Victoria Fontana - Associate
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Coming from a family of educators, my MA in Education laid the ground for a career start in teaching and training. I began to discover new interests in positive psychology, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and other contemplative practices, feeling the benefit these were having on my quality of life. I knew I wanted to harness my teaching skills and apply these towards implementing courses and trainings as well as coaching, with the aim of serving people in a meaningful way. This propelled me to train as a coach and earn an MSc in Mindfulness-Based Approaches. These along with studies in Contemplative Psychotherapy have informed my current coaching and training work.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working in diverse sectors like higher education, communications, corporate external relations, arts and entertainment, which laid the foundation for my understanding of a variety of workplace dynamics, leadership, and teamwork. A significant turn in my career happened when I joined IE Business School, where I have spent over a decade as a professor, advisor and an executive coach, teaching courses on authentic leadership, teamwork, mind training and well-being, while also leading a team of professors. I am a Harvard Business School Executive Coach and have coached and trained leaders in global organizations such as Telefónica, BBVA, Salesforce and Accenture; and at universities including Yale, MIT, the University of Michigan, and University of California San Diego Most satisfying work The most fulfilling aspect of my work is empowering individuals - be they executives, academic leaders, professionals or individuals - to unlock their potential, lead with authenticity, and live with ease and purpose. Together we often explore ways to cultivate positive team culture, develop effective communication, create inclusive environments, gain professional clarity and thrive under stress, while balancing a healthy life. I am committed to supporting professionals to cultivate awareness around their values and purpose, discover their strengths and obtain extraordinary results. My hope is to contribute to greater personal and institutional well-being and impact by empowering clients to cultivate inner strength and resilience and access their highest potential. Frequently used theories and tools My coaching style is deeply rooted in evidence-based methodologies, including Leadership frameworks, Positive Psychology-based coach training, Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness and Compassion. These approaches enable me to tailor my coaching to individual needs, ensuring that each client's journey is unique and impactful. Clients can develop greater professional clarity, stronger decision-making skills, learn to impact and cultivate team alignment and motivation, and heighten their emotional intelligence and communication skills. Leaders in all sectors can learn to build positive relationships, manage team culture effectively, and create an atmosphere that fosters collaboration, inclusion, and mutual respect. Through Mindfulness and Positive Psychology techniques, clients gain deeper self-awareness and emotional regulation skills and learn to leverage their strengths. Among other things, clients learn to navigate stressors more effectively, set boundaries, and cultivate greater balance. This balance is crucial in building the resilience to sustain long-term success and personal happiness. Certifications and degrees: I am an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), specialized in Positive-psychology coaching and Mindful Leadership. I am certified in the Korn Ferry 360. I hold an MSc in Mindfulness-Based Approaches from Bangor University in Wales and an MA in Education from the University of Washington. I am a certified instructor in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Compassion-Based Resilience Training (CBRT). Additionally, I hold a certificate in Contemplative Psychotherapy from the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science. |
