When Marian Crole contacted us about her French-language audio meditation, we definitely wanted to learn more. She kindly shared the following with us.
Why did you start?
For years, I balanced two parallel careers: as a Human Resources Crisis Management consultant for the State of Geneva, and as an artist and musician. During a concert, I had a sudden realisation: art is a much more direct way to connect with people.
This spark motivated me to leave my position to focus entirely on art. Yet, even though I thought I was done with coaching, people started approaching me for support. Some needed help with creative projects, while others requested training or executive coaching mandates. This reminded me of two things: first, that human development is my true passion; and second, that as a freelancer, I could finally merge my two worlds. On one side, a formal structured approach with technical tools from the institutional field; on the other, my artistic approach and creative tools.
I saw that this unique blend worked immediately for my clients, so I naturally continued. I no longer have to choose between the rigour of a crisis manager and the fluidity of an artist; I offer a multidimensional approach based on body and soul.
Have you been working on this idea forever?
It is the logical culmination of a thread I have been weaving since my early twenties. My foundation is in designing learning programmes and human resources; I have always worked on projects bridging different populations, often in the field of sustainable development. Coaching arrived gradually, alongside my work as a trainer and ombudswoman. Today, I am celebrating ten years of practice as an independent coach.
So, it’s not a new idea, but simply the natural evolution of what I’ve always done: connecting people with each other and with themselves. Before, I worked within large organisations; now, I do it in total freedom, with complete flexibility for every context. It’s a continuation, not a career change.
What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
The biggest challenge was accepting the financial side of my activity. When I worked for the State of Geneva or on mandates for organisations, coaching was simply part of my duties; it felt 'normal'.
Becoming independent, with the desire to dedicate myself to art, asking for payment from the people I support was a real challenge. I kept thinking: 'Why charge for something I love doing?'. I had finally found that intersection between what I am good at, what I love doing, and what is good for others. I experienced it as a privilege, so I didn't feel comfortable charging for it.
However, billing is really about giving oneself the right to make a living from what one loves, especially when the results are emotional and transform the whole person. I realised that valuing work that touches the human spirit and well-being is essential, even if the results are less tangible than a new car or a holiday.
One sentence changed my perspective: when someone buys a product or a service, it is an opportunity for them to say to themselves, 'I have value; this is the value I recognise in myself; I am worthy of this investment.' Furthermore, reminding myself of my own investments in training and the coaching I received—and how essential they were to my journey—allowed me to find the right balance and make peace with the financial side of my practice.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue creating tools for introspection and self-presence that are accessible and intuitive, requiring neither specific beliefs nor prior knowledge. We are living in a rich period, with the rise of neurobiology and the recognition of the body's importance in mental health; it is a field of exploration with no limits.
Concretely, my plan is to make my "Listening & Creativity" retreats regular and to bring this work to as many people as possible. But above all, I want to continue hybridising my worlds: combining musical concert tours with self-reconnection workshops. For me, the future is about erasing the boundary between the concert and the workshop, between the stage and the speaking circle, to offer a global experience where art and care nourish each other.
What is your favorite product you offer and why?
My favorite product is my online space, "Reconnexion à Soi" (Reconnection to Self) at the moment only available in French . It was born organically following a retreat. Participants wanted to continue, but as I travel frequently, we created a virtual thread. From this came audio meditations, meditative phrases, open questions (like koans), and simple exercises.
I love it because I see it as a park with a fountain: a refuge that is always open, accessible with one click. You can enter for five minutes after a difficult meeting, just to return "here and now", or follow a weekly path. It is structured but designed for total autonomy. Its single goal? To remind you that you are enough in this very moment, and that, present to yourself, you can get through anything. It is the joy of pure creative process, placed at the service of your daily life.
What clients are saying:
“Marian’s approach, rich and nuanced, has expanded my awareness of my creative potential and brought me valuable insights that have transformed my professional practice.” — Anouk
“Step by step, I was able to shed restraint, embarrassment, and limiting beliefs to meet my creative energy. Thank you for the space offered.” — Pascale
“Her strategies were essential to mobilise staff and generate a lasting impact in complex team situations.” — Paolo Cattani
« Marian creates a rare space where you feel both guided and free. Her blend of attentive listening and creativity offers a joyful, enriching reconnection to yourself. I highly recommend her for anyone seeking to rediscover their inner spark in a climate of absolute trust. »
— Thierry Pellet, Director of Pro Natura Center Champittet
"Marian has strong listening and analytical skills, and knows how to bring out meaning both in detail and in the mission. Meticulous and engaging, she knows how to ask critical questions, dares to see far and provides the framework for the group to enable it to make its way." - Marc
"Marian helped me transform a project that felt overwhelming into something tangible and clear." Magali
Monthly self-awareness circle
A small, closed group of four people from very different walks of life, gather for two hours to deepen their connection to themselves. I feel a new momentum and have availability to open a second group. If any readers feel called to this type of intimate space, I invite them to reach out – I’m available in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. I also have one or two spots left for new individual coaching sessions.
Finally, I believe in the power of feeling before words: I invite everyone to listen to my music (link below). It is like a thread in my creative fabric, an energy that blends with who I am and sets the tone for all my work.
Espace de Reconnexion à soi - Reconnection to Self
Try this experience for free in French:
https://mailchi.mp/883acbca4318/i1iaag2jnr
Coaching practice (which is in English and then from there has a link to a French version)
https://coaching.mariancrole.com
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Music: https://mariancrole.bandcamp.com/album/safe
Creative/poetic Blog: https://mcrole.substack.com/
