Featured Press
Peripheral deafferentation-driven functional somatosensory map shifts are associated with local, not large-scale dendritic structural plasticity
SNARE protein expression in synaptic terminals and astrocytes in the adult hippocampus: A comparative analysis
Localized recruitment and activation of RhoA underlies dendritic spine morphology in a glutamate receptor–dependent manner
Transmitting on actin: Synaptic control of dendritic architecture
Download Your FREE Energise and Inspire Guide
Are you prepared to take your impact to the next level? Our FREE ENERGISE AND INSPIRE GUIDE will lead you through a transformative process of self-reflection, intentional growth and provide you with science-backed tips —so you can create an environment where both you and your team can thrive!
Vanessa passionately coaches a diverse array of driven professionals, helping them navigate complex workplace dynamics and enhance their emotional intelligence in high-pressure situations.
Leveraging her expertise in neuroscience, corporate experience, and a holistic coaching approach, she engages clients on multiple levels, fostering a reconnection between body and mind. Vanessa empowers them to develop emotional intelligence, manage stress effectively, overcome fears, embody success, and cultivate authentic leadership.
Are you a driven professional seeking to…
- Enhance your skills and self-awareness to become a transformative leader with authentic impact?
- Transform your mindset and habits while uncovering their origins for deeper insight and growth?
- Understand the drivers behind your current position and leverage that insight to navigate challenges, pivot, and transition effectively?
- Embrace your unique strengths with confidence and passion to lead with authenticity?
- Overcome self-doubt, self-criticism, and impostor syndrome to fully realize your potential?
- Optimise your performance, manage stress, and boost your resilience in high-pressure situations?
- Cultivate Conscious Leadership: Develop awareness and key skills to foster an inclusive environment that drives productivity and collaboration.
- Strengthen Trust and Alignment: Foster genuine connections and a shared purpose to build deep trust within teams.
- Increase Agility: Equip individuals to release past frustrations and swiftly adapt to new challenges, environments, and team dynamics.
- Enhance Performance and Well-Being: Provide strategies to optimise energy management, prevent burnout, and empower well-being.
Unlock transformative potential in your organisation with neuroscience-infused strategies.
Meet Dr. Vanessa Saint-Gelais, PhD
ICF Certified Coach | ELI Master Practitioner
Dedicated to creating a nurturing space, Vanessa fosters exploration and transformation, empowering individuals to thrive from within.
With a solid background in neuroscience, her proven approach emphasises transformative mindset shifts grounded in science-backed insights. By integrating her business experience and intuitive understanding with the art of coaching, Vanessa nurtures authenticity in both personal and professional spheres. Her empathetic and compassionate style cultivates a safe, warm environment where heartfelt leadership can flourish.
Work With Me
Individuals
Vanessa’s coaching programs are crafted to uncover the hidden gems within a diverse range of professionals, from emerging leaders to seasoned executives navigating transitions.
Three tiers of coaching are meticulously crafted to gradually reveal and refine your hidden talents. Choose the level that best suits your journey of personal and professional growth.
Organizations
Unleash your organization’s potential with impactful behavioral change! Vanessa leverages her leadership expertise and neuroscience background to help teams rewire their brains for success, fostering positive behavior that aligns with your goals.
Speaking
Vanessa is a dynamic speaker who offers fresh perspectives on personal growth and holistic leadership.
With a robust background in neuroscience, she brings a unique blend of scientific insights and practical experience to her talks, emphasizing mindset shifts and fostering authenticity in both personal and professional spheres.
Vanessa’s journey is a testament to her curiosity and passion for uncovering hidden truths.
Born and raised in Heidelberg, Germany, she is fluent in German, English, French, and Italian. Vanessa pursued advanced studies in biology and neuroscience in Germany and Italy, earning a Master’s and a PhD. After moving to Switzerland in 2007, she conducted two post-doctoral studies in neuroscience before transitioning to the pharmaceutical industry in 2013. Her leadership roles in local and global pharma environments have provided her with profound industry insights.
Energy Leadership™ Index (ELI) Assessment
Our perceptions shape our reality, influencing our feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Some of these patterns help us thrive, while others limit our potential. The iPEC Energy Leadership™ Index (ELI) assessment provides practical insights to reshape your self-view and transform your life. Learn more about the ELI Assessment here.
What Past Clients Are Saying
“Vanessa possesses a unique set of skills and experiences that have perfectly matched my coaching needs and personal style. She seamlessly integrates her neuroscience and business background with the art and science of executive coaching. Her ability to create a safe space all while challenging you to uncover what is blocking your light has allowed me to lean deeply into my own superpowers. I highly recommend her to uncover your why and find your hidden gems as a leader.”
Heather Tibbles-Vassilev, PCC, ELI-MP, COR.E Spec, PMP
“I decided to invest in coaching sessions and had the great chance to be coached by Vanessa. In a short time, she helped me identify and work through obstacles that were holding me back in my career. She illuminated certain mechanisms and helped deconstruct them, which allowed me to gain clarity in professional situations and even beyond. I am immensely grateful for the time we spent together and the progress I have made with her help. I wholeheartedly recommend her services.”
Agathe L., Buyer chez QoQa
“I am delighted about my coaching experience with Vanessa. Vanessa supported me in an internal recruitment process for a promotion into a leadership role. She has a deep ability to listen and decipher raw emotions, making me feel heard and understood. Vanessa’s “diamond shaping artistry” is invaluable; she identifies critical conversation parts and helps transform them into authentic needs and wants. Thanks to her, I positioned myself effectively in interviews, leading to a successful career transition. I highly recommend partnering with Vanessa for anyone looking to explore self and leadership growth.”
Nathalie Nowak, Europe & Canada Employee Relations Lead & DEI Champion, MSD Switzerland
Certifications & Affiliations
iPEC Core Energy Coaching
Vanessa integrates her iPEC training on Core Energy Leadership and proficiency in the Energy Leadership® Index (ELI) assessment to empower clients, including executives and leaders, to identify their deepest aspirations and navigate obstacles that hinder their progress. Through the ELI assessment, Vanessa translates abstract personal perceptions into tangible metrics, providing clients with a clear understanding of their energetic profiles and how these influence their leadership and life outcomes. This dual approach helps clients not only grasp their current states but also track and improve their energy and leadership capabilities over time.
Brain Academy
As a Certified Brain Coach, Vanessa brings a distinctive blend of expertise from award-winning neuroscience and personal development training to her coaching practice. This certification allows Vanessa to demystify complex brain science, making it accessible and practical for all her clients. Vanessa empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools to drive positive brain change, helping them understand and harness their brain’s potential to achieve their personal and professional goals. Through her coaching, clients gain actionable insights into how their brains work and learn strategies to foster mental agility, resilience, and overall well-being. This unique approach not only enhances cognitive function but also supports clients in creating meaningful, sustained transformations in their lives.
University of Torino, Italy
Holding a PhD in Neuroscience, Vanessa brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and practical coaching to her clients, grounded in her extensive background in neuroscience. Her ability to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable insights sets her apart in the coaching world. Whether guiding clients through cognitive challenges, stress management, or personal development, Vanessa applies her deep scientific understanding to foster meaningful and sustainable change.
Associate Certified Coach
As an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Vanessa brings a high standard of professionalism and excellence to her coaching practice. The ACC credential is a testament to her dedication and skill in adhering to the rigorous ICF core competencies, which include ethical guidelines, coaching mindset, and effective communication techniques. Her ICF certification complements her deep knowledge of neuroscience, allowing her to blend scientific insights with proven coaching methodologies to support clients in achieving their fullest potential and living more balanced, purposeful lives.
