Transformation – systemic & sustainable accompaniment of change for cities

What struck me especially was Cathérine’s continuous interest in trying to understand complex emerging topics as well as her eagerness to always learn more and look “beyond the horizon”. She also pushed the groups she worked with towards innovative ideas, while keeping a humble position, ready to listen to other opinions and perspectives.

Dear Daniela, thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me have the experience of being your coachee! You helped me a lot with a lot of empathy, patient listening and solution-oriented thinking. Thank you also for pricking the sensitive spots, even if it was sometimes uncomfortable, because that’s the only way I can develop. You are so warmly refreshing and have the ability to pick up where the shoe pinches. I wish you much success for your future, you do a great job and I hope that many more people will find their way to you.

Cathérine’s presentation of a CityWorks strategy was based on a lot of expertise and a view on sustainable urban development. She showed concrete approaches for administrations and other involved actors, defined practicable goals, referred to goal-oriented processes and useful framework conditions for a successful project implementation. Through her openness and attentiveness, she took on board suggestions from the auditorium in an appreciative manner, but also clearly showed what is feasible and where she recognises the limits of what is possible.

The coaching with Daniela was very pleasant and professional. I never felt judged, the conversations were very constructive and open. The exercises she chose were appropriate and helped me a lot in rethinking. Thanks to Daniela’s manner and professionalism, the coaching was very quickly efficient, new ideas came already at the first meeting. I will gladly turn to her again when I need support.

I have come to know Ms Lehmann as a very committed, helpful, team-oriented, disciplined and reliable manager who was convincing in her roles and tasks, both personally and professionally. She worked carefully and professionally, remained authentic and was always active with a big heart for the projects and people.

The coaching gave me many insights into interpersonal communication and my own goal definition. The gentle and empathetic manner of Mrs Sander-Lehmann played a major role in the fact that success was achieved within a very short time in implementing what I had learnt. From then on, the learning success increased the motivation to continue with what had been learned and to tackle new topics. Many unloved habits were illuminated and filled with positive content, so that a new self-image and a changed self-esteem manifested itself overall. Thank you very much for the excellent work, from which I benefited greatly.

Based on my personal experience of her skills, knowledge, work ethic and commitment to tackling sustainability challenges, I can highly recommend Cathérine Lehmann for any role in this field – whether in civil society, academia or policy/planning/administration. She is an excellent scientist, a passionate activist and a courageous, curious, sympathetic and humble person, which I believe makes her an enrichment for any organisation or in any collaboration.

I found the coaching very goal-oriented and professional, the atmosphere always pleasant and trusting. Even if I went into an appointment stressed, I was quickly relaxed and immersed in the topic, due to the exciting and creative way of conducting the conversation, which, however, always remained focused on the goal. The conclusion is a good and positive feeling of having made personal progress. Thank you very much.

As I was not able to take up the position [as campaign manager for The Climate Bet] right at the beginning due to my previous employment contract, Cathérine Lehmann took over the tasks on an interim basis and drove the campaign launch in a goal-oriented and successful way. In doing so, she proved her communication skills in dealing with municipal actors and politicians, sustainable banks as well as energy suppliers, compensation providers, numerous civil society and many other actors whom she was able to win over to participate in the bet.

The coaching with Daniela is very pleasant and the time flies by. Daniela is very good at listening and gently getting into the topic. She lets coachees reflect, talk things out, slide off, even though she always comes back to the topic in a goal-oriented way. Through a multitude of methods and variations, many perspectives are illuminated and new thought-provoking impulses are given. The work on one’s own self is thus guided and at the same time the coachee is left with multi-layered responsibility.