What is it like working with Ilaria?

As part of my engagement with SDA Bocconi Business School, I recently received an anonymized 15-page document containing the feedback of 43 Executive MBA students who enjoyed 239 sessions over two years. I created two AI summaries. The first in the shape of a testimonial, the second in bullet point form extracting the salient qualities of our sessions.

Working with Ilaria was a transformative experience that exceeded all my expectations. Ilaria’s empathetic and professional approach and inclusive perspective deeply resonated with me, fostering self-awareness and encouraging an international mindset essential for today’s challenges. The practical tools, readings, and examples she provided were engaging and instrumental in applying the concepts beyond our sessions, leading to significant personal and professional growth.

Ilaria’s ability to turn thoughts into actionable strategies and focus on addressing specific difficulties has been pivotal in my development. Her support in navigating change, enhancing focus, and building confidence has empowered me to pursue continuous improvement. Thanks to Ilaria’s exceptional listening skills and transparent feedback, the coaching environment was rich with new ideas and continuous learning.

In summary, my journey with Ilaria’s coaching program has been incredibly rewarding. It offers clear outcomes for development, confidence building, and preparation for future challenges. Her guidance has impacted my personal and professional life, for which I am profoundly grateful.

43 Executive Course Students, from SDA Bocconi Business School

High Satisfaction and Experience:

  • Students reported high satisfaction with the program and coaching, with an average of 4.83/5 satisfaction with the coach.

  • The coach, Ilaria Vilkelis, demonstrated empathy and professionalism and quickly provided a diverse set of tools and recommendations, contributing to a positive experience for the students.

Valuing Diverse Perspectives:

  • Ilaria’s coaching showed inclusivity and diversity, considering different perspectives based on age, experience, background, and cultural contexts. The students valued this for its richness and quality.

  • The coach’s opposite perspective was appreciated for its practical approach and combination of work experience and theoretical background.

Impact of Coaching:

  • The coaching helped students gain self-awareness, deepen the need for change and improvement, and embrace an international mindset.

  • It also led to better management of professional and personal situations and supported the pursuit of short-term and long-term goals.

Utilizing Coaching Goals:

  • Clients utilized the coaching goals by developing an open mind and a correct state of mind, gaining awareness of strengths and weaknesses, and employing a specific list of actions to overcome fears and embrace the learning phase.

  • They also benefited from continuous feedback, practical advice, and clear takeaways at the end of each session.

Practical Tools and Strategies:

  • Ilaria provided practical tools, specific readings, and examples, helping students revise concepts dynamically and engage with the material beyond the sessions.

  • The coach’s dialogue and open communication inspired and motivated students, providing motivation and applicable suggestions.

Positive Outcomes and Reflection:

  • Students reported positive outcomes in their behaviour following coaching sessions, attributing progress to the coach’s guidance and practical tools.

  • The coach helped students shape their thoughts into actionable strategies, leading to progress and a shift in perspective towards positive reflections.

Improvement and Focused Tasking:

  • Ilaria’s coaching encouraged improvement by prioritizing students’ difficulties and helping them focus on clear, specific tasks to work on.

Embracing Change and New Experiences:

  • Students appreciated the help from Ilaria in embracing change, improving meta-skills, and gaining confidence in their pursuit of continuous growth and improvement.

  • The coach enabled a shift in thinking and approach towards new experiences, providing motivation, leadership, and a broadened network.

Effective Coaching Sessions:

  • Coaching sessions provided clear outputs for personal and professional development.

  • Revisiting previous discussions to analyze the application of suggestions and results.

Valuable Insights and Feedback:

  • Identified concrete actions for improvement.

  • Guidance in facing personal challenges and turmoil.

Continuous Learning and Growth:

  • Receiving new stimuli, inputs, and ideas.

  • Attentive coaching with proactive sharing of resources.

Empathetic and Professional Approach:

  • Empathy and support throughout sessions.

  • Creating an anchor and managing emotions effectively.

Effective Communication and Focus:

  • Support in communicating effectively.

  • Strategies to enhance focus and implement change.

Pragmatic Strategies and Immediate Actions:

  • Practical approach with immediate actions.

  • Pragmatic guidance for professional and personal growth.

Building Confidence and Setting Goals:

  • Focus on confidence building and goal setting.

  • Positive discussions on future objectives and activities.

Engaging and Useful Sessions:

  • Stimulating discussions on work challenges.

  • Useful preparation for upcoming challenges.

Positive Session:

  • The session was positive and rich in insights for personal development.

  • I received valuable advice on improving my CV and understanding personal values.

Purpose and Passion:

  • Explored the evolution of self-perception in the professional domain.

  • I received guidance on understanding my purpose and passion for my career.

Self-Improvement:

  • Received suggestions for better communication in group work.

  • Realized the importance of focusing on personal desires rather than others’ expectations.

Supportive Coach:

  • The coach actively listened, provided useful insights, and created a supportive environment.

  • Received emotional support and useful perspectives during a difficult time.

Relaxation and Mindfulness:

  • Gained awareness and techniques for relaxation through the Mindfulness Program.

  • Learned to recognize the impact of emotions and passion on engagement.

Professional Development:

  • Identified areas of improvement related to job-related stress and burnout risks.

  • Gained guidance and strategies for managing job-related conflicts and growth.

Coaching Benefits:

  • Received valuable tools and advice focused on professional and personal growth.

  • Empowered to embrace different perspectives and address professional challenges.

Transparent Feedback:

  • Appreciated the coach’s transparency and willingness to give honest feedback.

  • Guidance was provided on improving leadership style and reducing anxiety in stressful situations.

Outstanding Coach:

  • Ilaria is an extraordinary coach with great communication and listening skills.

  • She establishes transparent and honest relationships with her clients, delving deeper into their issues and offering a different perspective.