About Us

ELEPHANT Coaching & Consulting stands for partnership based on experience and genuine collaboration at eye level.

Elena Samaras

With Greek-Austrian roots and based in Munich, broadening my horizons has always been important to me. Trained as a classical corporate lawyer, I spent 15 years working in major international law firms and global companies. I saw myself as a translator: turning complex legal terminology into practical business solutions. Working with both words and people gave me equal pleasure.

Since I began leading teams in 2017, working with people has become increasingly important to me. Over time, I started mentoring younger colleagues at my former employers and sharing my experience with them.

In 2024, I decided to make people the focus of my professional life. I then completed training in individual and team coaching at Bossert Associates in Munich.

I firmly believe that the goal or solution a person is looking for usually already lies within them – but for some reason does not come to the surface, preventing them from acting on it. My role is that of an objective and unbiased sparring partner who listens actively, shares observations, and works with the individual at eye level to achieve the desired goals as effectively as possible.

Professional Background

2025 Founded ELEPHANT Coaching & Consulting
2024/25 Training as Executive Coach (ICF Level 2) & Team Coach (AATC Level) at Bossert Associates, Munich
2021-2025 General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, TAKKT AG, Stuttgart
2017-2021 Regional General Counsel & Regional Compliance Officer Western Europe & Latin America, BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, Munich
2017 Executive MBA in General Management, University of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland
2014-2017 Legal Counsel, Corporate Office, BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, Munich
2011-2014 Associate / Senior Associate, Hengeler Mueller, Munich
2010 Admitted to the bar in Germany and New York
2008-2010 Legal traineeship (Referendariat) at the Higher Regional Court of Hamburg, with placements in Berlin and New York
2008 LL.M. in Comparative Law, University of Miami School of Law, Florida, USA
2002-2007 Law studies at Humboldt University of Berlin

Intercultural experience in Europe, the USA, the MENA region, and South Africa
Mentor for Legally Female Supporting the next generation of legal professionals is dear to me. I therefore serve as a mentor at Legally Female.
Memberships LAWBIZ Innovators – The network for those who shape the future of law firms; fea – Financial Experts Association e.V. (Supervisory Board Association); diruj – German Institute for Legal Departments and In-house Counsel; Bossert Academy Alumni; HSG Alumni (University of St. Gallen)

What our clients say

“What sets ELEPHANT apart is a profound understanding of the specific demands lawyers face in leadership development. Elena and Lena also handle critical voices from the partner circle with confidence and use them constructively.”
Susanne SchreiberSenior Partner, Bär & Karrer AG
“Experienced and professional handling of stakeholders at all levels. Elena speaks the language of her clients.”
Ramona SchardtSecretary General, German Arbitration Institute (DIS)
“With Elena, you manage to gain mental clarity and see the path forward even in demanding situations and hectic times.”
Dr. Thomas Schnülle-WeingartPartner, FPS Law
“The team coaching series with ELEPHANT gave us important insights into how we work together. We are now much better attuned to one another and collaborate noticeably more efficiently and with greater trust.”
Lukas KrukowCorporate Legal Counsel, BayWa r.e.

“Eye-opening. She sees behind the surface.”

Associate DirectorMerck Healthcare
“Elena and Ingo supported our team with great sensitivity, clarity, and the right impulses during a challenging phase. They strengthened trust and created a stronger sense of ‘us’. The positive impact on our collaboration is still felt today.”
Team LeadCorporate Legal, Compliance & IP, Siemens
“If you are looking for a coach who listens attentively, constructively challenges you, and helps you gain new insights, I can warmly recommend Elena.”
Leader, Global Technology TeamSchneider Electric
“The negotiation techniques training was highly engaging, interactive, and thought-provoking. Elena created a relaxed yet professional atmosphere and shared valuable insights that encouraged us to reflect on our own negotiation style.”
Senior AssociateClyde & Co

Partner Coaches

Ingo Alphéus

Executive & Team Coach, mentor, and management consultant. He has 15 years of CEO experience in international companies in the energy and plant engineering sector. Today, he supports leaders and teams in change processes and leadership development. Member of the 127th Baden-Baden Entrepreneurial Talks (127. Baden-Badener Unternehmergespräche).

Ingo works out of Mannheim with international mobility.

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Lena Hoppe

Executive Coach and Communications & Leadership Trainer. Lena supports leaders in pivotal career decisions and transition phases. She spent more than 10 years in corporate and board-level communications, including work for the top management of AUDI AG.

Lena works out of Hamburg with international mobility.

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Kathleen Lambrechts, LL.M.

Executive Coach and Corporate Trainer with 10 years of experience. She works with leaders and teams on leadership development, building trust, communication, resilience, and change. Previously worked both in private practice and as in-house counsel in Belgium, Germany, and the UK.

Kathleen is based in Luxembourg with international mobility.

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Gabriela Länger

Board member, consultant, and entrepreneur with extensive interdisciplinary leadership experience. Business economist and psychologist (University of Zurich). Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen. Executive Master in systemic solution-oriented coaching.

With nearly 20 years of experience as a C-level manager and independent board member, Gabriela now supports companies, boards of directors, and leaders through Laenger Management. She offers practical strategy consulting, operating model advisory, project support, and individual sparring.

Gabriela is based in Switzerland with international mobility.

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