About
Learn more about my story and coaching approach.
MY BACKSTORY
Who do you want to be when you grow up?
A square inner courtyard. White facades punctuated with yellow brick windows. The tractor engine is running, waiting for my dad.
My 6-year-old self stands at the entrance to the cowshed. It’s the first time in my life that I've noticed the pungent smell. And in that moment I knew: I won’t be a farmer.
But what, then, is my place in the world?
Since the age of 6, I’ve been looking for that answer. I was the first in my family to choose to go to university, move around the world and make a life abroad.
I know what it means to forge a fresh trail. “Where are you from?” – I still don’t have an answer. And maybe I never will.
For years, I sought my place in the world. Germany, Sweden, New Zealand, back to Austria, and the UK. Enter a job in international development. That’s it, I thought. But life turned out differently.
Over the years, with the help of many coaches and mentors, I pieced together the mosaic of my life and career experiences.
“She asks pertinent questions and makes sure you remain focused on taking action towards personal goals, but she’s also good at sensing when it’s necessary to pause and help you work through other (for example, emotional) issues before proceeding.”
Emilie Fokkelman, Communications and fundraising consultant for INGOs, US
MY PROFESSIONAL STORY
Do you believe in a life of reinventions?
After trying the financial services and the oil and gas industry in my 20s, I (literally) stumbled into a purpose-led career in international development.
I led projects valued up to US$ 26m, managed cross-cultural teams across time zones, and negotiated contracts and partnerships for SMEs, Fortune 500 companies and the UN. I loved working with people from different nationalities, looking at complex country contexts, and implementing impact-focused programmes.
In the process, I relocated many times. My career took me to fascinating countries for years and months, but I sacrificed my personal life. And when I met my life partner abroad and moved for his job to Myanmar, I faced yet another career crisis moment.
With every significant transition in my life and career, I was confronted not only with who I am and what I want to become, but also with my limiting thoughts, childhood conditioning and self-belief.
“Her coaching wasn't just about achieving goals. It was about rediscovering the joy of the journey. She taught me to find nourishment not just in the destination but in the unfolding path itself.”
Wairimu Macharia, International digital communications consultant, Kenya
WHY WORK WITH ME?
How can I support you?
In my career journey, becoming a coach was not a logical step. But It wasn’t out of context.
The breadcrumbs to a trail were there.
I benefited hugely from coaches at significant transition points in my life. Many life and career decisions resulted from light bulb moments in coaching sessions.
And here I am, coaching fellow mission-driven international professionals like you to shine their light in this world.
With so many coaches on offer, why work with me?
I forged a purposeful career in international development away from my birth country, learning to work and speak in another language (now my “comfort language). I know how it feels to try to fit in and belong.
I've worked and lived in over 15 countries, including New Zealand and Myanmar. I’m a global citizen like you are.
I’ve already had two career changes (from private sector to international development, from global development to coaching). Career reinvention is a skill you can learn.
Every day, I move closer to living more authentically - non-linear, conscious, grounded and mindful. I’m passionate about helping you do the same.
For a long time, I thought an international career and a romantic partnership were impossible. I’m now in a dual-career and dual-nationality relationship (and navigating its complexities).
You’ll work with an experienced certified coach. I’ve 500+ contact hours coaching individuals from over 25 nationalities in the public (UK FCDO, UN, WFP, GIZ), private (TikTok, Rio Tinto, social impact entrepreneurs, self-employed consultants), and INGO sectors.
CERTIFICATIONS
Accredited certified coach with the International Coaching Federation
Certified StrengthsProfile Coach with Cappfinity
Certified mental fitness coach with Positive Intelligence
Trained as a facilitator with The Happy Consulting Group
Certified intercultural communication coach with icEDGE
Nine influences of how I coach
“Simone really knows the negative things that pull that person down. She knows how to work through it with that person. It's very customised. It's really for that person.”
Dr. Ishani Roy, CEO, Serein Inc, London, UK and Delhi, India
I’ve superpowers …
... I can assess situations and people quickly and break ideas down into simple ways. In coaching you, I can quickly determine what's going on underneath your story and reflect it back to you in a new and simple way.
… I can hold multiple perspectives to be true. For you as my client, this means I'm innately curious about you, your perspective, and the possibilities that might be there for you. I don't have a fixed view of how things should be in your career and life.
... I'm good at recognising and mirroring emotions and fears. As your coach, I give you language for your feelings/fears when you struggle to articulate what is happening.
... I've a lot of positive, infectious energy when lit up by things. You'll likely encounter my enthusiasm and leave our session energised.
... I can make the right things happen fast. I offer you an efficient onboarding and coaching process, so you don't have to worry about the admin side of coaching.
“Simone helped me to keep track with a lot of flexibility, encouragement, and kindness. She always puts herself in “your shoes” to progress things. I also appreciated Simone’s positive energy.”
Anonymous, Washington D.C, US
I know we'll be a great fit if ...
You recognise that your comfort zone means continuing as is. You feel ready and long to expand your comfort zone but lack the courage to go for it. If you only had support!
You're ready to give your intuition more space in your life. It’s been exhausting to navigate life solely with your rational mind. And it hasn’t worked. You've a strong intuition and want to listen to it more.
You wish you could break out of the linear career path and forge your own. You've always had more in you than just one career, one path. You have a unique mix of gifts only you can offer the world. You want to find them and forge a fresh path that has never been trotted.
You know that you have the power to change things within your control. You can change your habits and behaviours – one step at a time. And with it, the course of your career.
You're seeking life-work integration (and not work-life balance). You recognise that work and life are all part of the same thing. It’s a lifestyle you want to design.
You love to go a bit more with the flow of life and embrace ease and joy. You're tired of seeing life as a struggle and hard work.
