Sophia Kienastl
your sparring partner and mirror for growth
My Story
Idealist, optimist, empath, goofball, mindset expert, meditation junkie, nature enthusiast, and most of all: human.
Born and raised in Germany, with a strong urge to travel and explore, I did my bachelor´s in Ireland where I studied Geography and Psychology - a seemingly odd combination, but it helped me explore questions like:
How can we create a happy society that exists in harmony with nature? How can we raise awareness of the impact we have on the world - and the impact it has on us? What does the world need, and how do we mobilise action?
Overall psychology knows: happy people care more, want better, and do more for others - not just for themselves!
After my bachelor´s, I studied yoga and meditation in India and Thailand - seeking authentic experiences and a deep dive into personal development. In pursuit of learning more about happiness and a meaningful life, I joined an online master´s programme in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology with the University of East London while residing in Asia for two years.
This is when I discovered coaching, and found it to be the perfect profession for me, one that aligns with my strengths and essence: being curious, optimistic, idealistic, empathic, open, enthusiastic, creative, daring and a tad unconventional.
I got my accreditation soon after graduating and have been practising and learning more every day since.
Freedom is my highest personal value - not just to go and do whatever (physical freedom, mental freedom, freedom of speech ...), but to be free internally: not held back by fears or any self- or socially constructed limitations, nor by one´s past or circumstances. Ultimately, to me, it´s the freedom to just BE happy and experience life.
After my time abroad, I returned to Germany, where I currently live with my big, fluffy rescue dog, doing profound work with incredible people.
With half a decade of experience in professional coaching focused on self-worth, emotional intelligence, and personal development, I help leaders build not just better organizations, but more conscious, effective, and authentic versions of themselves.
My Coaching Philosophy
I believe that with the right space and support, people are capable of being extraordinary. For me, it´s all about safe, honest, and authentic human connection, so you can lay down your armour and expand into the most successful, beautiful, happy, creative, inspiring, and powerful version of yourself. This also means holding up the mirror and challenging you at your edge - to step out of the cage you´ve built yourself and realize your own abundant potential.
My coaching is person-centred, designed to give you the unique time and space that you need to lead your most brilliant and wildly original life - to lead others effectively and contribute to something greater than yourself.
I believe in your abilities. You are capable, and ultimately, you know what´s best for you - I will never push opinions or advice onto you. Instead, you´ll have an open, empathic space where you can be fully human - imperfect, with a lot on your plate. With a strong focus on solutions, intentions and meaningful goals, I´ll support you in owning your life, building your presence, and in achieving outstanding results.
"You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist."
~ Friedrich Nietzsche
My Education & Credentials
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Coaching Managers and Leaders for Continuous Improvement (Institute for Leadership Excellence)
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Practitioner Certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
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Accreditation with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC)
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PgDip in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology (MSc)
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Yoga and Meditation Teacher Certification (500h)
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BA in Geography & Psychology (Arts)
As an accredited and dedicated coach I continuously expand and develop my knowledge, skills, and toolbox to best serve my clients with an effective and integrative coaching approach.
I also follow the global code of ethics, which you can access here: GLOBAL CODE OF ETHICS (external link)
