Amalia Santos | EEC Alumni Protagonist | August 2026

I am reflective, calm and very sensitive, which is why I greatly value silence, tranquillity and time alone. I am cheerful, curious, an avid reader, with a strong desire to know more and learn continuously. I aspire to a life that integrates the professional and the personal, consistent with my values and purpose-driven. I thrive on creating beautiful things and I appreciate attention to detail.

How did you get into coaching in general? And how did you get into EEC in particular?

I was immersed in the world of corporate business and talent development within the demanding multinational environment, highly driven towards achievement and constant performance.

When delivering a leadership development programme to promote a coaching culture in an organisation, I discovered coaching as a methodology and the impact it can have on individuals, teams and culture.

That was when I decided to get certified as an executive coach. At the European School I felt it was my place, that the pieces were falling into place in a meaningful career.

What is your passion?

Definitely my family: my husband and our three children, my great teachers, from whom I learn more and more every day. I am a better person thanks to them.

How do you charge your batteries? What gives you energy?

I practise daily meditation and prayer. I adore music and sing in a choir. I enjoy the simplicity and grandeur of everyday life: a conversation with good friends, walking in nature, especially by the water, as well as creating something beautiful out of nothing. I love writing, crafts, patchwork and cooking.

What takes it away from you? How do you deal with it?

Having too packed a schedule and unrealistic deadlines throw me off balance. I manage it by being very mindful of my commitments and the level of confidence I want to convey to others, including my clients, and by allowing myself to say «no», something I have learned in recent years as I've entered another phase of life.

WhatsApp groups can also start to wear me down when communication gets confusing; in those cases I prefer to call and talk rather than write.

What news would you like to hear?

May every person on the planet be aware and committed to making the world, or at least their small corner of it, a better place for all living things.

Complete the sentence: Through coaching I learned...

That my self-worth does not depend on constant achievement or on other people’s opinions.

Which of the coaching distinctions do you choose? Why and what for?

With the three-legged stool of trust: competence, sincerity and credibility. It was a real discovery! I've applied it a great deal, both with myself and with my coachees.

When I lack the self-confidence to do something, I reflect on the three variables and identify what needs addressing: sometimes it’s a question of skills, and I need to learn more or prepare myself better. Other times it turns out that I am capable after all, but I simply don’t believe it and need to be more honest with myself. Occasionally, it’s a matter of aligning my actions with my values, and that clarity helps me move forward.

What impact has what you have learned in coaching had on your personal and professional life?

I would choose the word trans-formation: coaching took me beyond the development of competencies on an inner journey in which I learned to look inwards, to listen and to listen to myself.

I discovered a kinder and more authentic way of living, connected to my values and purpose, and a way of looking at things that is freer from judgements.

Professionally I embarked on a wonderful adventure that has given me great satisfaction, moving from productivity to contribution, from efficiency to enjoyment… choosing coherence over approval.

How and with whom do you currently apply coaching?

I combine university and business school teaching with coaching, to which I devote most of my time.

I work primarily with managers and leaders from a range of sectors who are seeking to develop a more authentic and mindful leadership style. I work with a multinational executive coaching firm and support individual development programmes online.

I also mentor students from the Master's programmes I collaborate with, as well as individuals who come to me during times of change or decision-making.

I use proven methodologies such as emotional intelligence, neuroscience, positive intelligence or 360-degree feedback tools. My hallmark is approachability, commitment and depth in the coaching process.

What would you say to someone considering training in coaching?

It is wonderful to support people’s development from a human and practical perspective, and it is a real privilege to see how self-discovery is put into practice and transforms those who embrace it.

And to take a step forward, however small (researching schools and methodologies, asking people around them who have trained, or professional coaches, etc.). My motto is... make a wish and choose to take action, in other words, make a wish and get stuck in!

What has been your greatest achievement?

Setting myself up as a freelance coach after my training: on completing the certification, I realise that it seemed more like a dream than a vision…

What is your biggest challenge?

Living in accordance with my true identity: it is a lifelong journey.

What mistake have you learned the most from?

Phew, there are so many, every day, but if I had to choose one, it would be that I used to be too hard on myself: learning to be kinder to myself now enables me to do things to the highest standard.

Complete the sentence: I would like to...

...finish and publish the book I'm writing.

Complete the sentence: I never thought that...

No reply.

What is success for you?

For me, success is about inspiring and leaving a positive mark on others, both through my work and in my personal life.

It is witnessing the growth of those I accompany: receiving feedback from someone I have been working with who tells me about their progress and thanks me… And, at the same time, building a vibrant and nurturing home: having the energy to be present, share, create and enjoy the everyday with those I love.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Many thanks to the European Coaching School for thinking of me for this testimonial. It is a pleasure to be part of this community. I still feel you are my home.