Astrid Schanz-Garbassi

I have always been passionate about inspiring change in others. As a teenager, I discovered this passion through roles like camp counselor and outdoor expedition leader — roles that showed me the value of creating space for growth. Stepping into the business world, I found myself drawn to leadership roles where I could design environments that fostered growth for individuals and teams. By my mid twenties, I was managing a small team, and soon after, I embraced the ultimate leadership challenge of founding and scaling my own venture. Along the way I discovered my true passion was in coaching leaders and facilitating experiences that unleashed peoples potential. This realisation led me to step away from my business and fully commit to coaching and facilitation, focusing on clients across the technology sector while also working with non-profit leaders and teams.

I find fulfillment in helping clients enhance their self-awareness, achieve growth, and build a sense of wholeness — guiding them to unlock aspects of themselves that they once thought were out of reach. Equally energising is helping teams to achieve what previously seemed out of reach. These passions trace back to my early experiences as an expedition leader, now transformed into my day-to-day work (though admittedly with fewer mountain views). My physics background equips me with a unique ability to analyse complex systems and find clarity in chaos. I pair my analytical foundation with presence, deep curiosity, and genuine humility. Underlying everything is my conviction that each client already hold the wisdom needed for their growth  — my role is to simply to help them uncover it.

My approach integrates developmental psychology, contemplative practices, and organisational systems thinking. I draw from neurobiology (Sarah Peyton), team dynamics (Patrick Lencioni), conscious leadership (Diana Chapman), Co-Active principles (Kimsey-House), and mindfulness traditions. Central to my methodology is the recognition that true growth emerges at the intersection of compassionate awareness and courageous action — creating spaces where clients can both fully accept what is, while boldly stepping toward what could be.

I choose to work with LIW because we share a fundamental commitment: creating the conditions for people to thrive, creating the ripple effect of meaningful, positive change. The icing on the cake is that LIW accomplishes this with a blend of expertise, kindness, and a refreshing ability to not take themselves too seriously.

Clients describe me as warm, playful, while maintaining a focus on accountability and results. I create connection by seeing the whole person, beyond their titles or roles. With a natural lightness, I help them navigate the toughest challenges with grace.  I hold clients accountable to their highest aspirations — with with judgment, but with deep trust in their ability to transform and grow.