Clarity.
Confidence.
Meaningful change.
Irene Contreras
Medical Educator • Professional Coach • Intercultural Consultant
I work with people who care deeply—about their work, their growth, and the impact they leave behind.
Whether you're navigating change, questioning your next step, or simply ready to explore what’s possible — I’d love to hear your story.
Individuals
Personalized Coaching & Development
Our coaching partnership puts you at the center:
your values, your goals, your growth.
Organizations
Consulting & Facilitation
Diversity isn’t just diversity. It’s an opportunity:
if you know how to unlock it.
The ICON Approach™
A Human-Centered Framework
for Change That Lasts
My work is rooted in the ICON approach™, a simple yet powerful framework that guides every coaching conversation, workshop, and strategy session.
It stands for:
I — Inclusive Leadership
True leadership invites difference. We explore how to lead with presence, embrace diverse perspectives, and create spaces where every voice has weight.
C — Cultivating Empathy
Empathy is more than understanding—it’s connection in action. Together, we build the skills to listen deeply, hold complexity, and respond with clarity and care.
O — Open Communication
When we communicate with authenticity and courage, relationships shift. You’ll learn to speak your truth with intention, navigate tension with grace, and foster trust.
N — Navigating Change
Change is constant. With the right tools and mindset, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We focus on building resilience, staying aligned with your values, and moving forward with confidence—even in uncertain terrain.
This is more than a method. It’s a mindset—flexible, compassionate, and designed to support real transformation. Whether you're a seasoned leader or in the midst of redefining your path, the ICON approach meets you where you are and grows with you.
About me
Curious by nature, I’ve followed a path that’s anything but linear — from freelance translator to language teacher, from the halls of the United Nations to the heart of medical education and professional coaching.
Originally from Madrid, Spain and I live in Winterthur, Switzerland — a place I now call home after years of crossing cultures, languages, and disciplines.
I’m a medical educator, an ICF ACC certified coach, and a consultant for organizations seeking more human-centered ways of working.
I work with individuals and teams navigating complexity and change. I support them in finding clarity, purpose, confidence and direction — transforming challenge into possibility, guiding them toward grounded, meaningful solutions.
My approach is shaped by the places I’ve lived, the languages I speak, and the stories I’ve been trusted with. I help people and organizations move across borders — cultural, generational, professional — with more empathy and intention.
Beyond work, I’m a mom of two vibrant little girls, a handcrafter, a life-long learner, and a curious traveler.
I find beauty in detail. Meaning in conversation.
And joy in the quiet discoveries of everyday life.
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"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 -
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“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 -
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“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 -
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"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
Curious to connect or explore working together?
Speaking with a potential coach is an important step in finding the right partner for your growth.
To see if we match well, I encourage you to schedule a free discovery call here.