iTFE graduate proves hidden disability isn’t a limitation

For most of her life, dyslexia cast a shadow over Victorian mum Lenche Krsteva’s aspirations, making everyday a challenge. Dyslexia, a condition estimated to affect around 10 per cent of the Australian population, often goes unnoticed. As a hidden disability, its impact can be profound, and Lenche’s experience was no exception. Her dyslexia significantly affected her confidence and ability to express herself. “I was crippled by fear due to my dyslexia. “I was always worried about being picked on for my spelling or poor sentence structure. I didn’t feel confident that my words would come across the way I intended, making it hard for me to speak up or put myself forward. My lack of confidence in writing held me back from expressing what I really wanted to say.” Everything changed when Lenche enrolled in iTFE’s Diploma in Leadership and Management course—a turning point that unlocked her true potential and set her on a path to success. She was determined to overcome her challenges and prove to herself and her children that it’s never too late to achieve meaningful goals. Delivered over 12-18 months, iTFE’s Diploma in Leadership and Management course elevates leadership capabilities. Participants receive on-the-job training, monthly workshops, and coaching support, with online learning resources available 24/7. With the support of her iTFE Trainer Jennifer Volke, who tailored her teaching style to meet Lenche’s needs, she began to break free from self-doubt. Jennifer’s adaptive approach and unwavering support helped Lenche navigate the online platform, with the module on emotional intelligence being particularly impactful. It was here that Lenche started to understand her workplace experiences and develop essential leadership skills. “Jennifer brought clarity and calm to everything she taught. She cut through the noise, adapted to my learning needs, and made all the difference. Her patience, dedication and belief in me helped me turn something that once felt impossible into an achievement I am proud of.” As Lenche progressed through the course, she began to apply her new skills to her role, becoming adept at creating agendas and action plans, and effectively implementing Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) with her team at Lawrence & Hanson. “I’ve grown comfortable having hard conversations – something I used to dread,” she said. This newfound confidence has had a profound impact on her team, leading to noticeable improvements in performance and morale. iTFE Trainer Jennifer Volke praised Lenche’s achievement, noting that she accomplished this remarkable milestone under extreme challenges, including staffing issues, new warehouses, and new department managers. “Throughout her journey, I’ve seen consistent growth in the quality of her work and how she leveraged her workplace to enhance her skills and knowledge. Watching her develop into a confident and capable leader has been inspiring,” Jennifer said. Lenche’s motivation was not just personal growth but also setting a positive example for her children. “I wanted them to see me trying my best, no matter how hard things got,” she said. “If I could keep going despite the challenges, I knew they could too. I want my actions to reflect the kind of person I hope they grow up to be.” Since completing the program, Lenche feels more comfortable taking on leadership positions, “The skills and knowledge I gained have given me a clearer understanding of how to support and motivate my team effectively. I’m now more confident in making decisions, managing performance, and guiding others toward shared goals. Overall, the program has empowered me to step into a leadership role with greater assurance and a positive mindset,” she said. Lenche is most proud of completing the course. “It was an amazing achievement for me, especially knowing I was probably one of the ones that took longest to complete it. The journey wasn’t easy, but staying committed and seeing it through showed me just how capable I am. Along the way, I also grew to accept and even love my dyslexia, recognising it as a unique part of who I am that has shaped my strengths and perspective,” she said. Lenche’s transformation is remarkable. She progressed from 2IC in operations support to Warehouse Team Leader to Warehouse Supervisor and eventually secured a secondment role as Warehouse Manager. “From fear to fearless with a little sass!” she said. Her advice to others considering the iTFE course is straightforward: “Go for it! Believe in yourself and stay committed—this course can open doors you might not have thought possible. When I first started the diploma, I struggled to find my footing. I felt alone on this journey – grappling with the language barrier, my dyslexia presenting constant challenges and returning to studying after 20 years while balancing a full-time job and young children. At times, it felt impossible,” she said. “Despite the exhaustion and the constant juggle, I kept reminding myself why I was doing this—to grow personally and professionally, and to set a positive example for my kids.”