On my professional journey, I have been fortunate with opportunities to do many hard things. From getting a PhD, building new products from scratch, and advising some of the world's largest brands, to moving to foreign countries, presenting in front of hundreds of people, and writing my first book.
It took me exactly three career transitions, three burnouts, and three mindfulness retreats to realize that I could do all these things with softness, without jeopardizing my work, relationships, health, and overall wellbeing.
Doing hard things with softness means approaching challenges with resilience, empathy, and compassion. It means staying grounded and clear-headed in tough situations, solving problems from a place of genuine care. It means fostering meaningful connections with people based on understanding and trust.
When we lead with softness, we choose to believe in our own spirit and brilliance. We guide our personal and professional lives with sincerity and purpose, paving the way for growth. And we do so to set an example for others to lead with their own softness, too.
As your coach, I'm here to help you do just that.


I coach through the approach I call Mindful Listening. We begin by listening inward, to your energy, your values and what you already know, before deciding what needs to change around you.
I won't hand you a formula. I'll ask the questions that help you find your own answers, in a calm, confidential space and aligned with ICF standards.
"Neva is thoughtful, insightful, and incredibly empowering."
— Roberto
"Her questions helped me reflect on my own thoughts and feelings about my situation, while also challenging my mindset."
— Christina
"She gave me the space to find the answers."
— Gisela

Neva Stumberger-Jelsgaard is an international, ICF-certified leadership coach, speaker, and facilitator, working at the intersection of leadership, communication, and wellbeing.
Over more than a decade, she has consulted for some of the world's largest brands, built new products from scratch, and taught and mentored leaders at universities and business schools.
She holds a PhD in Communication from Purdue University. Her research has been published in leading journals and presented at conferences from the USA to Japan.
Today she brings it all together: the professional experience, the research, and her own transitions to help women leaders and founders find clarity and lead with calm and confidence in times of pressure, uncertainty, and change.
A short list of credentials:
• PhD in Communication, Purdue University
• ICF-certified coach (ACC)
• Teaching and mentoring at universities and business schools since 2014, including Copenhagen Business School
• Published researcher and international speaker
• Author of When Your Fertility Journey Feels Overwhelming, featured in ELLE Slovenija and HR&M
• Certified yoga teacher
• Works in English, Danish, Slovenian
I've always been drawn to things that seem impossible at first: crossing the Atlantic on my own to earn a PhD, hiking solo in the Patagonian mountains, learning to surf on the beaches of Mexico, and sitting through a 10-day silent meditation retreat in Sweden, to name a few.
Each one taught me that life is not always easy and yet beautiful, and that almost anything is within reach when we put our minds and hearts into it.
Today, I live near Copenhagen with my husband and three boys, and I travel back to my hometown in Slovenia whenever I can to spend time with family and friends.
Beyond work, I love fresh flowers, walks by the sea, a good book, and conversations that go deeper than small talk.
