The Tall Trees Founding Story

Krissy & Alex: Two Paths, One Vision

Tall Trees began its journey in 2006, when Krissy Zimmermann founded Tall Trees Executive Coaching with the belief that leadership and team development should be both deeply human and practically grounded. Over nearly two decades, she built a reputation for clarity, insight, and psychological depth, helping professionals understand how they think, decide, relate, and grow. As Tall Trees approached its 20-year milestone, the work continued to evolve, and so did the vision.

Meanwhile, Alexander Jones was on a very different journey. After retiring from a remarkable international career as a professional ballet dancer in 2023, he took time to study coaching at INSEAD Business School before stepping into the world of coaching and facilitation. His approach brought something rare: the intelligence of the body, the power of presence, and the ability to translate movement into leadership. His work helps leaders reconnect with instinct, energy, and embodiment, elements which can be missing in corporate leadership environments.

When Krissy and Alex met, it quickly became clear that their strengths formed a natural duality. Not opposites, but complements. Mind and body. Structure and creativity. Insight and movement. Depth and energy. This balance now sits at the heart of Tall Trees GmbH.

Together, they offer professional development that goes beyond models and frameworks. Their work focuses on real human connection, organisational culture, and the practical behaviours that build trust. It honours both precision and presence, helping emerging leaders think clearly, collaborate courageously, and show up fully.

What began as one coach’s vision has become a business partnership that unites two disciplines, two histories, and one shared purpose: to help leaders and teams grow in ways that are grounded, authentic, and sustainable.

Tall Trees continues to evolve, with deep roots and branches reaching further than ever.

Krissy Zimmermann PCC, Executive Coach and Trainer

New Zealander | based in Switzerland | Working Internationally
Coaching & Training Observations

In leadership and team development, progress is rarely limited by a lack of intelligence, experience, or effort. More often, it is constrained by unexamined habits, assumptions, and communication patterns that have become automatic over time.

When leaders and teams take the time to notice how they think, communicate, and respond to one another, new options begin to emerge. Increased awareness creates space for choice, and choice is what enables more intentional leadership, clearer communication, and stronger collaboration.

Coaching and training are most effective when they move beyond concepts and tools, supporting people to recognise their own patterns in real situations and to experiment with practical shifts that can be applied immediately in their day-to-day work.

Coaching & Training Background

Krissy brings over two decades of experience in executive and leadership coaching, consulting, and training. While based in Switzerland, she has worked extensively across Europe with leaders and teams in a wide range of industries.

Her client experience includes organisations such as Amex, Astaro, BP, Basilea, Bayer, Biogen Idec, Cardinal Health, Cisco, Credit Suisse, eBay, Harper Collins, Hewlett Packard, Hilti, Johnson and Johnson, Meta, Mettler Toledo, Novartis, Philip Morris, Roche, Siemens, Swissolution, and Thomson Reuters.

Coach Specific Experience:

  • Twenty years of Executive Coaching experience, specializing in Leadership Development, Communication Competence and Team-building.
  • Experience with many international organizations in a range of Industries, from BioFuels to Pharma.
  • Twelve-years experience designing and facilitating Leadership Training and Team Building Workshops.
  • Experienced in Conflict Mediation including workplace mobbing (bullying)
  • Coaching employees to develop additional soft skills for their current or future role, especially introverted types and new leaders.
  • Founder and Executive coach – Tall Trees Executive Coaching (Since 20o5)
  • Director on Global Board of Directors International Coach Federation (2009 – 2011)
  • Conference steering committee ICF International Conferences (2010 -2012)
  • Member of the ICF Education Advisory Group. (2008)
  • Coaching and Training and Developing Learning Programs on Virtual Training Programs. (2007 – 2017)

Krissy Zimmermann, PCC is a Certified Professional Coach with additional training in adult education, she is currently working towards her ICF MCC (Master Certified Coach)

  • BA in Business Psychology  (2026)
  • Updated International Coach Federation PCC credential (2023)
  • Further Course Development Training using Docebo and eFront Virtual Learning Managment Systems  (2016 – 2017)
  • Insights Discovery Licensed Practitioner (2013)
  • MBTI Teambuilding with OPP in Oxford (2012)
  • GET HR Course in Zug (2011)
  • Professional Certified Coach PCC, ICF (2011)
  • MBTI I and II, American Management Association (2010)
  • Moodle LMS (2007)
  • Associate Certified Coach, ICF (2007)
  • Professional Coach – International Coach Academy – (2006)
  • Professional Coach Training – International Coach Academy – (2002-2005)

Krissy specialises in supporting introverted leaders to step beyond their comfort zones and grow their careers in ways that remain aligned with their values, strengths, and often unspoken ambitions.

Her work also centres on workplace communication mastery, helping leaders and teams communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. In addition, she brings strong expertise in mediation and conflict resolution, supporting individuals and groups to navigate differences constructively and rebuild trust where relationships have become strained.

Krissy has a genuine passion for facilitating team development workshops that strengthen communication, trust, and collaboration. She designs engaging, experiential learning environments where participants gain deeper insight into their own working and communication styles, recognise and value the diversity within their teams, and develop practical strategies to improve day-to-day collaboration.

Her workshops blend reflection, movement, and meaningful dialogue, resulting in teams that are more connected, resilient, aligned, and motivated to achieve shared goals.

Executive coaching at Tall Trees is a confidential, structured partnership designed to support leaders as they navigate complexity, growth, and transition. It provides a dedicated space to pause, reflect, and think clearly in the midst of demanding roles and competing expectations.

Krissy works with executives, senior leaders, and high potential managers to strengthen self awareness, leadership presence, and decision making. The focus is on helping leaders lead with intention rather than reaction, and to align how they show up with what their role, organisation, and context require.

What Clients Work On

Executive coaching engagements are tailored to the individual and often include focus areas such as
• leadership effectiveness and presence
• communication and influence across diverse stakeholders
• managing up, down, and across the organisation
• navigating complexity, pressure, and change
• transitioning into new or expanded leadership roles
• strengthening confidence, clarity, and strategic thinking
• resolving interpersonal challenges and conflict constructively

A Thoughtful and Practical Approach

Krissy’s coaching style is calm, direct, and reflective. She combines structured coaching frameworks with deep listening and practical insight, creating space for leaders to think differently and act more consciously.

Coaching conversations focus not only on what needs to change, but on how change is sustained in real working environments. This ensures insights translate into behaviour, and behaviour into lasting impact.

For Introverted and Reflective Leaders

Krissy is particularly experienced in working with introverted and reflective leaders. Her coaching supports clients to step beyond habitual comfort zones while remaining authentic to their values and strengths.

Rather than pushing extroverted leadership ideals, the work focuses on helping leaders develop presence, authority, and influence in ways that feel natural, grounded, and credible.

Outcomes

Clients often describe gaining
• greater clarity and confidence in their leadership role
• stronger communication and relationship management
• improved ability to lead through uncertainty and pressure
• increased alignment between values, behaviour, and impact
• more sustainable ways of working and leading

Executive coaching at Tall Trees is not about fixing problems. It is about creating the conditions for leaders to grow, adapt, and lead well over time.

Krissy believes that sustainable growth happens when people feel seen, understood, and challenged in the right way. Her approach is calm, respectful, and direct, combining structure with curiosity and insight with action.

Rather than imposing solutions, she works alongside clients to help them build awareness, make conscious choices, and embed changes that last beyond the coaching room or workshop space.

“”I am so happy that somebody recommended Krissy to me. Working with her over the last years was extremely helpful for me as a person, as a leader and for my team. She helped us to understand ourselves, others and how we can better interact with others. She is a true professional and has fantastic insights into people and what makes them tick”

Petra Keil

Petra Keil, Head Government & Public Affairs Europe, Multinational Pharma Org.

“Krissy is an exceptionally talented team & individual coach – so good that I used her twice (once to a team of 18 and the second time to a team of 22) & would continue to bring her in to work with any team that I manage. We developed a team development programme based on the Insights Discovery tool which enabled my team & I to really understand ourselves and each other. This provided a new & deep language for the team to talk to each other about. Instead of ignoring team tensions, they would say “you’re being too yellow – what’s the point?” or “my green needs more time to understand how this helps us to be better”. I had two ladies in the team who had simply stopped talking to each other. I was able to sit them down individually using the tools they had learned, have them reflect on their behaviour and what each other needed in order to move forward. They then took time to have a cup of tea together & worked it out themselves. Now they are the best of friends.”

Jennifer Scott, eBay

“My Personal Coach Krissy has helped me transform my career and personal growth. I’ve learned how to take charge of my career with confidence, develop a clear and actionable 5-year plan, and advocate for myself without hesitation. Before meeting Krissy, I felt undervalued, uncertain about my next steps, and unsure how to ask for what I wanted. Now, I’ve been promoted to an exciting new role within my organization, revamped my resume and LinkedIn profile, and gained invaluable skills in strategic networking, building sponsorships, and negotiating salary with confidence. I’ve also learned the importance of leadership experience at my level and how to align my career goals with my personal life for long-term balance and success. Krissy has given me the tools and mindset to own my future—she’s been the best investment I’ve ever made in myself!”

Annette T, International Org.

“While working with Krissy, she opened up so many different perspectives and helped me focus on the things which are really important for me. But defining what I was looking for and what I really wanted was just the first step within the process. Krissy then helped me develop a clear action plan to accomplish my goals, and she made me accountable. She gave me ideas and different resources at hand to make a first start and connections. When I started group coaching with Krissy, I also discovered that others are facing the same issues, and the exchange of ideas and experiences is extremely helpful. With Krissy’s guidance on the calls and her way of looking at things differently and to make the most out of every situation, she is greatly helping me to move forward with my career at a much faster speed – a speed I had never imagined to be possible.”

Christin Ross, Roto Frank

“Krissy saved my skin on many occasions, I was being mobbed (bullied) at work, which many would not expect to happen to a strong charter such as myself, however it turned out that is why I was being mobbed, Krissy’s Communication Confidence training has been extraordinary, I have learned so much about myself and others. She not only saved me from being fired, but has seen me through not one but two promotions in the last 18 months” If you get a chance to coach with Krissy grab it with both hands”

Andreas B., Senior Director

“The last 6 months have been transformational for me because of you. I couldn’t have chosen a better coach for what I’ve been going through. You came into my life at the most perfect moment, and I now know how to fortify myself for the turbulence and volatility that life has to offer. Not to say that any of it will be easy, but I have my notes to refer back to. I have the tools you have given me. All of it has been a blessing. Thank you.”

Ruth H, International Org.

“Krissy is a brilliant coach who is worth her weight in gold. I want to thank her sincerely for getting me through a tough time. Without her kindness, skill and humor I would have been lost. She continues to inspire me, and I am very, very grateful our paths crossed.”

Declan Stout, Private client

“When I met Krissy a few months ago, I was in a desperate condition. Too many working hours, draining business travel – and no personal life at all. The first thing Krissy did was show me that there is always a different perspective…”

Sandra, BP

“Krissy provided excellent organization throughout her coaching sessions. That’s important to me. She challenged me to commit to my values and offered assignments to help me prepare for each call. The structure helped me make progress on issues that matter to me. During our sessions, Krissy accurately reflected what I was saying. She also gave just enough advice – very powerful advice – to inspire me to go deeper. She even did research and introduced new information about my specific issues. We covered serious subjects, but Krissy kept it fun. That made it easier to achieve my goals.”

Pat, International Pharma Org.

“”With Krissy I am learning how to best perform my personal Haka, which gives me self-confidence and energy before big games, and will hopefully lead me to winning the world cup I have designed for myself!”

David, Philip Morris international

“Krissy has a wonderful way of getting to the root of what’s troubling you. She’s highly supportive, and her enthusiasm cannot help but rub off on you, to make you want to achieve more than you thought possible.”

Claire Evans, Private Client

“Thanks very much for your support over the last 6 months. As you know I had a desire to explore new roles in more product / commercial leadership and I was frustrated at not being able to make that transition. I have very much valued your advice and support, especially to push me to prioritise networking, stakeholder mapping, and not to rush into applications but to be more strategic. As such, when the right opportunity presented, I was ready and I am delighted to have found a new role. Thanks for all your help.”

Philip , International Org.

“Coaching with Krissy was a great experience for me. I’ve had coaches before, but this is my most effective coaching experience. Krissy’s strong focus, fun, and meaningful conversation made the difference. Krissy helped me do things I thought I would never achieve.”

Kiran, International Trading Co.

Krissy has been phenomenal! I’ve gained so much knowledge by working with her over the past few months that I will take with me throughout the rest of my career and in many cases my personal life as well. The experience has truly been life changing often her recommendations are so simple and things that I know but she puts a different perspective on it forcing me to see and do things a little bit differently to make a big impact. Thank you Krissy for everything!

William T., International Org.

“Thank you for being there for me through all of the ups and downs, I don’t know what I would have done without you. What a journey it has been.”

M. Sullivan, International Pharma Org.

Thank you so much for all the coaching sessions. I have learned a lot from you and am confident that you are THE BEST career coach ever! I am truly grateful for all the time we have spent together and would like you to know that a new “light bulb” went on in my head during every session – which is quite remarkable. I have enjoyed the SBI book you’ve recommended and am looking forward to doing my 5-year strategic plan. Moreover, I especially appreciate your unique and very structured coaching style and felt truly empowered through our sessions.”

Pria , Amex

“Krissy says it as she sees it. Her intuition and honesty has enabled us to find solutions for problems that we had thought were unsolvable. She does not shy away from anything, and cuts through even the most difficult situations with ease. We appreciate all she has been able to do for us – the change in our working relationship is nothing short of amazing.”

Peter B., International Pharma Org.

“Krissy your direct questions stopped me in my tracks. Now I pause (most of the time) before I blame and complain and look a little closer to home. It’s not always the most comfortable experience, but thank you!”

R. Pfister, International Pharma Org.

“I want to sincerely thank you for your incredible support, presence, and dedication throughout our journey together. You’ve been more than just a coach to me — you’ve been a steady guide who truly listened, even when I was navigating my deepest challenges and inner struggles. Your ability to hold space, ask the right questions, and gently steer me toward clarity has been transformative. I always felt heard and understood, and that made all the difference. Thank you for empowering me to find the best possible answers within myself and for walking beside me every step of the way. I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve helped me discover and unlock!”

Rob P., International Pharma Org.

“I got the job!!! Moving into a Manager, Business Partnership role as of end of September when the incumbent retires. Cross training will start next month! woo-hoo!!!! Thank you for all your support and guidance!”

Angela N., Caterpillar

“Because of the work I have done with Krissy I feel happy again. I can sleep at night and am finally looking forward to the challenges in my new position. Our team was in crisis, but now we are actually beginning to enjoy working together. I highly recommend Krissy’s coaching and team-building programs.”

Phillipe, Publishing Company

Alexander Jones, Coach and Workshop Facilitor

British born | Based in Switzerland| Working Internationally
Performance Insight

In leadership, performance is not only about skill or knowledge. It is about presence, timing, and the ability to respond rather than react. Under pressure, people tend to default to familiar patterns, often unconsciously. Becoming aware of these patterns creates choice, and choice is where growth begins.

By paying attention to how we use our bodies, manage energy, and hold ourselves in challenging situations, leaders can significantly influence how they are perceived and how effectively they lead others.

Coaching and Performance Background

Alexander Jones is a leadership facilitator and coach with a distinctive background in high-performance environments. Following a successful international career as a professional ballet dancer, Alex transitioned into coaching and facilitation, bringing with him a deep understanding of presence, performance, and what it means to operate under sustained pressure.

Alex works with leaders and teams to develop greater self-awareness, adaptability, and impact. His style is grounded, engaging, and experiential, supporting people not only to think differently, but to show up differently in moments that matter.

Alex spent many years performing with leading international ballet companies, working at the highest professional level across Europe and beyond. This experience gave him first-hand insight into discipline, excellence, feedback, and the demands of sustained performance.

Alongside his coaching and facilitation work, Alex continues to engage in professional performance projects, bringing a current and lived understanding of preparation, focus, and delivery into his work with leaders and teams.

  • INSEAD Coaching certification

  • Advanced performance and pedagogy studies at major international ballet institutions

  • Continuous professional development in psychology, resilience, and somatic coaching

Alex’s work focuses on
• Presence and impact in leadership
• Performance under pressure
• Embodied communication and awareness
• Confidence, adaptability, and resilience
• Team trust and collective performance

High-performing leaders are often highly capable individuals who carry a great deal of responsibility. Over time, this can lead to tension, over-control, or disconnection from instinct and intuition.

Alex supports leaders to reconnect with their sense of presence and grounded authority. Through practical, embodied approaches, he helps them build resilience, increase confidence, and perform with clarity and composure, even in complex or high-stakes environments.

Alex is particularly skilled at working with teams to strengthen trust, alignment, and collective performance. He creates learning environments where participants can safely explore how they show up with others, how dynamics are formed, and how small shifts in awareness can have a significant impact on collaboration.

His work encourages teams to move beyond habit and assumption, fostering greater responsiveness, mutual understanding, and shared ownership of outcomes.

Alex believes that leadership development is most powerful when it engages the whole person. Mind, body, and behaviour are inseparable, particularly in moments of challenge or change.

His approach combines curiosity, clarity, and practical experimentation. By working experientially, he supports individuals and teams to access insight that goes beyond theory, enabling learning that is felt, remembered, and applied.

“One aspect of Alexander’s coaching I have particularly appreciated is his ability to offer new perspectives on the challenges I face. He consistently encouraged me to look at my problems and feelings from different angles, which has opened up new ways of thinking and approaching them. This shift in perspective has been incredibly valuable, allowing me to see opportunities where I previously saw obstacles, and helping me to approach challenges with a more open and constructive mindset.”

Karine Schweizer, HR, Insurance Company

“Your workshop was a unique culture-building experience, and our team members are talking a lot about the impact you made – it was very well received. You managed to exceed my (high) expectations!”

M Meinhold, Department lead

“Alexander’s attentive listening and kind advice helped me develop my charisma when speaking in public and to rediscover the pleasure of this exercise. Our meetings were punctuated by a variety of role-playing exercises that allowed me to push back my limits in a safe and playful environment.”

Laure Gallay, Founder, Louis Origine

“For me, the coaching sessions immediately offered a very open atmosphere where I quickly felt comfortable to share my thoughts and ideas. Literally, I felt a space in which I could move around and explore, thinking aloud. At the same time, Alexander did dig deeper into emotions and feelings, which I mentioned sometimes on the side, and he encouraged me to reflect further on statements and remarks. I felt appreciated, understood, and emboldened.”

Michaela Reisenbichler, Pharmaceutical Company

Global Contracts

We look forward to becoming
your Preferred Coach & Training Provider.

We have a global pool of highly qualified executive coaches and workshop facilitators with proven track records of corporate coaching and training experience available for international and local contracts.

Contact us today to discuss your next coaching or team engagement.

Become a Tall Trees Coach or Trainer

Eligibility Criteria for Independent Coaches and Facilitators

Tall Trees collaborates exclusively with independent, professionally accredited coaches and facilitators. Engagements are offered on a contractual basis and do not constitute employment. The following criteria set out the minimum requirements for consideration.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Completion of an ICF-approved ACTP coach training programme or an equivalent, internationally recognised qualification

  • A minimum credential of ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) or an equivalent professional accreditation

  • Certification of three years or more in at least one recognised psychometric assessment tool

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • A minimum of five years’ professional experience working as an Executive or Leadership Coach
  • Coaching experience with at least six international organisations, acting in the role of coach with the qualifications outlined above
  • Three corporate client references, including direct telephone contact details

– Referees must hold a minimum position equivalent to Head of Region
– All references will be verified and contacted as part of the due diligence process

Applicants must provide:

  • Written confirmation from the AHV or national equivalent authority confirming the right to operate as an independent contractor in Switzerland or in the applicant’s country of residence
  • Proof of valid professional insurance covering workplace accidents and occupational illness
  • Any additional documentation reasonably required to confirm legal, tax, or regulatory compliance

Tall Trees operates internationally and considers applications from qualified professionals worldwide. Meeting the above criteria does not guarantee engagement. All contracting decisions are made at the sole discretion of Tall Trees and are subject to contractual agreement.