Coaching Testimonials
"As a scientist, I have to admit that I came to coaching with a degree of skepticism. It seemed to me like something that wasn’t very scientific, more of a loosey-goosey feel-good kind of thing. However, Farhana blew that skepticism out of the water in our first session. She has a very deep intuition about people, to the point where she can diagnose your emotional state over the phone. At the same time, she’s had a lot of training in the scientific principles behind how our brains work, and what de-rails our “better angels”. It was this remarkable blend of intuition about people coupled with science-based techniques that allowed me to trust very quickly that she knew what she was doing. I loved how she explained things to me, like the brain science behind some of her exercises, and I always felt that what she was doing had a purpose (even if it felt uncomfortable or wasn’t clear at the time).
Through my coaching sessions, I definitely feel like I experienced a qualitative leap in my own leadership abilities. I felt a shift from being reactive / triggered in certain situations, to becoming more observant, curious and self-contained. I learned so much about my strengths, and feel a greater sense of confidence and autonomy. It’s hard to put into words, but I really feel like this has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I have a tremendous amount of gratitude and respect for Farhana, and I can’t speak highly enough of her coaching practice!"
- Susan G.
DrPH (Doctor of Public Health);
Project Specialist, Evidence-Based Practice
San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.
Through my coaching sessions, I definitely feel like I experienced a qualitative leap in my own leadership abilities. I felt a shift from being reactive / triggered in certain situations, to becoming more observant, curious and self-contained. I learned so much about my strengths, and feel a greater sense of confidence and autonomy. It’s hard to put into words, but I really feel like this has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I have a tremendous amount of gratitude and respect for Farhana, and I can’t speak highly enough of her coaching practice!"
- Susan G.
DrPH (Doctor of Public Health);
Project Specialist, Evidence-Based Practice
San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.
"I met Farhana while in the midst of a major career transition as I prepared to take on a position. My goals were to build confidence and hone my skills in managing relationships across many different personality styles. Farhana helped me to identify my strengths and behaviors as a leader and to gain insight into how my particular style is perceived by people with different personalities. This was perhaps the most helpful part of coaching, identifying my ‘comfort zone’ of managing people, and learning how to come out of this zone to meet the needs of different personalities, particularly the direct, forceful and results-oriented personalities of scientists.
As a result of coaching with Farhana, I feel more confident in my leadership, less reactive and able to communicate more effectively, even in contentious situations. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Farhana and looked forward to our bi-weekly sessions. Thanks to her support and guidance I feel prepared to take on the challenges of my new position. I would highly recommend Farhana to anyone who wants to discover their strengths, and become a confident and effective leader."
- Astrid Ruefli
PhD, Cell Biology, Cancer Immunology
Senior Group Leader, Vice Director, Roche
Basel, Switzerland
As a result of coaching with Farhana, I feel more confident in my leadership, less reactive and able to communicate more effectively, even in contentious situations. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Farhana and looked forward to our bi-weekly sessions. Thanks to her support and guidance I feel prepared to take on the challenges of my new position. I would highly recommend Farhana to anyone who wants to discover their strengths, and become a confident and effective leader."
- Astrid Ruefli
PhD, Cell Biology, Cancer Immunology
Senior Group Leader, Vice Director, Roche
Basel, Switzerland
"The Surf Life Immersion is one of the most innovative coaching experiences on the market. After 20 years of being a successful businesswoman and running my own company, I chose to do Surf Life Coaching to challenge my mind and body, and to explore how I could make greater social impact with my business and my life.
The Surf Life Day out on the water was incredibly powerful and helped me reflect on a very popular theme right now - "if you weren't afraid what would you do?" Farhana has a way of creating space that allows you to be out of your comfort zone - for me, my feet dangling below in the ocean where I cannot see what is below is scarier than running a company.
As a result of Surf Life I am reminded of what it feels like to not be in control and be okay with it as you get more comfortable each time you paddle. I am now looking forward to my next day in the ocean with Farhana by my side encouraging me to catch the wave. This experience is a must for every successful businesswoman with a mind for global awareness looking to challenge themselves in service to their own personal and professional transformation."
- Helen Russell
Co-Founder & CEO, Equator Coffees and Teas
(B Corp & Bay Area Top 100 Women Owned Businesses)
San Rafael, CA, U.S.A.
The Surf Life Day out on the water was incredibly powerful and helped me reflect on a very popular theme right now - "if you weren't afraid what would you do?" Farhana has a way of creating space that allows you to be out of your comfort zone - for me, my feet dangling below in the ocean where I cannot see what is below is scarier than running a company.
As a result of Surf Life I am reminded of what it feels like to not be in control and be okay with it as you get more comfortable each time you paddle. I am now looking forward to my next day in the ocean with Farhana by my side encouraging me to catch the wave. This experience is a must for every successful businesswoman with a mind for global awareness looking to challenge themselves in service to their own personal and professional transformation."
- Helen Russell
Co-Founder & CEO, Equator Coffees and Teas
(B Corp & Bay Area Top 100 Women Owned Businesses)
San Rafael, CA, U.S.A.
"I contacted Farhana at the beginning of a major career transition when I was feeling unsure of the way forward. My meetings with Farhana were like talking with a wise and experienced friend who really cared about me and the outcome of our conversations. She used exercises that helped me to realize and articulate the path that I was passionate about and, when I was uncomfortable, didn’t let me rationalize my way into an easier path. Farhana not only listens to your words, but she hears your intentions and helps you to articulate what is in your heart. As a result of our work together, I am now on my way to fulfilling a dream and feeling confident that this is the path that I was meant to follow.
Farhana is a talented coach and an inspiring individual."
- Kathleen Justice
California Licensed Architect
Principal, Local Studio Architecture
Mill Valley, CA, U.S.A.
Farhana is a talented coach and an inspiring individual."
- Kathleen Justice
California Licensed Architect
Principal, Local Studio Architecture
Mill Valley, CA, U.S.A.
“Farhana is amazing. She propelled me into a trajectory of accomplishing personal goals in under three months. When I started working with her, my intention was to focus on my professional transition from one leadership position to the next, but she helped me realize that I actually needed to focus on my personal life. This revelation assisted me in my professional world as well. I can’t say enough about how helpful she has been.”
- Founder and Non-Profit CEO
Palo Alto, CA, U.S.A.
- Founder and Non-Profit CEO
Palo Alto, CA, U.S.A.
"Listened to a webinar that Farhana delivered and knew I needed to be working with her - both challenging and engaging, she provides great guidance and insight. Through our collaborative efforts, she helped me navigate several challenging transitions and identify new opportunities. I consider her to be a trusted counselor as well as an important business partner."
- Jeanne Achille
Founder and CEO, The Devon Group
Middeltown, N.J., U.S.A.
- Jeanne Achille
Founder and CEO, The Devon Group
Middeltown, N.J., U.S.A.