ABOUT RINI ADHIKARI

With over 20 years of international corporate leadership experience across finance, technology, media, and multinational environments, Rini Adhikari brings both business understanding and deep human insight to her coaching work.

An ICF PCC-certified Executive and Leadership Coach, Rini has worked with leaders across the United States, Asia, and the Middle East, supporting them through leadership transitions, organizational complexity, cross-cultural challenges, and personal growth.

Having lived and worked extensively across cultures, including over two decades in Hong Kong and now based in New York, she brings a global perspective to leadership, communication, and human dynamics.

Her coaching approach combines strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, reflective inquiry, and deep listening to help leaders navigate complexity with greater clarity, confidence, and authenticity.

Rini holds an MBA in Marketing and an Engineering degree, and is certified in Emotional Intelligence, NLP, Transactional Analysis, Positive Intelligence, and Hogan Assessments.

MY APPROACH

Coaching is not about providing answers. It is about creating the space to think differently, see more clearly, and move forward with intention.

At The First Circle, coaching conversations are grounded in trust, reflection, challenge, and partnership. The process supports leaders in becoming more aware of how they think, lead, communicate, and make decisions, especially during periods of growth, uncertainty, or transition.

The work often explores:

leadership presence
confidence and self-awareness
navigating change and ambiguity
stakeholder relationships
communication and influence
cross-cultural dynamics
balancing performance with wellbeing
redefining success and purpose

Each engagement is tailored to the individual, their context, and the complexity of the challenges they are navigating.

AREAS OF WORK

Rini works with:

Senior leaders and executives
Professionals navigating career transitions
Women returning to work
Entrepreneurs and business owners
Individuals seeking greater clarity and personal growth
Coaches preparing for ICF credentialing

Her work includes:

Executive & leadership coaching
Life coaching
Leadership facilitation
Emotional intelligence development
ICF mentor coaching
Women returnship programs
Leadership and communication workshops

BEYOND COACHING

Alongside her coaching practice, Rini has contributed to NGOs and community initiatives supporting individuals with diverse needs across India and Hong Kong.

She is also actively involved in the coaching community through mentor coaching, facilitation, and leadership contributions within the ICF ecosystem.

Outside of work, she enjoys pottery, Mahjong, cooking, baking, dancing, knitting, and crosswords , activities that reflect her belief in lifelong learning, creativity, and reflection.

PHILOSOPHY

Real transformation does not begin with changing others.

It begins with understanding ourselves more deeply — our patterns, beliefs, values, and choices.

When individuals become more self-aware, they lead differently, communicate differently, and create more meaningful impact in both their personal and professional lives.