Be curious.
Create meaningful change.

NCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP

ULTIVATING EMPATHY

PEN COMMUNICATION

AVIGATING CHANGE

Irene Contreras. ICON. Icon-coaching. Confident, smiley coach looking directly into the client eyes inviting to open up and trust.

Meet Irene

I am a ICF ACC accredited coach, cultural consultant, and educator - originally from Spain and based in Winterthur, Switzerland.

I have built a diverse professional career: from freelance translator to the world of international relations at the United Nations, to communications, continuous medical education and coaching.

As a coach, my goal is to transform challenges into opportunities, guiding individuals and teams toward meaningful solutions.

I partner with driven, thoughtful and passionate individuals who want to find clarity, purpose and confidence.

I also help organizations and leaders bridge the gap between cultures and generations, to create a stronger, more inclusive culture and build better teams.

Having lived in four countries and fluent in five languages, I bring a unique intercultural perspective to my coaching and training practice.

Outside of work, I am a busy mom of two wonderful little girls, a life-long learner and a creative handcrafter and explorer, passionate about discovering the world with my family.

FAQ

  • I work with different groups of people.

    Many of my clients are individuals in their 30s and early-mid 40s – the millennial generation.

    But not only!

    I also have more senior clients, usually executives, leaders or entrepreneurs who are going through transitioning phases or are having leadership struggles.
    They usually look for a different perspective and a sparring partner.

    My clients tend to be quick-thinking, curious, resourceful, but still need to overcome the challenges and expectations they are facing, and it can feel like carrying a heavy weight.

    I work with people who want to grow and figure out where they are at, who they really are and what they really want.  And they are looking for the right person with the energy and skills to help them to do it.

  • We will know when we talk, which I'm always happy to do.

    I know hiring a coach is a big step. That's for a reason! it is a commitment to invest in yourself.
    The good news  is that you can explore that commitment with me.
    No pressure, no cost - just an open conversation.

  • How Coaching Works

    Coaching puts you in the driver's seat, with me beside you as your guide and supporter, no matter how bumpy the road.

    I'll ask questions that make you think deeply, share insights and offer reflections that help you see things in new ways. Together, we'll create a comfortable, judgment-free space where you can explore freely.

    In each session, you set the agenda based on what is most important to you at that moment.  Whether you’re seeking short-term support or embarking on a longer journey, think of it as a partnership that grows and changes as you do.

  • I meet with all clients over Zoom, and we'll find a schedule that works best for you.

    But here's what makes our work together special: I believe coaching shouldn't just happen during scheduled sessions. That's why I give my clients access to me via WhatsApp throughout our time working together.

    Why? Because life doesn't happen just during coaching sessions!
    You might want to celebrate a breakthrough moment, talk through an unexpected challenge, or share a quick update.
    Being able to stay connected means we can use our session time more effectively too - instead of catching up on what's happened since we last spoke, we can dive right into what matters most.

    In the end, you are not just paying for a bunch of coaching sessions . You are investing in a dedicated partner to think things through with you, help you navigate challenges and celebrate your wins.

  • "Working with Irene for over six months has really helped me personally and professionally. I gained valuable insights and skills on staying focused and creating a balanced life. Irene's approach of merging life and work and her expertise in international and multi-cultural environments have been instrumental in building a foundation for sustained growth and development, both personally and as a business leader."

    Rickard Lindqvist
    CEO Sunparadise Group | Sweden/Switzerland

  • “Working with Irene has been great. Together, we identified areas where I lacked confidence and developed actionable steps to conquer them. Irene’s guidance not only boosted my self-confidence but also fostered my self-reflection and communication skills. I would recommend Irene to everyone who is looking for optimistic, professional, and compassionate coach.”

    Daisy Kudre-Schnyder
    Professional Athlete - World Champion Ski Orienteering | Estonia

  • “As a newcomer into coaching, I can't stress enough how Irene's abilities helped me unlock a new level of personal and professional development. With her blend of expertise, empathy, and professionalism, I was able to step into my next level. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking to improve as a caring professional and a healthy leader."

    Julián Lajara Camacho
    Senior Design Manager, Ferrovial Construction | Spain

  • "The journey with Irene has allowed me, thanks to her strong presence and continuous curiosity, to always feel at ease, to open up and bring to light parts of me that I did not believe. In wanting to understand me and challenging me to go further, I was able to clarify many aspects that were important to me."

    Cristina Ficetti
    Architect & Coach | Italy

Certificates & Accreditations

Drop me a line

Speaking with a potential coach is an important step in finding the right partner for your growth.

It also helps clarify what coaching involves.

To see if we match well, I encourage you to schedule a free discovery call here.