Through my coachings and trainings, I advise individuals and teams on how to leverage their potential. I show them how they can focus their creative power towards meaningful goals in order to shape their own professional and personal future.
My definition of “success” has changed a lot in the past 20 years. In 2001 I became Assistant to the the Executive Board of an American turnaround-CEO. I led important projects and worked closely with McKinsey consultants. I travelled around the world with the executive board and divisional directors. I was close to the power. I earned a good salary. A promising corporate career lay ahead of me.
From the outside, it appeared as though I’d realised my dream of success. The problem was: I was becoming more and more unhappy. In the end, I became very sick. There was no solidarity or togetherness. The open and subtle power struggles, political games, conceit, distrust and fixation toward bonuses confused me. They didn’t correspond with my values.
In spite of this, I continued playing their game. I was driven by immense willpower, perseverance and a desire for recognition. After 1.5 years, I had to admit to myself: the price that I had paid for this vision of success was too high. I suffered from terrible back pain; I had literally bent over backwards for my career. I had lost connection to myself, my potential and my inner power. Yet I met other’s expectations and ideas of success and performed highly.
To top it off: I was usually the only woman amongst powerful men. I didn’t really know the rules of their playing field. One of the divisional directors, who later became my mentor, said “I have no idea how you endured that – it was absolutely crazy!”
Yes, it was – but I am thankful for this formative experience nonetheless. It taught me at an early stage in my career what the difference between a successful and a fulfilled life means to me:
My corporate career lasted for a further eight years. It led me to a management position in Madrid and later to a position with global responsibility. I cherish this time, because it taught me so much.
Today, my definition of “success” is to guide individuals and teams on their journey to a fulfilled life. I help them to connect back to their inner core and to develop their true creative power. I support them in finding new means of collaboration, with fewer power struggles and greater ease, flow and co-creation. Orientating towards a shared purpose is the keystone for my approach.
I am equally experienced in working as a leader as I am working as a trainer, consultant and executive coach. You will benefit from these different perspectives and my long-term experience:
Structured creativity is my special strength. I am persistent and assertive – especially when I believe in something. I will help you to keep your goals in sight!
I grew up in the Allgäu region as the oldest of five siblings. Cowbells, green pastures, early responsibility and high mountains have always been part of my life. Hiking and skiing are still my favorite hobbies.
During my studies in Mexico, I lived with white-bearded Cuban mathematics and physics professors who taught me Spanish and salsa.
Originally, I set out for a career in international development. Today, I still work with “development” – as an Executive Coach.
I love to travel. My husband proposed to me in a riverbed in Laos.
I love to sing. In fact, I sing – reasonably well – in a gospel choir every Tuesday.
I am a passionate and creative cook, but a mediocre baker.
My entrepreneurial idea came to me during a Vision Quest in the Swiss Alps: Five days spent alone in a tent in nature, fasting and meditating.
My last name is Persian and means “shining sun”. My company name, Almadera Consulting, means “shining soul” (“Alma” = “soul” in Spanish and “Dera” = “shining” in Persian). I came up with it during a yoga session.
Our son came after my corporate career – I am a late, proud and incredibly happy mother.
