'Culture has an enormous impact on relationships; that is the coaching relationship itself as well as clients’ relationships with themselves and others. Yet, it is rarely acknowledged sufficiently in the coach training or coaching literature. Monica Hanaway and Sue Blum draw on an extensive catalogue of knowledge and experience to change that. Grounded in existential philosophy, this book offers both theoretical and practical wisdom across a range of contexts and is key reading for any coach aspiring to mastery.'Yannick Jacob, coach, trainer, supervisor, speaker, coaching faculty at Cambridge University and ICCS, former programme lead MSc coaching psychology'As a coach and coach developer, shaped by Sri Lankan roots and global practice, I see this book as a timely and vital contribution. It’s clear this book offers a thoughtful, grounded exploration of how existential coaching can honour both individual truth and cultural complexity. The authors skilfully introduce the existential givens and dimensions, offering practical frameworks like CREATE and MOVER while emphasizing that existential coaching is not technique-driven—it’s presence-driven. This resonates deeply with my experience in coaching, mentor coaching, and supervision, where the work is less about solving and more about witnessing, questioning, and awakening. In an era shaped by generative AI—where speed and efficiency often eclipse depth—this book reminds us of the irreplaceable value of human consciousness, cultural sensitivity, and lived experience. It invites coaches to engage with the subtle forces of interference, identity, and meaning-making across national cultures, and to do so with courage, humility, and existential awareness. For coaches committed to working with depth and global resonance, this book is both relevant and necessary.'Anushly Sithamparam, Founder of ImproShare Global, systemic relationship team coach and executive leadership coach, credential assessor, coach supervisor and mentor coach, DEIB/UN sustainability advocate, change catalyst and LSSBB systemic consultant'Finally, a book that truly captures how cultural context influences the coaching relationship. Drawing on years of experience, the authors combine existential principles to live through real-world case studies. An insightful and engaging read and a must for any coach working in today’s interconnected world.'Beatrice Herrman, lecturer at Said Business School, Oxford University, UK; executive coach, mediator and business consultant'The authors touch on an important subject which they have handled expertly, as a coach who also works in an international context, I totally understand how important it is to take cognisance of the cultural context in the coaching field. This book is needed and well overdue, it’s a welcome addition to the professional coach’s tool kit and armoury.'Lola Owolabi, leadership and transformational coach, author and university tutor'Monica Hanaway and Sue Blum bring to the surface what often remains invisible - the cultural undercurrents shaping every coaching encounter. Their existential approach does not offer yet another model; it invites a stance of presence, humility, and inquiry that transcends cultural boundaries while honouring their depth. In an age of “global leadership”, “cross-cultural coaching”, and “intersectional identities”, this book feels both profoundly human and urgently contemporary and relevant...It is not just a contribution to the coaching field—it is a call to awareness for all who work across differences. As an executive coach and coach supervisor from a multicultural background, I find this book deeply resonates with my daily practice.'Jeanne-Elvire Adotevi-Bilies, executive leadership development and coaching specialist, international vice president PSF, ANSE delegate for France, and editorial board member of the ANSE Journal (Spain, Italy, France)'This book is a refreshing invitation to reflect deeply and explore curiously how the working alliance and coaching process may be shaped by the cultural layers of both coach and coachee. Alongside conceptual foundations, the authors bring the existential approach to life with applied wisdom such as case studies, practical frameworks, and meaningful questions. A must-read for every coach - or anyone using coaching methods - who works across cultures and seeks to deepen authentic connection and impact.'Andrea Chakravartti, coach, mediator, trainer and founder of A Better Way'The authors’ dedication to coaching and mediation is a natural expression of their lifelong curiosity about people and culture. Their integration of existential philosophy with a culturally attuned, practical approach to coaching is both meaningful and original. This exploration of coaching through an existential and cross-cultural lens is insightful, practical, and profoundly relevant in today’s complex, interconnected world. Thoughtful, wise, and deeply grounded, this book is a valuable contribution to the coaching profession and beyond.'Tina Marron-Partridge, consultant partner in organisational and transformational leadership'The authors' combination of deep expertise in organisational change, how culture shapes the way people think and work together with knowledge on existentialism make them uniquely qualified to write on the impact of national culture on coaching through an existential lens. This, combined with their thoughtful and empathetic coaching approach, enables them to offer timely, insightful guidance for coaches and leaders navigating the complex interplay between culture, identity, and human development.'Joerg Thews, global relationship partner and Swiss insurance sector leader at PwC Switzerland'I warmly endorse this important and timely book. As organisations navigate increasingly complex and multicultural environments, the ability to understand and engage with cultural dimensions in coaching has never been more vital. The authors offer a clear and insightful exploration of how personal, organisational, and national cultures shape the coaching relationship. By integrating existential and phenomenological perspectives with practical frameworks and case studies, they provide both conceptual depth and concrete guidance. This book will be an invaluable resource for professionals seeking to strengthen their cultural awareness and enhance the quality and impact of their coaching practice.'Morten Kjaerum, adjunct professor at Aalborg University, Denmark, and affiliated scholar at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Lund, Sweden'The authors are insightful and deeply knowledgeable leader sin unlocking organizational and individual performance through coaching and through delivering transformational organizational culture change. Together they bring decades of global experience in aligning transformation strategy and behavioural/cultural change to existential coaching...Bringing cultural understanding to existential coaching is an exercise in putting yourself in another’s shoes, being able to communicate genuine regard, broaden knowledge, deepen trust and facilitate the context and meaning between people of different backgrounds and across organizational boundaries. Susan and Monica’s pragmatic approach enables individuals and teams greater access to the kinds of complex, strategic and systems thinking essential to address increasing challenges for performance and individual, team and organizational development.'Christina Kirk, MAppSci, PhD, director of On Purpose Consulting; former partner (change and culture change) at IBM Consulting'Monica Hanaway and Susan Blum’s new book is a must-read for anyone who cares about people working effectively across cultures. With AI and other connective technologies rapidly outstripping human beings’ abilities to successfully communicate in multinational and multicultural organizations, Hanaway and Blum’s book, and their existential approach to coaching, could not be more timely.'Nancy Adler, artist and S. Bronfman Professor Emerita in Management at McGill University, Canada, fellow of the Academy of Management and the Academy of International Business, and inductee of the Royal Society of Canada.
