Nualan O Brien
Coming from Ireland, an island that is famous for its storytellers—musicians, writers, and actors—a love for storytelling is deeply ingrained in me.
I help non-native English speakers in Switzerland to influence more effectively in global, multicultural contexts.
Coach | Lecturer | Writer
Coaching
Clients are typically leaders, subject-matter experts, and entrepreneurs. This includes professionals working in finance, manufacturing, retail as well as academia. While from different sectors, they generally do not have English as their mother tongue – but need to interact in English for meetings, while conducting interviews, or being interviewed by the media.
Background: Prior to 2017, I worked for 10+ years in online content development for corporations and small and medium-sized businesses (KMUs) in both Switzerland and Ireland. My focus was helping organizations sell more online – using storytelling.
Languages: English mother tongue; German (B2/C1), French (B2)
Values: as an educator and coach, I value creativity, learning and positivity. Why? Because when people are in a good mood, they are much more able to learn. Confidentiality is something I take seriously, see accreditation below.
Lecturing / Facilitation / Training experience
- Lecturer at SBS Business School, Zurich, on Cross-Cultural Communications, as part of an MSc in International Business.
- Spent two years working at a Swiss KMU (a small to medium-sized enterprise) as a coach & trainer (outplacement).
- Facilitation topics: storytelling, giving feedback and presenting to global audiences.
Relevant Coaching & Facilitation Training
Currently giving coaching and training in Swiss based organizations on the topic of communications and well-being.
2022: EMCC Senior Coaching Practitioner*
2021: SVEB 1 Certificate; Swiss Trainer Qualification
2020: MBSR: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Programme
2019: Master of Science in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching, at the University of East London (via distance learning).
Writing portfolio
As well as writing on the topic of values, storytelling, I have contributed to Newly Swissed , on my life as an Expat in Zurich, Switzerland.
I have been published in some Irish print magazines, including Image Magazine (equivalent of the Swiss “Anabelle”) and Business Plus.
Public Speaking Engagements
Have given presentations at both smaller events, including at the Institute of Engineers Ireland, and several business breakfasts, as well as larger events, including a conference in Dublin Castle.
Coaching Accreditation
*What is the EMCC? The EMCC is the European Mentoring and Coaching Council. The EMCC is one of the major coaching bodies, alongside ICF and CCE. There are chapters all over the world, and I am a member of the Swiss chapter of EMCC, EMCC Switzerland,
What does this mean? Membership means I abide by their codes of confidentiality (Code of global ethics), professional integrity, commitment to professional development and coaching standards.