Michael Lierow

The People I Work With:
My clients are leaders and individuals seeking deeper connection, growth, and clarity. They often navigate high-pressure environments, balancing professional demands with personal challenges, and feel stuck in recurring patterns. They are curious, introspective, and ready to embrace change.

Their Roles:
I work with C-suite executives, senior managers, team leaders, and entrepreneurs. Some come as individuals, seeking personal breakthroughs; others as teams, looking to build trust, alignment, and resilience in their organizations. A significant part of my work is dedicated to NGOs and supporting refugees, offering my services pro bono to foster healing and empowerment.

Their Organizations:
My clients come from diverse sectors, including global corporations, innovative start-ups, mission-driven organizations, and humanitarian projects. Many work in dynamic, complex, and fast-changing environments, where personal and collective resilience is key.

A senior executive came to me carrying the heavy weight of feeling stuck. Despite his intelligence and success, and having tried countless approaches—coaching, leadership programs, even therapy—nothing had truly made a difference. His professional life was overwhelming, a constant cycle of navigating complexity and managing crises. The pressure spilled into his personal life, creating distance from his family and children, and leaving him feeling disconnected from himself.

When we began our work, it wasn’t about fixing him but creating space. Coaching allowed him to pause, reflect on what truly mattered, and uncover what he longed for but couldn’t yet name. As deeper patterns surfaced, we gently integrated NARM therapy. Slowly, he became aware of survival strategies that had once protected him but were now holding him back.

In this process, he began to reconnect—with himself, his values, and his loved ones. He lightened up and mentioned that one day his daughter had quietly said, “It’s so nice to have you back, Dad.” I was very touched and still remember this moment.

My approach is about creating a safe, compassionate space where you can pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. With over 25 years of hands-on leadership experience, I understand the pressures of professional life and the challenges it brings.

Using a mix of my corporate experience, coaching and therapeutic methods, including NARM and neuroscience-informed practices, I help you gently uncover patterns that may be holding you back.

Together, we’ll explore ways to build resilience, align your actions with your core values, and find clarity. Whether you’re navigating complex challenges or seeking greater balance, I’m here to support you on your journey.

My work is shaped by my own experiences and struggles. I have lived life in many areas that I today support my clients in – more than 25 years of balancing demanding leadership roles with family life created a fantastic career and had its toll.

Turning inward became essential, and along the way, mentors and coaches/therapists guided me.

Through study, failure, reflection, and growth, I am learning to embrace my imperfections and reconnect with what matters most. This personal journey continues to inspire and inform how I support others.

I am happy to support my colleagues wherever I can. I am happy to give to them what was given to me.

ICF Certified Executive Coach
NARM Master certified therapist
Licensed Non-Medical Psychotherapist (under German/EU law)
Leadership Circle certification
Reiki Energy Healing certified

Various credentials and additional trainings, amongst them: Internal Family Systems, Conscious Healing, Energy Healing, Paramedic, Social intervention

15 years at Oliver Wyman – global leadership roles
10 years at McKinsey – global leadership roles

Various board and advisory roles

PhD and MBA in Business Administration

I’m a proud father to two adventurous boys who keep me grounded and curious. I love exploring the outdoors—whether hiking, camping, or just soaking in nature’s quiet wisdom. Cooking with friends, freediving, playing electric guitar in a band, and reflecting through writing are my ways of staying connected to what matters. Life’s simple joys and meaningful connections make me feel whole.

The boundaries of my work are rooted in clarity, respect, and a deep understanding of my expertise. I focus on coaching and therapy for leaders and individuals, integrating NARM, somatic awareness, and coaching practices. However, I do not diagnose mental health conditions or address acute psychiatric crises. If a client’s needs go beyond my scope—such as requiring specialized medical intervention—I collaborate with or refer to trusted professionals within or beyond the Cultivating Leadership network. Ensuring clients receive the right support is always my priority.