Hi, I’m Elena - career coach for professionals in transition and trainer in personal leadership.

A woman with long brown hair and blue eyes sitting on a wicker chair in a bright room with green plants in the background. She is wearing a white long-sleeve top and light-colored pants, resting her hand on her neck and looking at the camera.

Over the years, I have worked with people at many different stages of their professional journey—from young professionals taking their first steps in demanding environments to experienced leaders navigating complex transitions, career crossroads, burnout, organisational change and questions about purpose and direction.

I have worked across a wide range of environments—from commercial companies and non-profit organisations to international institutions.

A woman sitting at a white table in a bright room, smiling and looking at her phone. On the table are a closed laptop, a notebook, and a pen. In the background, there is a white staircase, a beige vase with tall pink pampas grass, and a framed abstract art piece on the wall.

It has been fascinating to experience the different organisational cultures, leadership styles and challenges that are unique to each environment. What remained constant throughout all of them were people—their desire to contribute, to be recognised and to find meaning in what they do.

Clients appreciate my warm and grounded approach, my ability to quickly get to the heart of what is going on and the safe space I create for deep reflection and honest conversation.

I’m fluent in Italian, French, English and Dutch.

I live in Leiden with my husband and my teenage daughter.

The photo shows a canal scene in a European city, with a white boat in the foreground. The canal is lined with colorful, historic buildings, trees, and a small bridge. A boat is passing under the bridge, and bicycles are parked along the street.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me walking in nature, reading a good book, wondering around an inspiring museum, enjoying a theatre performance or having the kind of conversation that starts with a simple question and somehow ends up exploring life, meaning and everything in between.

I’m endlessly curious about people, ideas and what helps us live and work in ways that feel more aligned with who we really are.

Professional Affiliation:

Member of Noloc – Dutch Professional Association for Career Specialists

Registered Career Professional – Loopbaantrechter Professional Register

Member of NVNLP – Dutch Professional NLP Association

Affiliated with Stichting Emovere – Dutch Foundation for Emotional Awareness, Health and Wellbeing

Coaching qualifications:

Certified Coach - Alba Formation

Career Guidance Training – De Loopbaanopleiding

Master Practitioner in NLP - Alba Formation

Coaching Skills – Shirlaws Coaching