Ellina Watanabe, Ph.D.(c), is a Human Essence and Executive Coach, living her purpose to honor the essence in all and be a gentle and empowering force to bring it forward. She is on a mission to transform the leadership narrative from mind-driven to essence-driven.Ellina is an amalgam of diverse cultural, professional, and life forces and seeks to recognize and bring out the unique identity tapestry within the people and teams she works with. As an executive coach, Ellina creates the space for deep reflection, guiding people to look within and recognize their autopilot patterns and ingrained beliefs and attitudes that drive their behaviors and communication. Being curious and open to the richness and diversity of what makes us – us, she fosters this openness of heart and mind in others. This deeply relational perspective equally extends beyond our perceived boundaries of self and touches all those around us.Ellina intervenes at the level of way-of-being, guiding light toward perceptions, assumptions, and attitudes that, in turn, result in lasting and sustainable behavioral shifts. Her gentle yet perceptive and focused approach allows individuals to slow down, notice, bring to awareness, and consciously make changes towards mindset and actions that serve them and have a positive impact. While Ellina may provide certain mental models, tools, and resources to experience short-term shifts, the truly lasting aha moments come in the open flow of conversation and co-creation.In addition to coaching, Ellina pursues an academic research path where she explores alternative ways of making sense of leadership, specifically through a relational lens. She is invited to present her work at international academic conferences in Denmark, the USA, UK and serves as an ad hoc reviewer for journals and annual conferences.Ellina is a Member of the Association for Coaching and the EMCC, constantly seeking out new paradigms and approaches to coaching. She has three business diplomas from three continents and is a Certified Reiki Master & Teacher. She is fluent in English, Russian, and able to support Japanese and French language speakers. Currently living in Barcelona, Spain, Ellina has a unique international experience to bring to any engagement with more than 10 years in corporate marketing and entrepreneurial roles.