Enrico Palumbo

Transitions can take many forms: an elite athlete moving beyond a competitive career; a specialist stepping into a leadership role — or stepping back, as part of a non-linear or ‘rainbow’ career path. Or someone approaching — or resisting — retirement. That resistance may reflect a desire for new purpose, meaningful engagement, or simply a different rhythm of life. Whether chosen or unexpected, every transition is a chance to realign, rethink, and grow — professionally and personally.

Many people find themselves navigating demanding life phases — balancing professional responsibilities, caregiving roles, and personal ambitions. Especially in the so-called "sandwich years", it's easy to lose sight of one's own health and long-term vitality. My coaching and consulting provides a supportive framework to stay within healthy boundaries, strengthen mindfulness, and reconnect with inner resources. It helps recognize the right turn at the right time — sometimes a shortcut, sometimes a detour that leads exactly where you need to go.

Building a healthy organization that supports sustainable performance can include several components: a) Positioning health as a strategic asset – demonstrating how employee wellbeing impacts productivity, creativity, and the organization’s overall capacity to innovate. b) Analyzing the current state – reviewing existing health and wellbeing offerings, related processes, people-related KPIs, and their relevance for talent attraction and retention; identifying opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of current initiatives. c) Defining the target state, priorities, and success criteria. d) Developing complementary initiatives – creating a coherent framework over time that aligns with organizational needs, available resources, and budget. e) Providing coaching and/or training for key stakeholders – to strengthen understanding, ownership, and leadership behaviors that support a healthy work environment.

I offer supervision for coaches and consultants with a strong focus on two dimensions: first, exploring the context and dynamics of their professional practice; second, reflecting on their own resources, emotions, and potential entanglements that may limit success or well-being.

My coaching and consulting approach is deeply shaped by the learning and professional culture of the isb, where I began my journey into coaching and systemic organizational development twenty years ago. Combined with my long-standing experience as an HR leader, this has grounded my work in clarity, responsibility, dialogue, and a holistic, systemic perspective.

Further training in bodywork (Shiatsu), mindfulness, and sports science has broadened my understanding of human health and performance. This integrative lens informs how I support individuals, teams, and organizations – fostering long-term vitality, resilience, and sustainable effectiveness. I have been fortunate to live and work in Germany, CZ, CH and Italy. And I had the opportunity to work on projects in the US, China, India, South Africa and across Europe.

In coaching and consulting, I am highly present, direct, and – when I believe it is helpful – also confrontational. Expanding perspectives is more important to me than quick solutions, impact more important than sympathy. I make deliberate use of language, metaphors, and imagery, working with coachees to create concrete anchors that support their goals. My life and professional experience are an integral part of my work. They do not serve to impose my own opinions or ideas, but rather to nourish my intuition and empathy. Building on my background in sports, training, and Shiatsu practice, I place particular value on an integrated perspective on body and mind.