Registered psychologist Dr Alia Bojilova has confronted all sorts of situations- making her an expert in resilience.

After immigrating to New Zealand from Eastern Europe, she began her career with the NZDF, serving with the NZSAS and the Counter Terrorist Tactics Group.

Her time in the military included negotiating the release of her team from a hostage situation in Syria, which won her the NZDF Meritorious Service Medal and the United Nations Commendation.

She's spent the last few years mentoring Olympic Athletes, leaders and entrepreneurs, and she's compiled her insight into her new book- The Resilience Toolkit.

"The first point, I think to the entire journey is self-awareness. How well does this individual know themselves? And to what extent can they help push themselves past perceived obstacles?"

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