In a nutshell
I am an experienced coach with a passion for continuous learning and for nature. I have found an unusual balance between focus and openness at various stages of professional and personal transformation. I am someone who dives deep into structures and relationships while remaining inspired to explore and create new things. I am a careful listener and culturally sensitive. I evoke transformation – read Sarina’s story.
Life flow
I’m Felix – born a few steps away from the river Rhine. My name, Felix, is derived from Latin and means “happy” or “lucky”. My life is in the flow. I’m fully immersed in my world – focused – concentrated. I am fulfilled by what I do, whether at work, with friends, or in my free time. Everyone wants to experience flow states – flow makes you happy.
Discovery makes you curious in life, and I am a life explorer. As a child, I wanted to become a polar explorer – no coincidence since I grew up 1,000 meters above sea level in the “Swiss Siberia”.
I’ve been committed to protecting the environment since my youth, and I was one of the first to study environmental science at the Swiss Federal Institute in Zurich. I was the first in my family to go to university, and I’m grateful for my parents, who always encouraged me.
I gained intercultural experience while setting up environmental institutions in Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Mali. However, settling down to family life and travelling abroad for weeks did not get along well.
I got to know the world of large German companies in all its facets as a consultant for a medium-sized knowledge management software company from Berlin and Bonn.
My next step: at SAP, I was responsible for the global knowledge management of 700 business consultants, was a mentor for more than 30 students, made customers enthusiastic about design thinking, and led the team that was responsible for the learning programs of 25,000 developers, architects and other engineering roles. I experienced many “coachable moments” first-hand – also, life situations that affected me very much.
Because volunteering is essential to me, I got to know many dedicated gymnastics trainers and music teachers, thanks to my children and their interests. In addition, I helped shape local politics in our town for ten years.
I like variety: trying out recipes from all over the world, as well as listening to world music. I love to take photos on the go – all pictures on this website, except for the portraits, are mine. Exploring new hiking trails and getting to know inspiring people also lead to flow moments.
After more than 20 years of doing-doing-doing, my wife and I made a cut in the first half of 2021. We took time for “being” on a sabbatical. Now that our children are adults and studying. A new phase of life begins!
A great half-year in which I realized that in addition to my varied job at SAP, I also wanted to do my “own thing”.
It became clear to me how rich my existing network is. Over 90 colleagues, loose acquaintances and friends shared that they appreciated that I listen carefully, help people grow, create a healthy team environment and exude an aura of calm.
Wow, the elephant in the room is … “coaching”.
Everyone can call themselves a coach. The coaching training paths are like a jungle, easier to navigate with a guide. The following points were important to me:
- A well-founded, certified and internationally recognized training
- Practice-oriented and varied learning-by-doing with inspiring trainers
- Trainers and participants from different countries and companies
After discussions with coaches, I decided on Co-active Coaching – Co-Active Professional Coach Training is recognized as the most rigorous professional coach training in the industry. I enjoyed every moment from the first to the last hour of the six-month learning journey, and found every part applicable – and impactful. The certification journey with the Co-Active Professional Coaching Certification was just as wonderful. I have experienced that and so much more with my clients.
I am so grateful for these experiences and now seek to pass them on. From 2022 to 2024, I coached colleagues as part of SAP’s Global Coaching Program. For six months, I had the pleasure of co-leading the global program during a fellowship.
2025 marks the start of a new phase in my life after 18 years at SAP. I open my coaching offering to the outside world with “Flow Discovery // Coaching & Co-Creation // Felix Harling”. I am creating a space for the people who are making our world a better place for the next generation – for change-makers and leaders of all stripes.
Evoking Transformation
Like Sarina from India, for example, who I met while preparing for a social sabbatical (check more testimonials):
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Dancing to your rhythm
I crossed paths with Felix when I was asked to seek coaching at an important juncture in my career, but I continued to work with him because of the atmosphere of understanding and enlightenment that Felix creates. I vividly remember the first session, and I remember coming out of the session with tears because a person I had spoken to the first time ever understood my deepest concerns in a matter of 45 minutes. And it has truly been a transformative journey since then. Felix has helped me cultivate habits, find my inner leader, develop affirmations and reminders, and mend my relationship with myself and others. My favorite part is when we co-create terms and phrases for my experiences/values, because they are so accurate, and it goes to show how good he is as a coach. And of course, the assignments that we co-create challenge me to push my limits and grow. My biggest takeaway has been learning to say no and picking my battles more wisely. If you are looking for someone to dance to your rhythm or even help you find it, Felix is the person to do it. I highly recommend co-active coaching with him for anyone looking for open and honest conversations in a safe space.
I am looking forward to sharing a journey with you. When do you start?
Wonderful insights wait for your discovery!
Your first step is by contacting me!
