Désirée Galicher is one of the coaches that we found this month and we did a little interview with her. She impressed us with her expertise and dedication.

She has always been a beacon of positivity, finding joy in spreading cheer and nurturing relationships. Although initially rooted in the tech industry, a fortuitous career shift towards human resources revealed her innate talent for people management. However, it was an unexpected layoff that served as the catalyst for a profound career transformation.

She discovered a lifelong calling to coach and mentor. That’s when she embraced a journey of helping others enhance their emotional intelligence and achieve their goals. This path, deeply influenced by personal experiences as an immigrant overcoming adversity, is marked by a resilient spirit and a commitment to empathy.

Her coaching style stands out for its innovative blend of personal connection and modern tools, fostering strong human to human relationships while leveraging the best of technology. Through humor, unconventional questions, and a genuine investment in each client’s success, she creates a transformative coaching experience. Clients who work with her often find clarity in their career paths, a surge in confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Here is what she said.

Meet Life Coach Désirée Galicher:

Name: Désirée Galicher

Pillar: The Spirit, The Mind

Who is this coach for: Anyone who wants to gain clarity and find their true path in life.

How they can help: By using various tools and techniques like active listening, self assessment exercises, Goal setting, action planning and visualization techniques, just to name a few.

First of all, how are you and your family doing after these Pandemic times?

When I reflect on the pandemic, I feel incredibly fortunate for how my family, and I navigated through it with minimal scars.

Despite the numerous challenges, we managed to avoid falling ill and overcame the barrier of distance with our loved ones, many of whom are in North America while we live in Switzerland.

The quarantines and the regulations were tough, but our circumstances helped us through.

Living in the countryside was a significant advantage.

Social distancing was effortless, and we had the luxury of fresh air and open spaces.

This environment played a crucial role in maintaining our physical and mental well being.

Instead of feeling isolated, we found solace in our surroundings.

The forced time together turned into a blessing.

We strengthened our bonds, spending quality time with one another and discovering new ways to appreciate each other’s presence.

Along with my husband, balancing work from home with our daughter’s schooling required us to adapt to each other’s needs and schedules.

We learned to be efficient and supportive, finding a rhythm that worked for all of us.

In the end, we emerged from this challenging period stronger and more connected than before.

The adversity brought us closer and highlighted the resilience and adaptability we didn’t know we had.

It’s a chapter in our lives that, despite its difficulties, we look back on with a sense of pride and gratitude.

How did the coronavirus pandemic affect your clients? Did it affect you at all?

The coronavirus pandemic had a profound impact on me personally, as it did on many people and organizations worldwide.

During this challenging period, I was employed and offered the role of Chief People Officer.

At the time, I was filled with many doubts, but I have never been one to shy away from a challenge.

In place of clients, I would reflect on the workforce I was managing at the time.

One of the primary concerns was the well being of our employees.

With everyone suddenly working from home, people found themselves in uncharted territory.

Some were trying to balance work with family life in a confined space, while others struggled to adapt to new schedules and the lack of a clear boundary between work and personal time.

This new work at home scenario required significant adjustments.

I can share numerous experiences from that time, where my coaching skills were put to the test.

Many employees found it difficult to cope with the sudden shift, and it was essential to provide them with the support they needed.

Empathy was the cornerstone of our approach.

Understanding and addressing their concerns was crucial in helping them navigate this new normal.

One key aspect was helping individuals come to their own conclusions and find solutions that worked for them.

This empowerment was vital for their personal and professional growth during such an uncertain time.

Additionally, raising awareness among managers about the need for flexibility was essential.

We encouraged managers to be more understanding and adaptive to each team member’s unique situation.

Overall, the pandemic was a test of resilience and adaptability for everyone involved.

It highlighted the importance of empathy, support, and flexibility in maintaining a productive and healthy work environment.

These experiences have undoubtedly shaped my approach to leadership and coaching, reinforcing the value of compassion and understanding in any professional setting.

What are the biggest lessons that you learned in this pandemic?

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned a few essential principles that have guided me and shaped my interactions with others:

1. Be kind.

During the early days of the pandemic, a simple act of kindness from a neighbor, leaving a care package at our doorstep, reminded me of the profound impact kindness can have.

2. Be patient.

I remember helping a colleague adapt to remote work.

It was a slow process, but patience allowed us to find a rhythm that worked, ultimately leading to a more productive and harmonious work environment.

3. Listen carefully.

In one memorable conversation, I listened to a colleague pour out their frustrations.

It wasn’t until I truly listened, without interrupting or judging, that we were able to identify the core issues and work towards a solution.

4. Don’t judge.

We are all human, each with our own struggles.

I recall a time when I was quick to judge a team member’s performance, only to later learn about the personal challenges they were facing.

This experience taught me the importance of withholding judgment and offering support instead.

We need each other.

As the saying goes, “It takes a village.”

The pandemic underscored this truth.

We needed to unite, support one another, and share our strengths to overcome the immense challenges we faced.

From neighbors helping with groceries to teams finding new ways to collaborate, unity was our greatest asset.

These principles, kindness, patience, careful listening, and non judgment, have not only helped me navigate personal and professional challenges but also reinforced the importance of community and mutual support.

Together, we can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

The Origin:

Tell us about you, your career, how you started with your coaching career?

I’ve always been a big hearted person, brimming with positivity and constantly searching for my place in this world.

My joy comes from spreading good cheer and being around people.

Although my career began in technology, I eventually shifted towards human resources but never forgetting my geeky roots, driven by a passion for people management, which has always been one of my strongest career anchors.

My journey into coaching began quite unexpectedly.

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I found myself on a layoff list, receiving notice out of the blue.

This sudden change forced me to take a step back and reflect on my career.

It was then that I realized I had been coaching and mentoring team members for decades, sharing best practices and helping them improve their emotional intelligence to better position themselves with their teams and managers.

As I delved deeper into my past, I recognized a deep rooted calling to help others advance in their paths.

This calling has been with me since high school when I served as a peer tutor, helping fellow students navigate complex mathematical problems.

Today, the most significant satisfaction in my career comes from seeing others succeed.

Reflecting on my journey, I understand that my passion for coaching and mentoring has always been a central part of who I am.

The unexpected turn in my career only reinforced this passion, guiding me towards a path where I can truly make a difference in others’ lives.

What was your biggest obstacle that you had to overcome in your life that made you who you are today?

As an immigrant, my journey has been one of adaptability and resilience.

Starting from the bottom and working my way up, I’ve faced and overcome numerous challenges, including the harsh reality of racism.

These hardships, experienced more than once, only fueled my determination to help others feel accepted and supported.

This is where my empathetic approach began.

Each struggle strengthened my resolve to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has a chance to succeed.

Over time, this empathy has grown into a core part of who I am and how I work.

I believe that everyone has a unique superpower embedded within them.

My job now is to help individuals recognize their superpowers and leverage them to lead purposeful lives and careers.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to see someone realize their potential and use it to make a meaningful impact.

My motto in life has always been, “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again until you do.”

This growth mindset has carried me through many tough times and brought me a long way.

Today, I am passionate about sharing this mindset with others, inspiring them to persist and thrive despite any obstacles they may face.

My story is a testament to the power of resilience, empathy, and a growth mindset.

By embracing these principles, I’ve not only carved out a path for myself but also dedicated my life to helping others do the same.

The Coaching Style:

How do you innovate with coaching your clients?

Innovation can take many forms, and in my coaching practices, I’ve chosen to focus on fostering strong human to human (H2H) relationships.

While technology offers a multitude of solutions, virtual coaching platforms, mobile apps, AI, and chatbots… I believe in the power of personal connections.

By keeping my method personal, I create lasting bonds with the people I coach, providing them with a safe space where they can be themselves and feel comfortable sharing their pain points.

One instance stands out to me.

I was working with a person who initially struggled to open up.

Through consistent, empathetic interactions, we built a trustful relationship.

This allowed us to delve deeper into their challenges and uncover areas for improvement that technology alone might have missed.

Our honest conversations paved the way for creating an effective, personalized game plan that led to significant progress over time.

In terms of innovation, my approach is about blending the old with the new.

I incorporate the latest tools and techniques where they can enhance the coaching experience but always prioritize the human element.

For example, I use digital tools to track progress and provide resources, but the core of my coaching remains centered on one on one interactions.

This balance ensures that the people I work with benefit from technological advancements without losing the personal touch that is crucial for meaningful growth.

Ultimately, my goal is to innovate by humanizing the coaching experience.

In a world increasingly driven by technology, maintaining that personal connection is a form of innovation.

It’s about recognizing that while technology can facilitate certain aspects of coaching, the heart of progress lies in genuine human relationships.

What’s unique about your coaching approach?

I’m often asked this question, and for me, it boils down to a few core beliefs and methods:

Firstly, I genuinely care about the success of those I coach.

This stems from a deep rooted belief that everyone has the potential to progress and succeed with the right guidance tailored to their unique needs.

I also believe that coaching doesn’t have to be rigid or serious.

In fact, I inject humor and make it enjoyable.

Building a strong relationship with those I coach is essential, and laughter often helps break down barriers and foster a more open dialogue.

One thing that may be special about my approach is that I’m not afraid to ask unconventional questions.

These “off the wall” questions are intentional, they’re designed to nudge those I coach outside their comfort zones.

It’s in these moments of discomfort that we often discover new perspectives and unlock a wealth of possibilities.

For instance, I once asked a client about their childhood dream job, expecting a standard response.

Instead, it led to a profound discussion about their passions and aspirations, ultimately shaping their career path in unexpected ways.

In essence, my coaching is about creating a safe yet dynamic environment where growth and transformation can flourish.

It’s about combining genuine care, tailored facilitation, humor, and thought provoking questions to help individuals tap into their full potential and achieve meaningful success.

What benefits do your clients get after working with you?

Firstly, many discover their true path through introspection.

One client, unsure of their career direction, found clarity through our sessions, uncovering their passion and purpose.

Secondly, clients often experience a surge in confidence.

For example, a client who initially doubted their abilities found renewed self assurance, enabling them to pursue ambitious goals fearlessly.

Moreover, clients feel more impactful and intentional in their actions.

One memorable instance was a client in leadership, who refined their approach to decision making, leading to greater influence and positive change within their team.

Lastly, there’s a sense of empowerment.

Clients emerge from our coaching feeling they can conquer the world.

This empowerment isn’t just about achieving personal goals but about embracing challenges with resilience and determination.

Each client’s journey is unique, but these shared outcomes illustrate the profound impact of our collaborative work.

It’s about guiding individuals to not only succeed professionally but also thrive personally, empowered to navigate their lives with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Do you use any specific tools to be efficient with your clients?

When it comes to maximizing efficiency in my coaching practice, I rely on a curated set of tools that have proven transformative for my clients:

Firstly, I guide clients through self assessment exercises to explore their career anchors and unique traits.

One client, uncertain of their career direction, embarked on a journey of self discovery that revealed their true passions and strengths.

Active listening and reflective feedback are integral to my coaching approach.

By deeply engaging with my clients’ perspectives and emotions, I create a safe space for them to explore challenges and insights.

For instance, a client’s reflection on past achievements led to newfound clarity and confidence in their career path.

Goal setting and action planning are pivotal in translating aspirations into actionable steps.

I recently worked with a client to break down their ambitious goals into manageable tasks, empowering them to progress consistently towards success.

Lastly, visualization techniques, such as creating vision boards, inspire clients to visualize their goals vividly.

One memorable experience was a client who visualized their dream career through images and affirmations, fostering a powerful sense of motivation and alignment.

These tools not only streamline our coaching sessions but also empower clients to navigate their personal and professional journeys with clarity, purpose, and measurable progress.

The Impact:

If you had a super megaphone that, when you speak into, the whole world will hear your message, what would you say?

Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Your potential is limitless if you believe in yourself.

Your future begins the moment you take the first step toward self discovery.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your life?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to live in the present.

There was a time when I was so focused on the future that I forgot to appreciate the here and now.

I reached a point of burnout, overwhelmed by the unending demands of work.

One evening, my husband decided to disconnect my computer and insisted we watch a movie together with our daughter.

It was during this movie, filled with laughter and joy, that I realized how much I was missing.

The film itself was funny, but it was the giggles of my daughter and the booming laugh of my husband that truly stayed with me.

In that moment, I saw the beauty of living in the present.

Appreciating your loved ones became even more vital during the pandemic.

Being confined at home allowed me to reconnect with my family in ways I hadn’t before.

We cooked meals together, played games, and truly cherished each other’s company.

These moments became precious memories that we’ll carry with us forever.

Creating memories is something I’ve come to value deeply.

It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but I’ve learned the immense reward of creating lasting memories.

Instead of spending money on gifts or trinkets, investing in experiences that create lasting memories has proven far more fulfilling.

Living for purpose and passion is a deeply fulfilling objective.

When I began focusing on what truly makes me happy and what I’m passionate about, I found a profound sense of fulfillment.

Whether through work, hobbies, or relationships, living with intention has brought immense satisfaction and meaning to my life.

Your final thoughts?

In conclusion, remember that it’s never too late to embrace your unique strengths and unleash them upon the world.

Much like a chrysalis transforming into a butterfly, change brings new possibilities.

Our journey through life is shaped by pivotal events that mold us into the resilient individuals we are destined to become.

I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason and at the right time.

So, dare to be bold and brave in pursuing your dreams.

Take risks and trust in yourself, for you are your greatest advocate.

As your coach, I am dedicated to guiding you on this transformative journey.

I am passionate about helping others discover their inner strengths and achieve their full potential.

Together, let’s navigate the landscape of life with optimism and resilience.

Your journey to personal and professional fulfillment starts now.

Where Can You Find Désirée Galicher?

If you liked this interview and you would love to find your right path in life, go to www.desireegalicher.com and see how coach Désirée can help you.

If you’d like to peak a glimpse of her coaching, follow her Instagram account.

And if you’d like to connect with her more personally, you can do that through LinkedIn or by sending her a direct message on her Email info@desireegalicher.com. It was an honor having this interview with her.