Courage in Chaos. Clarity in Complexity.
I’m Nadine Schmidt.
Executive Coach, Team Developer, Conflict Facilitator, and Organizational Advisor - with a background in strategy consulting at BCG.
My approach combines practical experience with deep theoretical knowledge of psychology, team dynamics and organizational development. I guide founders and senior leaders to master both inner work and organizational principles - this dual mastery creates leaders who avoid burnout while building thriving organizations. As we work together, you'll develop insights that transform your leadership from the inside out, creating ripple effects throughout your entire company.
Whether helping founders overcome destructive beliefs, navigate co-founder conflicts, or create structure without losing agility, I'm direct and bold. My clients value how I confront hard truths with radical honesty while creating a safe space for transformation. The result: capabilities that serve you and your organization long after our work together.
Why clients work with me
I thrive in chaos.
I specialize in high-stakes situations where conventional approaches fail. From escalated conflicts to organizational breakdowns, I engage directly with challenges others avoid.
My clients often tell me I combine radical honesty with a unique ability to build trust quickly. This creates a space where tough conversations become not just possible—but transformative.
I build trust with radical honesty.
I maintain professional independence.
I resist the co-narcissistic dynamics that can arise in founder-coach relationships. This allows me to challenge clients effectively while remaining independent and grounded.
I focus on sustainable success.
Trendy startup dogmas don’t guide my work. Instead, I help leaders find practical solutions that balance ambitious vision with real-world constraints.
I don't follow trends or offer quick fixes. I focus on what truly moves the needle.
How I work.
I only take on what matters.
I work on projects where I can deliver real value. If something feels misaligned, I either decline or help reframe it into something impactful.
Sustainable change over quick fixes.
Rather than chasing symptoms, we tackle the core: By uncovering underlying dynamics and patterns, connecting the dots, and identifying powerful levers for lasting transformation - even if this journey is more demanding and takes more time.
Hard truths, spoken honestly.
Growth often begins with uncomfortable realizations. I speak directly, knowing the biggest breakthroughs lie in facing what others avoid.
Change starts from within.
I help leaders create sustainable change by identifying genuine leverage points - focusing on what works, not what's popular.
Leadership and structure as levers.
Great teams need more than inspiration - they need active leadership and smart structure. I help startups establish and maintain both in a proper balance.
