countries, coaching women from all four corners of the globe, and relating to multi-cultural women through my Amazon #1 bestselling book Positive Charge. With this background, I was meant to run into Mirela and Global Woman. When I heard Mirela speak about the mission of Global Woman, it pricked my heart because she was speaking my language. Global Woman had the same mission as mine – empowering women locally and connecting women globally. When Mirela heard my story, she said, “Darling, you are a Global Woman ambassador. Come join us.” And I joined her community the same day. It feels so organic to be part of Global Woman leadership. I’ve met other directors, and I feel like I’ve known them all my life. They have been a great support.

Let’s go back to your childhood in Mongolia – how has your childhood shaped who you are today? 

I’m the eldest of four children. My parents met in law school and have been together ever since. They have a fascinating story of meeting and falling in love. My mother heard my father sing at their law school one day, and although she didn’t see him, she fell in love with his enchanting voice. Later, when they met in person, my mother was thrilled that he not only had a handsome voice but was also good looking. The only challenge for my mother was that she was a city girl who grew up with all the comforts and amenities of the capital city of Mongolia, whereas my father came from a drastically different lifestyle in the countryside. My father’s parents were nomads, and I spent many summer breaks with them. They loved me unconditionally and gave me summer days filled with awe and wonder, including milking goats, collecting dung for use as kindle, riding a horse through the vast steppes of Mongolia, etc. My grandparents moved frequently looking for greener pastures for their animals, so I helped them pack their yurt (called a “ger”) on their camels and yaks and settle quickly into their new area. They taught me to watch the birds to predict weather patterns, and they allowed me to run around barefoot and play with the newborn goats and sheep. Although they toiled from sun up to sundown, they always found time for me, helping others, singing, and they always wore a warm smile and had encouraging words to impart. My grandparents taught me the importance of family, hard work, and resilience.

In addition to spending my summers in the countryside, I was blessed with loving parents who worked hard and expected big things. For example, at one point, my father served as the chief judge in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, and later served on the Mongolian Supreme Court. I learned a keen sense of right and wrong from him, no matter the cost. I also have many fond memories of him ensuring we had strong work ethics, were educated about world events, and developed a keen love for the country and others. My mother was a successful criminal defence attorney and was a fierce and devoted advocate for the defenceless and underprivileged. She constantly fought for the underdog and taught us to stand up for what’s right and was – and continues to be – an amazing example of the incredible influence an educated and loving woman can have on others.

After a childhood in Mongolia, you moved to the US, where your career journey started. How was your early career?

I moved to the States to learn English and gain a higher education. I accomplished this by graduating with a degree in International Law and Relations from Brigham Young University in Utah. After graduation, I helped my husband build his business and raise three sons as we moved around. When my kids started school, I started actively volunteering, which led me to fall in love with volunteerism and nonprofits. This love catapulted me into working in the nonprofit world for many years until I was invited to speak to hundreds of women, and I realised that I loved the feeling of speaking and mentoring. Not long afterwards, I became a speaker and life coach.

You have over 10 years of transformational leadership experience – what led you down this path?

A random chance to speak to a large audience of women – and the sheer joy I felt when I helped them through my background, talents, and experience – opened my eyes to undiscovered talents and abilities. I discovered my true passion; I’m here on earth to empower women and to help them gain unstoppable confidence. When I shared my passion with my husband, he suggested I start coaching. He said that coaching is the best way to empower, educate, and support women. I took his advice and never looked back. After 10 years of successful coaching, I’m grateful for my clients who experienced life-changing transformations because they trusted me and my system.

What challenges have you had to overcome? 

My life has had its ups and downs, much like anyone else on this earth. The downtimes have taught me the power of gratitude. As a result, I live each day in search of things that can bring me feelings of joy and gladness. I look for positive, uplifting, and inspiring stories and people. 

You have written an Amazon #1 best-selling book ‘Positive Charge’. What was the inspiration behind this book? What did the writing process look like?

Thank you for reminding me that I’m an Amazon #1 best-selling author. I pinch myself when I hear this title attached to my name. Is it true? Am I dreaming? Covid has been devastating to the entire human family. Many have lost loved ones, friends, and neighbours. Many have experienced great discomfort and loneliness. Even our movement and travels have been restricted and disrupted. Many are also suffering from anxiety, stress, and depression. But, in all of this, we see human resiliency and grit shine through. I’ve seen more acts of kindness during the pandemic than ever before. I’ve also noticed more people realising the importance of family and connecting with others. The inspiration behind my book was to be part of this positive change. I wanted to offer my knowledge and expertise to help people live better lives. The main theme in the book is to practice daily gratitude, which has helped a lot through the pandemic. I enjoyed writing every word because they reminded me of the people who have mentored, supported, and helped me in my journey to become a better person, mother and wife. I’m grateful to everyone who has crossed my path, uplifting and inspiring me along the way. They are my heroes.

What does female empowerment mean to you?

I grew up in a culture where boys were preferred over girls. I grew up in a society where men didn’t show emotion, didn’t cry at funerals, and preferred male children over girls; similarly, if they had daughters, they sometimes gave them boy names to signify their disappointment and embarrassment. I grew up in a place where masculine energy dominated our lives. However, in my home environment, I saw the opposite. I had a grandfather and father who displayed lots of emotion. They were the exception to the rule. They were made of soft cotton balls on the inside (laughing) – basically, they were emotionally available – yet they were covered by strong iron on the outside. They loved and cherished me, encouraging me to go after my dreams and ambitions. I learned that female empowerment means equality, living without shame, and living unapologetically. Feminine empowerment means helping women find their voice and live in their authenticity.

If you could give three pieces of advice to women entering the business world, what would it be?

My advice would be short and sweet. Believe in yourself. Be yourself. And, practice gratitude every day.