About
Irina Popa-Erwin

Irina Popa-Erwin and Jim Rohn (Tony Robbins mentor)

Irina Popa-Erwin is a powerhouse of resilience, transformation, and unwavering determination. Born on March 19, 1981, in Oradea, Romania, Irina's journey is a story of triumph against all odds. From a young age, she faced significant health challenges, but that never stopped her. Irina wasn’t a naturally gifted gymnast, but her incredible work ethic, unrelenting discipline, and fierce passion for the sport led her to become one of the top gymnasts in Europe. She trained for hours on end, putting in twice the effort of her peers, and in the end, it paid off—she won 9 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals at national and international competitions.

Despite not having the raw talent many of her competitors possessed, Irina’s heart and spirit made her a champion. She spent every day pushing herself to the limit, and it was her sheer will and dedication that helped her rise to the top. Her achievements were a testament to the power of hard work and the belief that anything is possible when you refuse to give up.

However, at the age of 21, Irina was forced to retire from gymnastics due to health issues. It was a painful decision, but like any true champion, Irina found the strength to reinvent herself. Unsure of what her next chapter would be, Irina turned to education, earning a degree in Literature and Psychology. But she soon realized that helping others was her true calling.

In 2004, Irina took her passion for helping people to the next level by founding an international recruiting and consulting company in Romania. She quickly rose to success, helping over 1,800 individuals from all over the world transform their personal and professional lives. But it wasn’t just about business for Irina—it was about giving people the tools and mindset to thrive. It was during this time that she realized her unique ability to coach others came naturally to her, just as it had in the gym. She was already practicing life coaching, leadership coaching, and motivational coaching with every client she worked with, long before it became her career.

Irina’s life changed again when she met Jim Rohn in 2004. His mentorship became the spark that reignited her passion for coaching, and it was under his guidance that she discovered her true purpose: to inspire and empower others to unlock their full potential. With this newfound clarity, Irina founded The NYC Life Coach, turning her vision into a reality in the city she loved most—New York City.

Her coaching philosophy is deeply personal, drawing from her own experience of triumph, loss, and recovery. Irina's life was turned upside down when she lost her fiancé and unborn child in a tragic accident, which sent her into a deep, 74-hour coma. But like any true survivor, Irina emerged stronger than ever, and it was through this unimaginable experience that she found the resilience to rebuild her life from scratch. Irina’s journey from the darkest of places to unimaginable success is a testament to the power of the human spirit.

Today, Irina is an internationally recognized coach, speaker, and mentor. She has helped thousands of individuals from all walks of life, including athletes, entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives, to overcome their obstacles, rediscover their purpose, and lead with clarity. Her unique blend of athletic discipline, business acumen, and deep empathy allows her to connect with clients on a profound level.

Irina’s coaching style is rooted in her own life story—a story of resilience, transformation, and the belief that anything is possible when you have the right mindset and support. Whether she's working with high-level executives or individuals seeking personal growth, Irina’s ability to inspire and motivate is unmatched.

Irina’s legacy goes far beyond medals and accomplishments—it's about the impact she’s made on the lives of those she’s touched. Her journey proves that no matter where you start, or what challenges you face, you have the power to reinvent yourself and achieve greatness. Today, from New York to Beverly Hills and across the world, Irina Popa-Erwin continues to inspire, empower, and transform lives every single day.

Through her coaching, Irina helps her clients become the best versions of themselves, not just professionally, but personally. Her story is proof that with the right mindset, anything is possible.