FOUNDER & CEO
HELLO,
I'm Michel Heitzmann, the founder of ignea. My journey began in the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland, where the beauty of nature instilled in me a deep respect for our planet. This respect was further solidified during my extensive travels and professional experiences across over 25 countries, culminating in a pivotal moment in Novosibirsk, Siberia.
There, in a supermarket aisle, I was struck by the sight of French-branded bottled water—an emblem of our globalized world's carbon craziness. This moment crystallized my resolve to make a difference. It was clear to me that true leadership must integrate a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
MY STORY
My career has been rich in experiences, from my formative years at Columbia University, INSEAD, and IMD, to my time as a senior executive and a consultant at McKinsey & Co. These roles took me through the vibrant cultures of South America and the strategic landscapes of corporate boardrooms worldwide. Each step along this path reinforced my belief in the power of purposeful leadership.​
In 2023, I founded ignea with a mission: to ignite transformative leadership and foster innovative and inclusive cultures that drives sustainable growth strategies and their execution. Our bespoke Vital Growth Programs are designed not just to refine leadership skills but to weave sustainability practices into the very fabric of organizational culture and strategy . At ignea, we believe that the key to lasting success lies in daring boldly, caring deeply, and thriving sustainably.
As a co-founder of the Swiss Climate Coaching Alliance and a member of the International Coaching Federation, my commitment is to nurture and empower leaders who aspire to make a significant impact. Together with my team of seasoned coaches and executives, we offer a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in leadership development and organisational transformation.
We are here to support you on a journey of growth and discovery, helping you unlock your true potential and achieve exceptional results. Join us at ignea, and let's create a legacy of leadership that honors our planet and inspires future generations.
CERTIFICATIONS
SHERPAS
Julia Snedkova is a certified ICF coach with over 16 years of senior leadership experience in global Fortune 500 companies, Julia brings a wealth of expertise in executive leadership, coaching, and organizational behavior.
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With an MBA from INSEAD, Julia has focused her career on empowering individuals and teams to excel in complex and dynamic environments. She is particularly passionate about leadership development for women, dedicating her efforts to breaking barriers and fostering growth.
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Julia’s approach and experience align perfectly with Ignea’s mission to support organizations in navigating challenges with resilience and innovative thinking. We look forward to collaborating with Julia and benefiting from her insights as we continue to drive impactful leadership development initiatives.
Cyrille Catel is a versatile coach and artist based in Geneva, Switzerland. With a coaching certification from IMD in Lausanne, he is dedicated to supporting individuals, teams, and organisations in achieving their goals and realising their potential.
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A serial entrepreneur, Cyrille is the founder of Anchored Vision, Eterna Impressionist Studio, and IDnA Media. He is also the founder and President of the Incub'Art NGO, reflecting his commitment to fostering creativity and innovation.
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Cyrille's expertise includes Intentional Vision Anchoring Artwork, business and executive coaching, strategic consulting, and the ethical creation of digital art and NFTs. You can learn more about his work at Anchored Vision.
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He is also the author of Paint Your Dream Life, a transformative guide to personal growth and self-discovery.
Ivan Palomino is a behavioural designer, author, and founder of PeopleKult, a platform dedicated to creating human-centred work cultures. He is also the host of the Growth Hacking Culture podcast, recognised among the top 5% globally, where he interviews experts to explore work culture, skills, and innovation.
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As an advocate for meaningful change in the workplace, Ivan has written extensively on topics such as customer-centricity, workplace trends, and the importance of experimentation for innovation. His insights provide organisations with tools to foster agility, well-being, and transparency.
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Ivan is also the author of Step Zero Before the Hustle, a book that offers a practical guide to navigating the entrepreneurial journey. It focuses on building essential mental systems, enhancing productivity, and creating impactful relationships to sustain long-term success.
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With a mission to revolutionise organisational culture, Ivan continues to inspire individuals and businesses to embrace innovation and human-centric principles for growth and transformation.
OUR MISSION
At ignea, our mission is to ignite transformative leadership and innovative teamwork that together foster sustainable growth and create lasting impact.
We commit to empowering individuals and teams through comprehensive development programs that intertwine personal excellence with a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship.
By integrating cutting-edge strategies with timeless values, we strive to equip leaders and organisations to not only succeed in their fields but to redefine them, ensuring they contribute positively to their communities and the planet.
Our dedication to daring boldly, caring deeply, and thriving sustainably drives us to continually evolve and inspire, making Ignea a beacon of progressive change in a world that demands nothing less.
PARTNERSHIPS
