When you're technically strong — and leadership asks something different of you.
A new role, more responsibility, different expectations. What got you here isn't enough for the next step.
Coach & Sparring Partner
Honest sparring. No programme.
For leaders who carry serious responsibility — and notice that technical strength alone isn't enough anymore. Personal, confidential, as equals. With 25+ years of experience — on the sideline, on construction sites, in hospitals, and in real conversations.
Three situations where I'm called
If you recognise one of them, let's talk.
When you function on the outside — and feel inside that it no longer holds.
Success on paper, distance within. You're not looking for a mentor with answers — you're looking for a counterpart who thinks alongside you and stays honest.
When you're facing a decision that carries weight beyond the facts.
A change, a transition, an „I actually know I need to change something." We take the time to unpack it — until you know what you want and why.
Three fields, one principle
Together we clarify where you want to go — and what's standing in the way.
Coaching that doesn't smell of method demonstrations. Just a real conversation between two people who are honest with each other.
01
Self-leadership
Before you can lead others, you have to know where you yourself stand. We work on your clarity, your stance, your impact — with personality psychology and 25 years of practice behind us.
What that looks like02
Career transitions
New role, new scope, new expectations. I accompany you through transitions that demand more than expertise — where the old strengths no longer suffice.
Navigating transitions03
Personal clarity
Sometimes something is off — without you being able to name it exactly. We take the time to unpack it instead of solving it quickly. Until you know again what you want and why.
Finding clarityMy network — good work happens in teams
Voices
What others say about working with me.
„Ralf supports Avance since 2008 in many various missions. He has a vast knowledge and experience in different coaching techniques as well as a good track record in improving productivity. A very professional, trustworthy and integer person. I would highly recommend him."
Thibault Heck, CEO Avance Group
„Honestly, I only wanted a small fine-tuning. But with every additional question of yours, more blurry edges came to light. In the end we mapped and ordered my entire profile. Thank you for your structured, probing questions."
Translated from German.
Christoph Frankerl, Owner Frankerl Food
Insights
Recent thinking from the series „Leadership is not a spectator sport".
The moment a leader cries — and what really matters then.
It happens more quietly than you'd think. On the moment in a sheltered space when a leader stops functioning — and why that isn't a sign of weakness.
Read in the seriesThursday evening, 7:12pm — the loneliness of leadership
After the town hall, Martin is alone in his office. On the quiet aloneness of decisions you can never fully tell anyone.
Read in the seriesWhy change projects die — in the second week.
Wednesday of the second week, seven days after kickoff — the moment change projects die. Not with a bang, but with silence.
Read in the seriesNot ready for a conversation yet? Stay in touch — follow me on LinkedIn or send a short email. Either works.