“To call Nicole Brandes a coach would be like calling michelangelo a house painter.”
– Peter Friedli, Investor
“To call Nicole Brandes a coach would be like calling michelangelo a house painter.”
– Peter Friedli, Investor
“To call Nicole Brandes a coach would be like calling michelangelo a house painter.”
– Peter Friedli, Investor
Official Bio
Official Bio
Nicole Brandes is an international coach and confidant, author, and pioneering researcher at the intersection of leadership, purpose, and life’s profound questions. She helps leaders combine extraordinary achievement with personal fulfillment to thrive at the highest levels.
Experience
Nicole has over 20 years of experience at the highest levels of global business, working with some of the world’s most accomplished leaders. As a delegate of the executive management of Switzerland’s national airline, she established its exclusive VIP Club. When the Halifax plane crash occurred, she led the care team on-site during one of the industry’s most critical moments. At UBS, the world’s largest private bank, she built and led networks for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Her innovative work at Bank Leu, Switzerland’s oldest bank, restored pride within the institution and earned widespread recognition. She went on to lead the Mentor Foundation for Queen Silvia of Sweden and later spearheaded communication strategies for Capital Dynamics, a leading private equity firm.
Throughout her career, Nicole has been entrusted to manage the complexity of human dynamics in high-pressure environments. These experiences shaped her unique ability to address the psychological challenges that accompany extraordinary success and transformative moments.
Turning Point
At the height of her success, Nicole realized that extraordinary achievement often comes with an inner void. This pivotal insight led her to reimagine her work and design a coaching approach that bridges the gap between success and thriving, addressing the deeper challenges of high achievement.
Background
Nicole holds an MBA in Strategic Management and Global Leadership, as well as a postgraduate degree in Communication. She undertook in-depth studies in Existential Coaching and Leadership, focusing on Viktor Frankl’s existential psychology, the inner void, and the pursuit of meaning. Driven by curiosity, she trained in Hollywood, London, and New York, exploring human behavior in film and gaining profound insights into the human psyche. She studied Taoism for over eight years with a Chinese Grandmaster and has practiced meditation for more than 30 years, blending these disciplines into her work.
On Mission
Nicole’s mission is to inspire leaders to shape what truly matters and become powerful forces for good. She believes thriving individuals inspire others, creating a ripple effect for a better and human-centered future. In an era dominated by high tech, Nicole champions the need for high touch, reminding us of the importance of using technology to serve humanity—not the other way around.
Today, Nicole runs her own coaching boutique, specializing in guiding ultra-achievers in business and entertainment. Extraordinary leadership and success often come with challenges few understand. Nicole helps her clients align their achievements with fulfillment, enabling them to create greater impact and lead with purpose and joy.
My Story
I can’t cook, but I understand the alchemy that brings life into life.
I’m a real human being, with all flaws, a deep love for life, a weakness for Swiss chocolate and a passion for salsa dancing and road trips. Mountains and lakes are my sanctuary. Great films, intelligent ideas, and the mysteries of the human mind captivate me. And life’s big questions fascinate me.
I’ve been privileged to work with a world elite beyond imagination—visionary entrepreneurs, celebrated artists, top military leaders, families who’ve shaped history, and royalty.
I’m a real human being, with all flaws, a deep love for life, a weakness for Swiss chocolate and a passion for salsa dancing and road trips. Mountains and lakes are my sanctuary. Great films, intelligent ideas, and the mysteries of the human mind captivate me. And life’s big questions fascinate me.
I’ve been privileged to work with a world elite beyond imagination—visionary entrepreneurs, celebrated artists, top military leaders, families who’ve shaped history, and royalty.
Yet, what happens when success reveals that it isn’t enough?
It’s easy to get trapped in the void—where life feels empty, despite achieving plenty. I’ve seen it. And I’ve lived it.
That’s why I threw my career overboard and went diving. First into the Pacific, then into life’s meaning. That was 30 years ago (oh man, how time flies!). Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to understanding what truly sets the human spirit on fire.
This brought me to many intriguing fields. What changed my life, was existential psychology and the teachings in film schools with Hollywood’s finest. After all, who understands the human soul better than great filmmakers? What I learnt is, we need both:
To perform and to prosper, not just financially but emotionally and spiritually
To gain more and to become more.
It is not about a good life, but a matching life—one that resonates deeply with who you are.
Life can only be lived personally. That’s damn demanding. But amazing.
Wolfram Kurz calls this wildes Glück—a fierce kind of joy.
That’s what I am here for.
If you’re still wondering what’s next, the answer is simple: you.
Then, it’s time to honor yourself. And make room for the amazing.
If you’re interested in working with me, contact us.
Serious and appropriate requests only.