Global Coaching Summit 2025
Speakers & Topics
Speaker:
Cristina Mühl, PCC, SP, ACTC, ITCA, ESIA
(President of the ICF German Chapter)
Title:
Future of Coaching: Technology, Quality, and the ICF Framework
Description:
As the coaching industry continues to expand, understanding emerging trends and adopting best practices become crucial factors for success. In this forward-looking session, we will explore how the coaching landscape is shifting and how technology—from AI-driven applications to virtual collaboration tools—is reshaping the way coaches engage with clients and deliver value. We will delve into why maintaining high standards is more important than ever and discuss how to articulate the impact of quality coaching to clients, stakeholders, and the broader market. Finally, we will highlight the role of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) in setting and upholding these standards, showing how its core competencies and ethical guidelines support coaches who want to demonstrate a high level of professionalism.
The session aims at:
- Identify and explore emerging trends: Get a picture of key technological shifts in the coaching field and highlight how these developments are reshaping the coach-client relationship.
- Define the ROI of coaching: Raise awareness on the ROI of coaching measured through various studies and research
- Understand why we need quality standards: Articulate why quality and professionalism are critical in coaching engagements and how is ICF contributing to the development of a profession based on the highest ethical standards
- Get clarity on the ICF Core Competencies: Gain clarity on how the International Coaching Federation’s core competencies, ethical guidelines, and credentialing processes support coaches in demonstrating a high level of professionalism.
- Plan for the Future: Develop a forward-looking strategy to integrate emerging technologies responsibly while aligning with industry best practices and ethical consideration.
Speaker's Profile:
Cristina embodies a remarkable fusion of extensive corporate experience and a profound commitment to the coaching profession. With a multifaceted career that spans industries and continents, she is a leading figure in the development and promotion of coaching excellence.
As a testament to her dedication to the coaching profession, Cristina boasts multiple coaching accreditations, underlining her commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. Cristina's contributions to the evolution of coaching extend beyond her individual practice. She serves as a Subject Matter Expert with ICF Global, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping the competencies for coaching supervision, setting standards and best practices for the industry. Currently, Cristina serves as the President of ICF Germany, demonstrating her leadership and vision for the future of coaching in her region.
Furthermore, Cristina has contributed to the knowledge base of coaching with the published book on team coaching, “Solution Focused Team Coaching”, and to coaching supervision through “Solution Focused Coaching Supervision” in collaboration with Kirsten Dierolf, and other experts.
Cristina's corporate journey, a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and demands of the business world serves as a foundation for her insights and expertise in coaching and team coaching. Her work in this area has transformed workplaces, enabling individuals and teams to reach their full potential and drive organizational success.
Speaker:
Dr. Nico Kohls
Title:
The Art of (Self-)Perception and Resilience: Mindfulness and LIFO
Description:
In an ever-changing world, resilience and self-awareness are essential for thriving amidst challenges. This keynote delves into the synergy between mindfulness and the LIFO® (Life Orientations) method to enhance self-perception, strengthen resilience, and improve interactions. By combining the reflective practice of mindfulness with LIFO's strengths-based framework, participants will uncover strategies to navigate stress, build authentic connections, and align their actions with core values. Through thought-provoking insights and practical techniques, this session empowers attendees to harness the art of (self-)perception as a cornerstone for personal growth and sustainable resilience.
Speaker's Profile:
Niko Kohls is a medical psychologist with more than 20 years of professional experience in the relationship between human attitudes, preferences and values as well as performance, health and quality of life. As a keynote speaker, coach and consultant, Niko supports companies and non-profit organizations through management audits, employee selection and development programs, and leadership coaching as well as by introducing corporate health behavior programs and change processes.
Niko holds a degree in psychology, a PhD from the University of Freiburg, as well as a habilitation in medical psychology from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Munich. He worked as a postdoc at the University Hospital Freiburg and at the University of Northampton in Great Britain, earning a prestigious Samueli-Rockefeller scholarship in 2007.
From 2008 to 2014, Niko co-directed and managed the Generation Research Program of the University of Munich, which focused on finding solutions for demographic change. In 2013 he was appointed full professor for health sciences and health promotion at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Coburg, Germany.
Niko has devised and applied mindfulness-based stress reduction and diversity management programs for companies and non-profit organizations. Only recently, he finished one of the world’s largest research projects on mindfulness in business contexts, involving more than 25 companies and over 750 employees. In addition to publishing more than 100 scientific articles, he has been invited to give more than 250 keynote lectures on health and organizational behaviour.
Niko is an experienced coach, particularly with regard to work-life balance, resilience, and questions of values and beliefs. Another of his fields of expertise is in human resource selection and development. Niko’s extensive research on mindfulness-based interventions in various settings such as in schools, the military or in the workplace have brought him recognition in corporate, scientific and public spheres as an expert in the fields of organizational health behaviour, health promotion as well as change management.
Speaker:
Johannes Görmer
Title:
Unleashing Human Intelligence (HI): Leadership Transformation in the AI World
Description:
Realize the power of Human Leadership in combination with AI in coaching for change = source of success.
Speaker's Profile:
As a passionate global citizen with intercultural insight, Johannes bridges seemingly opposing differences, serves as an ambassador for what he terms Creative Leadership, and inspires people worldwide to proactively shape the future. True to the motto "New habits for new realities", Johannes invites determined people to sharpen their horizons, to perceive change as the source of success and to navigate change proactively with joy & results.
Johannes Görmer is Group CEO and Co-Owner of PROAKTIV® Management Europe/Asia. Together with his team of professionals, Johannes focuses on ambitious individuals and organizations who understand that most of our global (and local) challenges require massive transformation towards human adaptability, conscious leadership and self reflection. To enjoy our life journeys in this context, Johannes refers to "Curiosity" as the number one success factor of our time.
Johannes Görmer is Group CEO and Co-Owner of PROAKTIV® Management Europe/Asia. As a passionate global citizen with intercultural insight, he bridges differences, promotes what he terms Creative Leadership, and inspires peoplae to proactively shape the future. With his motto "New habits for new realities," Johannes helps individuals and organizations embrace change as a source of success. He believes "Curiosity" is the key to navigating transformation and adapting to the challenges of our time.
Speaker:
Berend Aanraad
Title:
Coaching for Change: Elevating Sustainable Development through Leadership and Personal Growth
Description:
This session explores the critical role of professional coaching in supporting sustainability leaders and teams within organizations. While sustainability initiatives focus on transforming systems, the inner growth and leadership development of those driving the change are often overlooked.
This keynote highlights the leadership gap in sustainability efforts, the emotional and strategic challenges change-makers face, and how coaching methodologies—rooted in decades of leadership development—can empower sustainability professionals to be more effective, resilient, and strategic.
By connecting open-source frameworks like Inner Development Goals (IDGs), the Embedding Framework and The Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD), this talk provides a structured approach to coaching sustainability teams. It also calls for a global coaching ecosystem to support sustainability professionals, ensuring that personal growth fuels collective impact for a more sustainable world.
Speaker's Profile:
Berend Aanraad is a globally recognized facilitator and sustainability strategist with over 20 years of experience guiding organizations and sustainability teams toward impactful change. As the founder FutureFit Collab, The Natural Step Netherlands and the International Centre for Sustainable Excellence, he has played a pivotal role in advancing sustainability leadership and strategic innovation worldwide.
Berend has held several key positions in NGOs focused on nature conservation, ecosystem restoration, poverty alleviation in South Africa, and sustainability-driven innovation. His expertise lies in helping teams navigate complex sustainability challenges, integrating leadership development with systems thinking, and building resilient, high-impact organizations.
With a passion for fostering inner and outer transformation, Berend’s work bridges the gap between strategy and human development, ensuring that change-makers have the skills, mindset, and support to create long-term, sustainable solutions.
Speaker:
Mahmoud Embaby
Title:
Beyond Coaching: Empowering Leaders to Drive Transformation
Objectives of the Session:
- Understand the Shift: Learn how coaching has evolved from a skill to a leadership necessity.
- Master the Mindset: Explore the mindset and behaviors that differentiate great coaches from managers.
- Apply Coaching Models: Engage in practical coaching frameworks that drive transformation within teams.
- Navigate Resistance: Identify and overcome common coaching challenges in leadership.
- Create a Coaching Culture: Discover actionable strategies to embed coaching in an organization’s DNA.
Speaker's Profile:
Mahmoud Embaby is a leadership development expert, coach, and CEO of Impact for Learning & Development, one of the leading training and development companies in the Middle East. With 20 years of experience, he has been at the forefront of transforming leaders and organizations across the region.
Mahmoud is a Master LIFO® Practitioner and a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach, combining deep expertise in leadership psychology with practical business applications. He has a background in engineering and marketing from top universities and is an alumnus of Columbia Business School, USA. With extensive international experience, he has worked with leaders across various industries, helping them develop a coaching mindset and drive meaningful transformation.
A strategic thinker and engaging facilitator, Mahmoud blends real-world business challenges with powerful coaching techniques to create high-impact learning experiences that drive organizational success.
Speaker:
Marijke Theunis
Senior Executive Master Practitioner - LIFO® Agent for Belgium
Founder and Director of Human Challenge
Title:
Coaching in Sync: Mastering Styles with LIFO®
Description:
Coaching is most effective when it aligns with both the coach’s strengths and the coachee’s needs. This interactive workshop explores how the LIFO® method can enhance coaching effectiveness by understanding personal coaching styles and building a genuine connection with your coachee.
You will gain valuable insights into their own coaching mindset and develop strategies for adapting to different coaching dynamics. By integrating core concepts of LIFO®, this workshop offers a practical and engaging opportunity to refine coaching techniques, validate experiences, and enhance the impact of personal coaching.
The session aims at:
- Understanding your coaching style: Discover your LIFO®-based coaching preferences and their impact.
- Enhancing coaching effectiveness: Leverage your strengths while adapting to diverse coaching situations.
- Establishing style connection: Identify and bridge style differences between coach and coachee for a better outcome.
- Building confidence: Learn from shared experiences and best practices to strengthen your personal coaching approach.
Speaker's Profile:
Discover the expertise of Marijke Theunis, a seasoned coach and LIFO® ambassador. With over 25 years of experience in LIFO® and coaching, Marijke is dedicated to nurturing personal development and helping individuals reach their full potential. She is eager to share transformative insights on utilizing LIFO® to enhance coaching skills in today's dynamic environment. Join her on a journey of inspiration as she unlocks the potential of LIFO® for coaching excellence.
Speaker:
Akira Furumoto
Title:
"Ikigai Coaching": Unlocking Purpose and Fulfillment in Work and Life
Description:
The concept of "Ikigai" in Japanese, often translated as "reason for being," originates from Japan and has gained global recognition as a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. In this session, Akira Furumoto will explore how Ikigai can be applied in coaching to help individuals align their passions, talents, and values with meaningful professional and personal goals.
Through a mix of theory, interactive discussions, and hands-on exercises, participants will gain insights into practical coaching techniques that guide clients toward discovering and embracing their true purpose. This session will provide valuable takeaways for coaches, leaders, and professionals seeking to foster greater fulfillment, engagement, and long-term motivation in themselves and others.
The session aims at:
- Gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese concept of "Ikigai" and its relevance in coaching.
- Learn how to integrate "Ikigai" principles into coaching practices to help clients find purpose, motivation, and fulfillment in both personal and professional life.
- Understand how "Ikigai Coaching" can enhance well-being, resilience, and decision-making in leadership and career development.
Speaker's Profile:
Akira "Aki" Furumoto is a seasoned trainer and leadership development expert with a rich and diverse professional background spanning over two decades. With extensive experience in sales, management, and global project execution, Akira brings a unique blend of practical expertise and innovative training methodologies to his work.
Having operated and managed a sales branch in the United States, Aki honed his skills in new business development and relationship building, particularly for start-up companies. His ability to navigate cross-cultural environments and foster collaboration has been instrumental in his success across various industries. Aki’s training experience is vast and multilingual, delivering programs in both English and Japanese, making him a versatile and impactful facilitator for global audiences.
Aki specializes in sales and customer service training using the LIFO® Method, helping individuals and teams unlock their potential by understanding their behavioral preferences and adapting their approaches for optimal results. His expertise extends to leadership development, management training, compliance, and team development, as well as the Innovative Thinking System (ITS), which empowers individuals and organizations to think creatively and solve complex problems.
Aki has successfully managed and delivered global projects across Japan, the United States, Germany, China, and the Philippines, demonstrating his ability to lead diverse teams and drive results in multicultural settings. His deep understanding of human behavior, combined with his practical experience, makes him a sought-after trainer and coach.
Speaker:
Mark Erskine & Bruce Rowling
Title:
Neuroscience & Coaching
Description:
Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, including its structure, function, and development and we know more about Neuroscience and how the brain works in the last ten years than in the whole of history. Using the knowledge of how our brain receives and processes information allows us to create more effective coaching conversations.
This session aims to show how an understanding of Neuroscience can improve the quality and outcomes of your coaching conversations in LIFO® and beyond
This session including topics like:
- Enhancing Performance and Well-being through Neuroscience
- The Brain and Neuroplasticity
- The Role of Emotions in Decision-Making – brain chemistry
- Motivation and Goal-Setting
- Stress, Resilience, and Performance
- The SCARF Model in Coaching
- The Neuroscience of Effective Communication
- Mindfulness and Self-Regulation
- Practical Applications for LIFO Coaching
- And many more...
Speaker's Profile:
Mark Erskine:
With expertise in sales, adaptive selling, & neuroscience in coaching, and over 17 years of experience using the LIFO® Method, Mark has established himself as a leading expert in sales consultancy and adaptive selling. As the sole Joint Partner for LIFO® in the UK alongside Bruce Rowling since 2022, Mark has been instrumental in onboarding new practitioners through the accreditation process and supporting existing practitioners via face-to-face workshops and online training.
A Master Practitioner and Coach in the LIFO® Method, Mark possesses a profound understanding of its origins and applications. His work focuses on helping individuals and teams achieve self-awareness, enabling them to become the best versions of themselves. Mark has trained hundreds of sales managers, equipping them with the skills to adapt their selling styles to align with their customers' behavioral preferences, ultimately driving better outcomes and stronger relationships.
Bruce Rowling:
Bruce is a Professional facilitator, trainer & coach based in Surrey, England. With his colleague, Mark Erskine, he is Joint Sole Partner for Life Orientations in the UK and Ireland.
After service in the Royal Navy and a first career in real estate, he established his own training and facilitation consultancy in 1997, and since then has worked around the world with clients in a wide range of industries and disciplines.
A passionate believer in everyone's right to work, learn and engage in their own unique style, he uses a variety of face to face group facilitation tools & techniques and, increasingly, virtual platforms to empower global teams to operate in an inclusive and creative workshop environment. His work has taken him all over the world and he has presented and spoken at conferences and exhibitions in Europe, North America, Africa and the Far East.
Bruce is deeply interested in how we work, learn and behave. A LIFO® licensee since 1997, and a Master Practitioner since 2016, he uses this highly effective, strength based, behaviour model in his work with individuals, teams and organisations, helping them to become the best possible versions of themselves.
Always looking to expand and enhance the LIFO® experience Bruce and Mark are currently interested in exploring the relationship between neuroscience and our behaviour.
Speaker:
Hale Doganci
Title:
Empowering Leadership: Transforming Careers through Coaching & Personal Growth
Description:
In today's fast-paced professional world, leaders need more than technical skills; they need emotional intelligence and a deep understanding of their personal strengths and weaknesses. This session will focus on empowering leaders to break through personal barriers and develop actionable strategies for career growth. Participants will leave with practical tools to transform their leadership approach, cultivate confidence, and create lasting change in their careers and teams.
This session will explore how coaching, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence play a vital role in shaping successful leaders. By focusing on career development and personal growth, attendees will learn strategies to overcome emotional blockages, build strong routines, and navigate leadership challenges with confidence.
The session aims at:
- Understand the link between emotional blockages and leadership effectiveness
- Gain insight into the importance of routines and habits for leadership growth
- Learn actionable coaching strategies to break through barriers and lead with integrity
- Equip participants with tools to elevate their career and leadership journey
Speaker's Profile:
Hale Doganci, a highly accomplished professional with over 14 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies across industries such as pharmaceuticals, technology, and consulting. Hale’s impressive career includes her role as a Capability Manager at Accenture, where she oversaw talent development and organizational growth, honing her expertise in leadership and career advancement.
Hale’s background is truly global and multifaceted. She has recruited for top-tier leadership positions in diverse fields, including sales, marketing, engineering, and transportation, giving her a profound understanding of organizational dynamics and the intricacies of career development. Complementing her practical experience, Hale has pursued academic excellence, completing a module in Organizational Psychology at Aberdeen College. This has enriched her coaching practice with deep insights into behavioral science and workplace psychology, enabling her to design strategies that drive meaningful and sustainable growth.
As the founder of Healed Coaching, Hale has dedicated herself to empowering professionals, particularly women, to overcome emotional blockages, build resilience, and achieve alignment in their careers and personal lives. Her coaching approach is rooted in integrity, mindfulness, and the transformative power of habits, helping her clients create lasting change and fulfillment.
Hale is deeply passionate about the interconnectedness of professional and personal growth. She firmly believes that true success comes from aligning both aspects of life, and her work reflects this holistic philosophy.
Speaker:
Alice Chen
Title:
Beyond the AI Hype: Real-World Applications & Strategies for Coaches
Description:
As AI continues to evolve, its impact on coaching is becoming increasingly significant. This session explores how AI is being applied in coaching, talent development, and organizational transformation, with a particular focus on developments in the U.S. and China — where AI adoption is advancing rapidly.
Alice will share practical use cases and insights based on hands-on experience in AI-driven coaching solutions, as well as cultural considerations when integrating AI into coaching practices. The session will also explore how LIFO® can complement AI adoption, ensuring that coaching remains tailored to individual leadership styles and business needs. Designed for experienced coaches and consultants, this session offers a realistic and actionable perspective on where AI fits into coaching today and how to adapt AI-driven tools in a way that enhances, rather than replaces, human connection.
Outcome:
- Applying AI in coaching – Explore practical use cases in coaching, talent development, and consulting
- Gaining insights into AI trends – Gain insights into how AI is evolving in the U.S. and China and its implications for coaching
- Integrating AI with LIFO® – Learn how LIFO® and coaching methodologies can adapt to AI-driven transformation
- Understanding AI’s role in organizational change – Identify key competencies needed for AI adoption and how coaches can guide leaders through this transition
- Bridging cultural differences in AI adoption – Compare AI implementation across regions and consider how cultural factors shape coaching strategies
Speaker's Profile:
Alice specializes in leadership development, organizational change, and digital transformation, with extensive experience in LIFO®, helping individuals and organizations navigate complex transitions.
As AI continues to reshape industries, she founded an AI-focused entity dedicated to developing domain-specific AI solutions. Her work focuses on leveraging AI to elevate business processes, enhance human-centric skills, and ultimately improve the quality of life.
Her background also includes family succession consulting, and she is now exploring AI-driven solutions to help leaders and the next generation navigate leadership transitions in an evolving business landscape. Based in New York, she is also deeply engaged with the Greater China market as part of the region’s LIFO® agent, witnessing firsthand how AI adoption is transforming coaching and talent development.
With experience across both Western and Asian markets, she brings a practical, forward-thinking approach to AI in coaching, helping professionals integrate AI tools effectively while maintaining the human connection at the core of coaching.
Speaker:
Samir Boucheqif
Title:
More time für operational leadership - A future concept put into practice #Lifo
Description:
In today’s fast-paced business environment, operational leaders often find themselves overwhelmed with administrative tasks, leaving little time for strategic leadership. In this insightful case study, Samir Boucheqif will share a practical future-oriented approach to optimizing leadership effectiveness. Drawing from his extensive experience in HR and leadership within the DB Group, he will explore how structured frameworks, including LIFO®, can empower leaders to focus on what truly matters—driving performance, fostering engagement, and navigating change.
Key Takeaways:
- Maximizing Leadership Efficiency – Learn strategies to reduce administrative burden and create more time for hands-on leadership
- People-Centric Leadership Transformation – Discover how a structured approach can enhance leadership impact while fostering employee growth
- Practical Case Study Insights – Gain real-world knowledge from an implemented future leadership concept that drives tangible results
Speaker's Profile:
Samir Boucheqif was appointed Head of Human Resources of DB Regio Mitte on June 1, 2024. As part of the management board he is responsible for developing and deploying the people strategy for the business whilst supporting personnel affairs of the executive team.
The business economist has over 20 years of experience in human resources and leadership. From 2015 to 2024, he worked for DB Fernverkehr and was responsible as personnel and operations manager for around 2,600 employees and 160 trainees in the operational areas of Frankfurt and Kassel as well as in the Basel workshop.
Before joining the DB Group, he worked at VR Leasing AG for over ten years. He began his professional career in personnel and executive development, was responsible from a personnel perspective for the restructuring and reorientation of the VR Leasing Group and lastly led the area of personnel support and employment conditions. His specialist areas also include change management, coaching and mediation, diversity and inclusion and project management among his career development milestones. Samir Boucheqif studied Business and Management at the University of Applied Sciences in Frankfurt.
Speaker:
David Boss & Erin McNeil
Title:
Team Building: Results and Implications from more than 3,700 Participants in a Confrontation Team-Building Design
Description:
To learn and apply effective team-building methods that improve individual and team productivity. This will be accomplished through examples, group breakouts, and mini exercises.
Speaker's Profile:
David S. Boss, Ph.D.:
David S. Boss is the Nandola Professor of Business and an Associate Professor of Strategy and Leadership in the Management Department at Ohio University’s College of Business. He received a Ph.D. in strategic management from Texas A&M University, an MBA from Babson College, and a BS in Finance from Brigham Young University. His research interests include resource-based theory (RBT), corporate governance, entrepreneurship, and organization development.
David was the recipient of the 2024-2025 College of Business Research Impact Award (5-year) at Ohio University. He has published in an array of journals including Academy of Management Review, Academy of Management Perspectives, Journal of Business Ethics, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, and Journal of Vocational Behavior. David recently received the 2024 Best-Paper Award for Organization Development Journal. David was also the recipient of the College of Business Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award and the Senior Class of College of Business Faculty Recognition Award. He teaches strategy and leadership at the undergraduate, graduate, and executive levels. Prior to entering academia, he started a non-profit organization aimed at providing educational assistance to individuals residing in Brazil.
David is an international leadership speaker and consultant with particular emphasis on how power and influence affect professional and personal success and productivity. His business experience also includes involvement with corporate and startup organizations as well as organization-development consulting. David is fluent in Portuguese and is married with four children.
Erin McNeil:
Erin is an International Public Speaker, Team Building Facilitator, and Certified Professional Life Coach. Erin attended the University of Colorado and majored in Psychology. Before graduating, Erin worked internationally in east asia for almost 2 years doing humanitarian work in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Erin earned her Master’s Degree in Social Psychology and then added a few more years of schooling to become a Life Coach.
Erin enjoys helping her clients live their best life by filling the gap between where they are now and where they want to be. By identifying where growth is desired, setting goals and objectives, and holding accountability, clients can reach their highest goals and dreams.
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