Testimonials

Training Days gave us valuable new perspectives to approach our challenges. And since we attended the event together with my co-founder, it was quite easy to take the learnings back to the company and start making changes. I'm surprised how we managed to get further within 2 days than we had managed to get in the last months.

Last summer, during one of the training programs at Cocoon, my co-founder and I had the opportunity to participate, although we were in different teams and different spots. It was an incredible experience as I joined other leaders in running through the forest, engaging in various activities while constantly debating and disagreeing on the best approach. Should I climb the tree or should you? Who should hold the map? Unfortunately, we failed to delegate and truly understand each other. It was in this natural environment that leadership revealed itself, asking, "Who will take charge?"
The following day, we had a session where coaches shared their childhood stories, delving into their feelings and the challenges they faced. I felt incredibly safe in that space, surrounded by a supportive environment. As the session progressed, other leaders began to open up, sharing their own experiences. And then, it was my turn...
The underlying concept of this exercise was that opening up helps oneself. However, I struggled to rationalize this idea. How could others empathize with my weaknesses if I were to expose myself? But it turned out to be a revelation! The moment I opened up, we achieved remarkable results on the first day, and as a team, we secured the top position. On the second day, my colleague commented, "Hey, you're a completely different person after opening up! I had no idea about this side of you!" It became evident that my vulnerability was, in fact, my strength, and others could indeed sympathize with my weaknesses. I was truly amazed by this realization.
Undoubtedly, it was challenging to expose myself in such a way, and I believe that all founders share similar experiences. I strongly encourage everyone to reflect deeply on their motivations: "Why do you do what you do? How can you become a better person for yourself, your team, your co-founders, and everyone involved? Where is your vision leading you?"

I joined Cocoon Training Days to learn more about myself and about the founders' journey that I am on. I learned to ask more "Why?" from those who reject our offers and wishes.
I learned to be more mindful of coachability.

If you would like to be a professional athlete you would probably hire a coach? Cocoon is just that but for a business. If you take building your business seriously you should consider Cocoon. I see the largest benefit in Cocoon’s focus on personal development and not just business. Business is built by people and this is why this kind of coaching should always start from building yourself.

I highly recommend the Cocoon process for all the companies that have multiple founders and they want to achieve big goals together. No team ever works perfectly and it really helps to get outside professionals to coach you to work better.

Marcel is a super compassionate human being who very much lives by his feelings and intuition. He’s sharp, has a huge network, and acts fast if he thinks he can help in any way. The quality and caliber of the people he’s introduced me to is out of this world. Like attracts like as they say.

Marcel was such a breath of fresh air. He helped me realize that the business itself is a series of levers that can all be figured out. But the most impact comes from a high function person controlling them.

A key takeaway for me from the last Training Days was to listen to and trust other people. This especially involves trusting yourself to make those mistakes as a way to learn.

Cocoon teaches you to touch the hot stove and despite knowing you get hurt, it also teaches you how to deal with it in a manner that allows you to not get burnt again by the same thing.

Thank you for mirroring back reality. Thank you for opening other perspective views. Thank you for listening. Thank you for understanding. Thank you for the trust. #growth

I am a CEO and founder of an early-stage startup, and my life revolves around building an ambitious product that impacts billions of people. In the midst of this hectic and chaotic journey, where structure is essential, I’ve realized the importance of delegation, clear communication, team motivation, and personal well-being. These tasks are challenging, and tackling them alone can be even more daunting. That’s why I sought hands-on mentorship and support, and I found exactly what I needed with Farhad and his team at Cocoon. Working with Farhad has been transformative. His guidance has not only helped me navigate anxiety but also empowered me to delegate effectively, communicate with clarity, and connect with my inner self.
Through coaching, frameworks, books, real-life examples, and valuable connections from Farhad’s extensive network, I’ve discovered opportunities to overcome startup founder challenges. Now, 14 months into this journey, I can confidently say that I’m evolving into a better leader.
Thank you, Farhad, for being the mentor and support system I needed on this incredible entrepreneurial ride!

A year working with Tommi was intertwined with personal challenges that opened growth opportunities. It was easy for me to build trust with him. Tommi offered tactical advice on the day-to-day challenges I faced, leading the product and strategic insights to align my personal growth with company objectives.
Mentorship sessions were instrumental in overcoming challenges and turning them into opportunities for me personally and the company.
Every session with Tommi reminded me to be present and intentional, and it was filled with encouragement. I am very grateful for the time I spent with Tommi.

I joined Training Days because of a need for an outside view of my own problems. I found out that by looking into other people's problems and trying to help them, I give advice to myself also. So addition to others telling me what to do, I get time and advice for myself also.
In practice, I have a bunch of suggestions from others and from myself to think through and implement in the near future.

Last summer, my co-founder and I joined Cocoon's Training Days. Despite different teams and locations, it was an amazing experience. We engaged in activities, debates, and explored leadership. During the session, I discovered the power of vulnerability. Sharing my weaknesses led to remarkable results and improved teamwork. It was a revelation. Founders often face similar challenges. Reflect on your motivations and strive to become a better person for yourself, your team, and your vision.

At one moment I realized I'm stuck – I'm not sure which direction to go, how to deal with challenges, from who to ask for advice, because CEOs are usually lonely people.
Participation in Cocoon Program has helped me to solve challenges in my business and also on a personal level.
I learned whatever challenge I will meet, most probably someone has already experienced it and there are at least several solutions.

Cocoon Training Days helped to bring my attention to something I am not seeing myself - something that is stopping me from moving forward. I like that Cocoon is not only business-focused, but also personally focused - that is usually the root of business problems. I have been attending regular business training events but Cocoon Training Days was level higher.

Hristo is a peculiar individual, in the best possible way. His method of discovering the circumstances by asking seemingly unrelated questions at first, and then precisely pinpointing the core issue truly amazes me. Hristo's constructive suggestions have a noticeable impact already after a few days of following them. Powerful!

Cocoon group mentoring has been ridiculously effective for me. Every session I discovered many unknown unknowns about myself and got deep insights from multiple perspectives that boosted the process of solving my personal and business challenges.

When running a company, collecting data about performance is an essential practice, but we rarely even think of assessing human relations. Cocoon Assessment was exactly about this - studying relationships to find what works and what does not.
Together we went over touchy subjects, our future plans, our fears and opinions and by the end of the assessment we were closer, more aligned, and had better knowledge of each other than we had before. Cocoon Assessment does not magically fix teamwork, but it gives you the data you need in order to improve it.

I joined the Cocoon Training Days to get some neutral feedback from people who don’t know me or my business and talk about some of the issues I have been dealing with. I was surprised by how much useful and practical information I received from other team members and mentors throughout the 2 days. I am going to process the information, take the necessary steps and apply it to my everyday life. I am very thankful for the opportunity.

The mentors are asking the right questions and directing you to ask honest questions about yourself. This experience has definitely left a mark on my personal development and self-discovery. I highly recommend the program if you are stuck and feel that you need someone to figure out deeper meanings behind your actions, wishes, and thinking.

Group mentoring was kind of like therapy, but with people that actually understand tough business challenges. Very good for guided introspection into your personal life but also your company. I highly recommend it.

After Leverage, I already feel like I've improved as a leader and my thinking frameworks/system have be fine-tuned. I have also decided to continue, and I have signed up for the Full Cocoon Program.

I joined Cocoon Training Days to learn more about myself - how to be happier and more successful. During those two intensive days, I was able to meet wonderful people with somewhat similar problems and I was able to clear up some of the mess that was going on in my mind. Thank you!

Cocoon group mentoring has been ridiculously effective for me. Every session I discovered many unknown unknowns about myself and got deep insights from multiple perspectives that boosted the process of solving my personal and business challenges.

The format of Cocoon Training Days is good. It opens up and engages different people for one task in a short time. The most valuable aspect for me is to see myself through the eyes of the other founders.

After Leverage, I'm not confused anymore, what I want in my private life. I feel more grounded and centered from day to day. I have less concern about my fears. I learned abut my negative core beliefs and how they make me behave in situations -- for the first time in my life I've changed my approach to such situations.

I joined Cocoon program because I saw that I and my company need a change to get better results. Since then I have brought many learnings from Cocoon back to my company - we make sure that everybody in our team has the right job for them and that team members trust each other. I have met brilliant people through this program and gained a lot of food for thought for many months to come. Thanks Cocoon!

At first, I was sceptical of being mentored through a video call and sharing personal information in a group setting. But hearing other members share their thoughts was actually very valuable, as I could relate and learn from them. Chatting on Zoom wasn't an issue either, everyone was focused and connected.
I got tons of value from each session, which positively impacted my business and relationships. Helping me make better decisions and feel better every day, what more could I ask for

The initial thought of having to do it all virtually seemed like a disappointing outcome. However, not only did it all come together magically, but we became the first "new wave" and perhaps learned things differently because of this.

A key takeaway for me from the last event was to listen to and trust other people. This especially involves trusting yourself to make those mistakes as a way to learn.

The virtual stress that was induced was also different, but a great challenge to overcome.
I feel proud to have been working together with great mentors and founders. It was an unforgettable experience with a lot more to process in days to come.

Cocoon helps me phrase the ideas I don’t know I actually know.

I joined because I've heard good things about Cocoon Training Days.
I learned that others can have similar problems as I have. My thinking has definitely changed.

The experience was good - I feel a bit drained, but happy that I got this experience. Let's go to work and put these experiences into our life.

I joined because I felt there is an obstacle standing in the way and that obstacle was within me – therefore too close to see, let alone tackle or address it.
I wasn’t really aware of the female leadership being so prominent in me. But TBD - reflection is needed.

My co-founder sold me the idea to take part in Cocoon Training Days. It was organized very well and I'm pleased that the experience was as good as I was hoping. And I was hoping a lot! :) Really great was that I was pulled out from the game and I got immediate feedback during the game and I could change my behaviour and see right then how that affected the team dynamic.

I joined the Mentoring Group without huge expectations, but I was already amazed at how good group sessions were with the first session. Most of the time, you are not speaking, but actually, that is good. You have more time to think and reflect. This group is suitable for everyone who wants to move to the next level in their entrepreneurial journey. One caveat is that you have to be open to sharing and reflecting. In that case, it works the best.

When extraordinary people get together with love and trust, magic can happen.