Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Maria Malmgren is a certified life, professional and team coach, and a PCC with the International Coaching Federation, with over 13 years of coaching experience. She has worked in a variety of contexts with for-profit and for-benefit organizations, including individual and organizational development, culture change management and people services. Maria’s ability to sense an emerging or present issue in people, teams and organizations helps her quickly identify what really matters to clients and focus the conversation on core issues.
Highrise: How did you get into coaching?
MM: I got into coaching while I was in a career in administration management and found myself constantly having deep conversations with people at all levels of the organization, from senior leaders to junior staff. I initially thought I should be a counselor, but then I went to an intro weekend of coach training and knew immediately that coaching was an incredibly powerful experience and technique and was hooked. Thirteen years later, I still believe coaching is an incredibly powerful and valuable personal development tool and vehicle and keep learning more and hopefully, getting better at it.
Highrise: Why are you excited to join Highrise?
MM: The people. I have learned along the way that the people in an organization and the people the organization works with are either a fit for who I am and my values or not. Every single encounter I have had with Highrise staff, contractors or clients has been positive, interesting, value-filled and fun. I feel as though I may be jinxing this by saying it out loud, but I am going to take the chance and name it ... Highrise is impressive and attracts impressive people. I feel lucky to hang out here.
Highrise: What do you like to do in your free time?
MM: Free time?! I love exploring and meandering, discovering beauty, interesting people and things, second hand stores, good books, charcuterie boards, art, music, gardens, things deep and rich — coffee, red wine, and conversation — or refreshing and light — ginger cider, yoga and conversation. And mostly, I like to laugh and love the world out loud.
Highrise: What is one fun fact about yourself you'd like to share?
MM: I won a baby beauty contest when I was one. I clearly peaked early. :-)
From left: Maria Malmgren, Mariska du Preez, Michelle Anhang.
Marlborough, New Zealand
Mariska du Preez is an engineer turned leadership development coach and works primarily with high achievers and transitioning leaders. She does this work because she believes we all deserve to be passionate about what we do and be leaders that can help each other thrive. As such, she loves exploring and learning from the arts, by reading and immersing herself in other cultures while helping others achieve their goals and grow.
Highrise: How did you get into coaching?
MD: A significant life change, like in most cases, started my journey. After immigrating and undergoing organisational restructuring, I decided I needed to re-evaluate some things. This process took me to my first coach, who helped me evaluate and get centred again. Thus, having always been fascinated with our human growth and how we work and my love for engineering and innovation, coaching felt like the natural next place for me to be.
Highrise: Why are you excited to join Highrise?
MD: Highrise, for me, is a place that helps us grow our potential in our high-paced environments. I love the innovation and collaborative integration that Highrise creates. Also, at Highrise, I get to hone my craft, and I learn from each Highriser. That fills me with joy.
Highrise: What do you like to do in your free time?
MD: I enjoy new experiences, so in my free time, I do something that would provide these types of experiences. For example, reading a book and getting lost in a new world or different ideas, going for hikes on trails I’m yet to explore, finding quaint little shops or hidden coffee shops, or playing video games with hubby and exploring their virtual nuances.
Highrise: What is one fun fact about yourself you'd like to share?
MD: I love being creative and am working on a children's book with my husband that we plan to complete next year :)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Michelle Anhang is a creator of safe spaces, a cultivator of possibility and a champion for moving people from insight into action. As an ICF-certified coach, her customized style draws from an academic background in psychology and specialized training in leadership skills, executive functioning/ADHD coaching and mindfulness. Michelle also brings a wealth of knowledge from 20+ years of corporate experience holding management roles in the fields of finance and law. In addition to offering individual and group coaching, Michelle is a motivational speaker and Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Highrise: How did you get into coaching?
MA: My journey into coaching was not a linear one. I got my degree in psychology but knew pretty early on that I didn’t want to become a therapist. Not knowing exactly what I DID want to do, I had a variety of careers both in the corporate world and through entrepreneurship, while always maintaining a strong interest in personal development. Sitting in a coaching class (which I took on the recommendation of a friend), I instantly knew I had found my calling.
Highrise: Why are you excited to join Highrise?
MA: So many reasons! I really believe in the company’s model, and I align with their values. I also love working with groups and supporting leaders in their personal and professional goals.
Highrise: What do you like to do in your free time?
MA: In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and our dog, reading, going for walks/hikes in nature and dancing!
Highrise: What is one fun fact about yourself you'd like to share?
MA: I never learned how to whistle :p
A warm welcome to our new Highrise coaches — we are thrilled to have them on board!
