Linda Oppermann: From Devastation to Determination
Life can change in an instant. For Linda Oppermann, losing her jobs and receiving a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis felt like the world had turned its back on her. Devastated, overwhelmed, and unsure of her next step, she faced months of struggle, questioning her worth and her future. But through persistence, self-discovery, and the power of choice, Linda transformed her challenges into a mission: helping women uncover their true calling and turn their passions into dream careers.
“Trust your dreams—they will guide and transform you.”
How did you feel when you lost your jobs and were diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis?
I was devastated! I felt like the world was letting me down. First losing my jobs and feeling like I wasn’t worth anything anymore – not to mention the financial struggle that came with it. And then on top of that my body just stopped functioning. For several months I felt like I was the victim in a very sad story, and there was nothing I could possibly do to change anything about my situation.
What helped you find your new path after such a tough time?
After a very long time of feeling depressed and worthless, I finally took some steps to help me get back on my feet. I found a great therapist and started studying for my online coaching degree. For the first time ever I realized there’s always a choice: not about the situations that life throws at you – but how you react! I had reacted to my situation like the victim of the circumstances. And now step by step I was getting my energy back, because I started realizing how much power I have, if I’m willing to take responsibility for my own life.
When did you realize you wanted to help women find their dream jobs?
It took me a very long time to figure that out! I think the idea had always been in my head, but there were so many voices inside of me that would always shut it down. Phrases like „Who are you to offer support, when you can’t even get your own sh*** “Together?!”
But I went through the long and intense process of getting to know myself better, also tapping into spirituality for the first time in my life. And at some point I could feel: This is my mission! Helping women figuring out what their true calling is and how to transform this into their dream job. Once the idea was really out there, I knew I could contribute my part to making this world a little better.
Why did you choose the name Licht an Akademie?
I always knew the word „light“ must be part of my company name. And when I started googling different combinations of words I noticed this one („light on academy“) was still free. I only realized later how amazingly perfect it describes what I’m doing by supporting my clients finding their inner light and bringing it into the world. In fact I still have my first hand drawn drafts from years ago, with a little light bulb and different options for names to go with it.
How do you help women who feel stuck or unsure about their careers?
Most women who come to me are stuck in a job that makes them frustrated or even sick. But they don’t know what else they could be doing – that’s why they’re stuck, they have no goal and no direction. In a very intimate process I help them figure out what they are really passionate about and which values they want to bring into the world. Step by step we find the common thread in their story and their qualities. Finally we combine their results with different possibilities to start a business that will be successful under the current market conditions.
A big part of my work is the transformation of the mindset: feeling empowered and worthy, knowing about one’s qualities and getting them out there to be part of the solution.
What’s one success story from your clients that really touched you?
There have been so many, it’s hard to choose! But just to name one, last year I met Annika. When she started my coaching program she was 100% convinced that being introverted and quiet would make her absolutely invaluable for any job. Because our world only wants loud and extroverted people. After only a few weeks she was able to see that this was actually one of her biggest strengths. Her dream job turned out to be an assistant to relatives of dementia patients. And of course this particular target group needs someone just like Annika: very empathetic and sensitive, a good listener and a silent companion. She now has her own business and is able to bring her true light to the people who so desperately need her support. These stories are now part of my daily life and I am incredibly grateful to be part of these women’s transformation.
How did you build your team, and what makes it special?
Like most entrepreneurs I started out by myself. But after almost two years I realized if I wanted to grow my business I had to take it to the next level and build a team. By then I was apparently in a very good state of manifesting my wishes: Out of my clients in that year three of them approached me asking if they could work for me. And so the Licht An Dreamteam was born. I think what makes our team and our work really special is that we’re all exactly at the right place. Every team member feels comfortable in her position and everyone’s always open for new ideas and positive changes in the company. Our clients benefit from the team, which has been growing ever since. They now have many different personalities with a wide range of approaches. Our biggest goal is our clients’ successful journey.
Does your background in music and teaching influence your coaching? How?
Even though it’s a completely different field I’m sure I can still benefit from almost 10 years as a freelance musician. Especially in my work as a teacher and choir conductor I’ve gained some really important insight to group psychology and how to deal with difficult situations.
Being a leader has always come very natural to me, but I’m sure my experience as a musical director has improved my skills a lot and I am very grateful for everything I have learned there.
What are the biggest fears women have when chasing their dream job, and how do you help them?
“I’m not good enough! What if it doesn’t work? What will the others think about my plans?“
That’s just a little excerpt of what most women are scared of when pursuing a new career. This is why our mindset is so important. As long as these thoughts are reigning in your head, you will never leave your job to start your own business. We need to start with the basics to form a stable foundation. Only then can we start dreaming and planning.
In our coaching programs we have weekly live calls and every participant has her own mentor – a woman from my team – who is always available for them. So whenever these negative beliefs are crawling back into their system they have the best possible support to face their fears and keep going, no matter what.
What advice would you give someone facing a big life or career challenge?
First you need to start trusting your gut feeling again. When you feel like there’s something wrong about your current situation, you are right and it’s super important to take these feelings seriously! If you come to the conclusion you need help to figure out what to do next, please do yourself the favor and ask for professional support. Now more than ever you need someone who knows how you feel and what your next steps should be. Someone to guide you though the process and help you with any troubles you’ll be facing.
And last but not least: Allow yourself to dream again. Your wishes and visions are the clearest compass to your new self. Give them a chance to be heard and appreciated. And remember, you’re not just doing it for yourself! Your dream will make this world a better place – but only if you believe in yourself and actually go the way, whatever it takes.
