Coaching | Services 2026 | Executive Coaching Zürich | Sparring Partner

C-level executives typically have access to extensive analyses, dashboards and well-intentioned recommendations to support their decisions. What is often missing is an independent counterpart who offers honest reflection and constructive challenge — with no agenda of their own and no hidden mandate.

I work with leaders in one-to-one executive coaching, including high-potential leaders, executive committee members, CEOs and managing directors. Our work is confidential, built on mutual respect and grounded in clearly defined roles. If I coach you, I do not simultaneously coach your team.

Book an Introductory Call

What Really Happens in the Coaching Room

You bring the issue you want to explore. I listen, ask the questions that move things forward, and offer an honest reflection of what I see. My approach is solution-oriented and empathetic, grounded in common sense and many years of professional and life experience.

We also explore what operates beneath the surface: habits, patterns of reaction and inner drivers. Rather than treating them as problems, we learn to work with them as allies and use them purposefully to support your goals. We focus on your strengths while also examining where those same strengths can become liabilities under stress.

Your body often signals that something is wrong before your mind catches up. We learn to use this early-warning system deliberately: you become better at recognising the signals and gain the freedom to choose how you respond, even in demanding leadership situations.

Where useful, I capture our work visually through sketches, images and metaphors. The right image can change not only how you understand an issue, but also how you feel about it.

More about my approach...

»What you focus on expands.«

Read White Paper: «Wert von Emotionen im Coaching»

What If the Model Has Already Given You the Answer?

Today, every executive works with AI. Analyses are delivered faster, arguments are more polished, and presentations are more perfect than ever — including those prepared by others in the room. This is a real advantage.

At the same time, a new question emerges: What do I perceive for myself, and how do I turn what a model provides into a contribution that is genuinely my own? More and more clients are bringing this question into coaching.

Why this matters to me...

A real-life example:

A C-level executive had increasingly begun using AI models to prepare for executive committee meetings. In coaching, he shared a growing sense of unease: How do you read your colleagues’ seemingly perfect slides? And how do you turn AI-generated input into a contribution that is truly your own?

We worked on his ability to perceive and interpret what was happening around him. His strength — a focus on facts and detail — was not the problem. His tendency to cling to it was. He learned to trust his intuition more and take seriously the physical signals that had been alerting him to his unease all along.

To me, Kopf & Herz Hand in Hand means exactly this: AI provides valuable input — the judgment remains yours.

Coaching Environments

You decide where we meet and how long each session lasts. I recommend meeting away from the workplace whenever possible. A change of environment creates distance from day-to-day demands and helps establish new mental anchors.

My clients typically combine several formats:

In-person sessions in my coaching lounge or our meeting room in central Zurich
Virtual sessions via Zoom or Microsoft Teams
“Rooftop Sessions” on our terrace at Rämistrasse
Longer outdoor sessions, depending on the season and your preferences — walking by the lake, cycling or snowshoeing

My Coaching Services

1

Six-Month Executive Coaching Package

Unlimited 1:1 coaching over six months, with no fixed number of sessions and complete flexibility in frequency and format. Sessions take place in my coaching lounge or virtually.

The six-month timeframe creates a sense of commitment and shared investment. Knowing the engagement has a defined end point encourages you to make the most of the time and focus on what matters most.

2

Stakeholder-Centered Coaching, Based on Marshall Goldsmith’s Approach

A year-long coaching engagement that involves the key stakeholders in your leadership role in defining goals and assessing your impact. This creates lasting change — not just for you, but across your entire leadership environment.

3

10-Session Coaching Package

Ten sessions over a period of up to twelve months — goal-oriented and structured, with the flexibility to adapt to your needs. Sessions can range from a short reflection call to a half-day snowshoe hike. What matters is not the time spent, but the impact we create.

4

Annual Program «Self Leadership»

An exclusive year-long coaching engagement for C-level executives, including five sessions in my coaching lounge spread across the year. The structured format creates commitment and accountability. Available on request, with a maximum of one new engagement starting each month. Next available start: November 2026

Client Testimonials

“Thomas Freitag has been a highly valued coach and organizational development consultant at Schindler for many years. He understands the business, can make sense of decisions, and provides targeted support without neglecting the human and communicative aspects. All of his coachees have shown noticeable growth through his coaching—even highly experienced employees were able to reflect on and change their behavioral patterns as a result of the coaching. We can wholeheartedly recommend Thomas Freitag, given his incredibly broad professional expertise combined with his personal qualities.”

Susanne Gränicher, Senior HR Business Partner, Schindler Management AG

“Thomas has been guiding me for many years, and I really appreciate being able to count on his support at any time. Through the Self-Leadership Program, I’ve gained clarity, above all, about my various roles and my goals. This has also led to a different way of dealing with stressful situations. As a result, I’ve been able to find a better balance and continue to grow professionally.”

Andreas Kropf, Partner Finalix AG

The First Step Starts with a Conversation

15 minutes, with no obligation and complete confidentiality. Short enough to fit into any calendar — yet long enough to see if we’re a good fit.

Book an Introductory Call

Watch my Video Portrait

About Thomas Freitag

Executive Coaching in Zurich

Sparring Instead of Advice—An Attitude, Not a Method.