Testimonials

The resources within us

The experience of this course was truly enriching for me. Among the changes I noticed was a deeper appreciation for the feeling of understanding and listening—to both myself and others.

I shifted some of my priorities and definitely adopted a new mindset—not so much trying to eliminate uncomfortable feelings, but instead welcoming them or at least learning to remain present with them.

I realized that many of the resources we desperately seek outside ourselves, sometimes for a lifetime, can actually be found within. I understood that much of our personal despair stems from feeling ill-equipped to face life’s challenges, which leaves us feeling alone and isolated. This course highlighted that, just as we do, all others also experience moments of feeling misunderstood and overlooked—moments that push us toward self-protection and withdrawal.

I know I am still far from mastering these important capacities, but I have learned to respect the time required. I accept my own pace of learning and feel fortunate to have received both a map and a direction

I am grateful to Paola for the warm atmosphere that pervaded the group during the course. I have already recommended this course to colleagues and family, because I believe it helps uncover important resources that elevate one’s quality of life.

“I realized that many of the resources we desperately seek outside ourselves, sometimes for a lifetime, can actually be found within.”
— Elisa,  June 2023

Transforming criticism into compassion

The practice of Mindful Self‑Compassion allowed me to become less critical—towards both myself and the people around me, whether in personal or professional settings. I developed a more open and compassionate attitude toward the experiences of others, and I learned to treat myself with greater kindness, especially when I make mistakes or face anxiety-inducing challenges.

Paola guided us on this journey, fully embodying the principles of self-compassion. I am deeply grateful to her for encouraging me to continue and deepen the program, for her availability, and for her ability to perceive and respond to discomfort within the group in a deeply compassionate way. She offered not only understanding, but also a gentle, human reinterpretation of the suffering we were experiencing.

Finally, I feel that Paola—and her words—have become part of those who have helped me grow, especially in moments when my own personal qualities were acknowledged, thereby nurturing my ability to cultivate happiness.

Self-compassion helps cultivate happiness.
— Monica, Spring 2025

Starting from Myself!

I decided to take some time for myself: that’s where I began!
Right after the beginning of the course, a question echoed in my mind:
How can I be kind to others if I’m not kind to myself?

Starting from myself—lovingly, compassionately—to come closer to others through a deep listening to what is, just as it is.
Re-discovering a rich silence, an open gaze, a respect for both my own and others’ boundaries.
I can wait, I can stay, I can move forward.
I can even “not do”—and still remain present.

Paola: grounded, embracing, sensitive, insightful, and gently present woman by my side—like someone who “breathes you in,” who “hears you,” and waits… for you to ask—always with respect and professionalism.

A journey that is simple and at the same time profound
— Silvia, Spring 2025

A journey of change

I participated in the  course without knowing exactly what to expect—but it turned out to be a transformative experience that changed my life.

Paola created a perfect atmosphere for learning and for deeply listening to myself and others. I felt supported in sharing very intimate moments connected to joys, sufferings, and fears.

The way I relate to myself and to others elevated to a new level. I understood that compassion isn’t only about feeling something for others, but also for myself—and this realization revolutionized my life.

I am deeply grateful for this unique experience, which will have a lasting impact on my life.

With much love and gratitude.

“In the silence, I found my voice”
— Lili, Spring 2025

In this training I discovered the Multiple Intelligences. It was the first occasion to participate in an international seminar and the seminar helped me to develope personally. It was an amazing experience and I will apply all that I learnd now in my country. I hope I can change teaching!

Gabriela, teacher from Romania, 2015

I participated in the Diversity Seminar and I took home a greater awareness of myself and my thoughts, the idea that I normally should make greater efforts to guarantee my students the same levels of inclusion; a different concept of “leadership”; new ideas and techniques for my classes that I look forward to experimenting… And a lot of beautiful memories, too!

I think all educators and school teachers should attend such a course, because it allows participants to open their mind to different types of people.

Paola, teacher from Italy, 2021

The trainers created a very good environment for learning a presented cutting-edge theories of leadership. Attending the course has given me a lot of motivation.

Dilo, youth worker, 2015

Thank you!!!! each one of you helped me in so many ways!!!!.

Maria, youth worker, 2018

The training was well balanced and I really enjoyed the creative approach.

Evelina, trainer, 2018

The trainers were very insightful 😊

Their ways of teaching and the methods we experienced during the training can be easily integrated in my work as coach and counsellor

Imke, coach, 2015

It was very joyful to share our school’s experience with you! 😊

Thank you very much for your beautiful feedback. It encourages us to continue with our work.

Keep the light of mindfulness 😊

Robert, teacher, 2019

Thank you so much!!

It is really true, that you can never see yourself like other people see you and through you and the feedback of the whole group, you made me feel so confident and help me believe in myself and the mindful journey I embarked on!

Artemis, teacher, 2019

I was at that time in a period of intense search for anew path for my professional life and my mind was full of ideas, thoughts, plans … but I couldn’t decide for one or another. The days in Malta, at the Authentic and inclusive leadership seminar, thoughts me two important lessons:

• when in panic and not knowing what to chose and what to do first, I need to break, stay quiet, reflect for 5 minutes or one day, and afterwards there is more clarity and order and my brain, my soul do the work almost alone! 🙂
• how much we can learn just being among people who are courageous to share their stories and struggles, and who are ready to change along a common attempt.

Raluca, leader in a NGO, 2016

What I take from the training “Diversity on Culture and Gender”?

• awareness about my leadership
• friendship into the group
• learning by the body
• mindfulness

I recommend this training to teachers, especially who works with students with special needs.

Antonella, school-director from Italy, 2019

The course “Diversity on culture and gender” was useful for MEETING up with other people and other groups of people. Discussing issues on diversity and finding ways to intervene is especially important in the school environment.
Therefore I would recommend the course especially to those who start work in the world of school and actively live with others (Associations, volunteers, etc.). I take this opportunity to thank you for your willingness to dialogue.

Mimmo, teacher from Spain, 2019

Alp have a destinct sense for venues that allow for creative personal development. I attended the “Authentic and Inclusive Leadership” course in Malta and thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in alp’s inputs and the unique natural surroundings.

Jan Schröder, trainer in adult education & entrepreneur from Germany, www.2kroner.de, 2016

I particularly enjoyed alp’s introduction to the work and passion of Ken Robinson during a seminar on “Exploring Multiple Intelligences” in Vienna. Alp’s mix of excercises inspired me and I explored the newly found path through further TED-talks and books by the aforementioned author. My own seminars have significantly changed.”

Julia, trainer in adult education & entrepreneur from Germany, www.2kroner.de, 2015

The process of MILD 2.0 being observed from both perspectives – me as a member of a team and me as a group leader in activity – was indeed very engaging. I still sense that the greatest impact from it was the transformative discovery and identification of an underlying authentic personal leadership strengths and weaknesses. I’m using it constantly at my work with trainees of different national, religious and generational backgrounds.

Lidija, group leader, 2015

The seminar Exploring Multiple Intelligences in Leadership Development was a very interesting course based and build on personal involvement. If you are not the type, who just likes sitting and listening to lectures, then go for it!

Aikaterini, teacher from Greece, 2018