Meet Dana & Certo.
As the saying goes, we believe that “where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
About Dana
Coach PCC ICF, Consultant, & Facilitator cultivating Learning, Growth, & Achievement
As for many of us, change has been a constant throughout my professional life: change of country, company, role, industry, etc. Having pursued a career in International Human Resources and then in Professional Coaching, I have experienced the corporate world of work in the United States and Europe as an employee of multinational companies, the academic work environment in Switzerland, and the challenges and rewards of owning and running a small business based in Geneva.
While I wear multiple hats, you will find throughout my career a common theme of ongoing personal and professional development. As a self-directed learner, learning environments have always motivated me. Today I find contributing to the development and the success of others to be a rewarding and inspiring experience - a true win-win. I work in English and French and engage with clients virtually and across time zones.
My signature strengths include Hope, Perseverance, Gratitude, and Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence.
Credentials at a Glance:
MBA, Texas Christian University, Texas, USA
Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coach Federation (ICF)
Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) Charter Certified Practitioner, the VIA Institute on Character
Certified Practitioner of the Emotional & Social Competency Inventory (ESCI) 360° by Korn Ferry Hay Group
Formerly Certified Practitioner of the Insights Discovery® psychometric assessment (2011—2024)
Certified Analyst of the Reach 360° personal brand survey
Prior career in International Human Resources starting on assignment in Belgium and concluding in leadership positions for the European operations of American multinational organizations with regional headquarters in Switzerland
Leadership Professor (professeure vacataire) in the International Business Management (IBM) Program at the University of Applied Sciences in Geneva (Haute École de Gestion de Genève)
Mentor Coach, Facilitator of learning (certification proficiency days, post-certification resource person training), and Supervisor of practical exams for the English and French-language professional coach certification programs at Geneva-based IDC Institut de Coaching
Creator and Facilitator of the Shine with Character Strengths & Mindfulness program, a Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) - visit www.theshinespace.com
Founder and Owner of Certo Coaching & Consulting Sàrl located in Switzerland
Testimonials
“Her presence - she is fully dedicated to the person in front of her and so authentic at the same time - combined with her knowledge is outstanding.”
— A.P.
“Dana’s coaching is very serene, trustful, kind, and welcoming. It is with this atmosphere that she allows you to face the reality and overcome your limitations.”
— Silvia Scaffitto
“J'ai beaucoup apprécié le coaching de Dana pour son côté humain, encourageant et tourné vers l'action.”
— Julie
“Je ne l'ai rencontrée que sur Zoom, par vidéoconférence. Mais malgré la distance physique, j'ai toujours senti sa présence à côté de moi lors de nos sessions, comme si elle était dans la même pièce. Je me suis toujours sentie bien accueillie, écoutée, accompagnée dans sa supervision lors de ma certification pour devenir coach professionnelle. Je garde le souvenir d’une personne bienveillante et souriante.”
— Valentina Feci Favara, Coach ACC ICF
What are you aspiring to accomplish?
Behind Dana’s trademark question lies a solid belief that our aspirations are important and a strong orientation towards personal achievement.
Coaching. Emotional & Social Intelligence. Leadership. Presence. Strengths.
About Certo
A Human-Sized Enterprise partnering with clients in Geneva and beyond since 2013
Certo Coaching & Consulting Sàrl was founded with the firm belief that a positive outlook is not only an asset, it's what broadens the horizon of possibility - particularly when taking on an initiative to enhance performance or achieve a goal which, after all, implies change.
Certo takes inspiration from Appreciative Inquiry, a powerful methodology for accompanying individual and organizational change. In tackling a challenge, this approach calls for maintaining a curious mind in order to value what's working well or what's "right", explore a better or ideal future, and then direct attention, energy, and other resources to making it happen.
Our work entails raising awareness and leveraging strengths, personal preferences, and soft skills - such as emotional and social intelligence competencies - to support learning, growth, and achievement. According to the need, we coach, consult, and / or facilitate using as appropriate a palette of tools including assessments and 360°s.
It’s the quality of the relationship that makes the difference.
We value and strive for Authenticity, Determination, Trust, Quality, and Results in our partnerships and engagements. We believe that together we can make an even brighter today and tomorrow.