Coaching with a view… Happy to be back in London. One of the privileges of my profession is having meaningful leadership conversations with lawyers from across the globe. And occasionally, the view is not bad either.
Recently I was for the first time in Istanbul.
Where Europe and Asia meet, the Bosporus has shaped centuries of power and exchange. No wonder it has always attracted empires. Geography still shapes destiny, for places and for people.
Istanbul reminded me of the many leaders I work with who often stand at similar crossroads, balancing strategy and people, tradition and change.
May this be a metaphor for the art of holding opposites. I believe there is wisdom in learning to stand between them and remain centered.
May 12th, 2000: LL.M. graduation day at New York University School of Law in New York City. A day of pride, hope and the beginning of so much.
Today, 25 years later, I look back with gratitude for the learning and the many very unexpected chapters that followed.
Much has happened since then, professionally and personally. I am thankful for the journey, and for all those I have met along the way.
Over the past years, Dirk Tirez and I have had many deep conversations about leadership, illness, mortality, and what it truly means to live and lead with integrity.
This interview is dedicated to all those living with cancer or other serious illnesses, and to the loved ones who walk beside them with courage, compassion, and quiet strength.
I’m deeply grateful to Dirk for his openness, trust, and generosity in sharing his story.
Read the full conversation in the attached PDF above.
I’m proud to share that, after receiving it in 2022, I have once again been awarded the Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), now renewed until 2028.
The MCC is the highest-level credential awarded by the ICF and is held by less than 4% of its members worldwide. Earning it again reflects my commitment to coaching and the many thousands of hours I have dedicated helping clients grow, make better decisions, and navigate complex challenges.
With over 15 years of experience, I have coached 1,448 individuals, including 826 lawyers (424 women, 432 men). My background as a former lawyer and General Counsel gives me a deep understanding of the unique pressures legal professionals face. In addition, and beyond the legal sector, I’ve worked with leaders across industries and EU institutions, coaching and training 749 women and 695 men.
I see myself as a trusted, discreet thinking partner for my clients, helping them work through challenges and sharpen their leadership skills. My coaching is highly personalized, taking into account each leader’s style, workplace culture, and what drives them. Whether working with top-tier law firms, EU institutions, or senior executives, my goal is to help leaders increase their impact and influence.
While renewing the MCC credential is something I’m proud of, what matters most is the impact coaching has on my clients – their confidence, growth, and leadership success. I’m very grateful for the trust my clients place in me. – I look forward to many more meaningful coaching conversations!
In March 2023 Christa will be delivering a training in French at Competence Center of the University of Luxembourg in the programme ‘Géstion d’une étude d’avocats’. Christa will be providing a one day training around ‘Comment gérer efficacement vos équipes’.
Christa has been awarded with the credential MCC – Master Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). This is a great achievement and a recognition of her coaching seniority.
ICF is the leading global organization for coaches and coaching. ICF is dedicated to coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals. Anyone can call themselves a coach. But ICF-credentialed coaches are professionals who have met stringent education and experience requirements, and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the coaching competencies that set the standard in the profession. Additionally, they adhere to strict ethical guidelines as part of ICF’s mission to protect and serve coaching consumers.
An ICF Credential is a professional certification indicating that a Coach has met specific standards and requirements designed to develop and refine her coaching skills. It is an indication that the Coach is dedicated to upholding strong principles of ethical behavior in coaching. An ICF Credential shows clients and peers that the Coach is committed to the coaching industry and to developing oneself as a coaching professional.
The ICF Master Certified Coach – MCC credential represents the highest level of achievement in coaching and identifies a senior coach. Here some statistics: In 2022 out of 50500 members 41900 were holding a credential. 56% were ACC, 40% were PCC and only 4% were MCC.
Christa has been a Coach for speed coaching for participants at the Virtual Annual Conference of the Association of Corporate Counsel Europe. Christa worked with over 30 General Counsel and Legal Counsel from all over Europe.
Since 2016 Christa has been working as a Coach under the EU framework contract for coaching. In this capacity she has had assignments with the EU Commission, the EU Parliament and different agencies of the EU.
