Dr. Gabriele Lang: The Change Whisperer
In a world where unresolved conflict drains energy, delays decisions, and derails progress, Dr. Gabriele Lang stands out as a force for transformation. With a doctorate in psychology and over 30 years of international business experience, she blends deep psychological insight with sharp business acumen to turn friction into forward momentum. As Managing Director of UP’N’CHANGE, her mission is clear: empower leaders and teams with smart, accessible tools that shift stagnation into strategy and pressure into performance. Meet the Change Whisperer, where complexity meets clarity, and conflict becomes your competitive edge.
What inspired you to pursue a doctorate in psychology, and how did that path lead you to founding UP’N’CHANGE?
I always loved psychology in school, but initially, I wanted to become a physiotherapist. My mother was in a wheelchair, so helping people physically felt like my calling. But life had other plans: one of the requirements back then was typewriting skills, which I did not have. So, I followed my heart and studied psychology instead, driven by a lifelong curiosity: Why do people behave the way they do?
Even as a teenager, I was already digging into family systems. I built my family tree at 14, just for fun. Looking back, that already hinted at my deep interest in how people are connected.
Throughout my career from psychology to market research, marketing, sales, and executive search, I kept getting feedback like, “You’re different, but your way helps me.” That stayed with me, and eventually everything came together like a puzzle:
In 2017, I had a bold idea: What if I could digitise my executive coaching experience? Many people are under pressure but say they have no time or budget or want to remain discreet. That idea became UP’N’CHANGE.
With over 30 years in international corporations and your ventures, how have these experiences influenced your approach to coaching and conflict transformation?
Every challenge, personal and professional, has been a teacher (sometimes tough). Real conflict resolution is not just theoretical. It takes lived experience, emotional awareness, and inner transformation. I know that change is possible, one step at a time. Sometimes fast, sometimes slow, but it always starts with the willingness to begin.
UP’N’CHANGE focuses on “easyHelp for more impact.” Can you explain how this low threshold approach works in practice?
When I was facing a conflict that kept me awake at night, I did not want to wait for help. Thanks to my psychological training, business background, many learnt techniques and curiosity, I already had tools I could use in the moment.
That became the seed for our digiTools. They are built to offer fast, accessible support, no waiting room, no judgment. Whether you are facing stress, conflict, or disorientation, you can take a first step immediately.
For example, our Goal-Finder helps users move from confusion to clarity with prompts, audio, and both emotional and rational techniques, all in an hour. One user said, “I was sceptical, but this works brilliantly.” And that’s the point: practical help that works.
In your experience, what’s the most common misconception leaders have about team conflict?
Avoiding is safer. Many leaders fear being overwhelmed if they address it, so they suppress or ignore it. But avoidance fuels hidden costs, lost productivity, and broken collaboration. Fear of fear becomes the biggest obstacle.
How can emotional intelligence be a real competitive advantage in high-pressure corporate environments?
It is measurable. Research like that from Kotter & Heskett shows that emotionally intelligent company cultures outperform others in revenue, stock value, and profit. Conflicts escalate when people lack personal and social skills like de-escalation or taking responsibility. Without those, even powerful leaders can act like children in a sandbox: the only difference is that their “shovels” are decisions impacting entire teams.
Your tools help users move from stagnation and withdrawal to progress and impact. Can you share a real-life example of this transformation?
Yes, I worked with a family business where the owners were stuck in constant debate, unable to make decisions. Their stress reactions and personality differences blocked progress. With our Stress-Type Guide, they began to understand their triggers. Using our Conflict-Facilitator and personal team coaching, they started naming issues, improving communication, and rebuilding trust. Step by step, collaboration and even humour returned. The key takeaway? Sustainable change starts with you.
What makes the digital tools on UP’N’CHANGE different from traditional coaching or therapy formats?
They offer 24/7 support, compact, judgment-free, discreet, and affordable. No appointments, no explanations. Just help when and where you need it. And for those wanting more, we offer 1:1 coaching and group programs too. It is a flexible system built to meet real-world needs.
Which personal, social, or creative competencies do you believe are most critical for sustainable success today?
On a personal level: emotional regulation, the ability to stay centred and respond, not react.
Socially: empathy, truly understanding others’ perspectives.
Creatively: collaborating across differences. Innovation thrives on diversity, which requires a “both/and” mindset instead of “either/or.”
Your guiding principle is “Emotional intelligence brings you better results.” How do you live this principle in your leadership journey?
Being an expert does not mean I do not experience conflict! But when I do, I pause and ask: What’s going on? I own my part, apply the tools I teach, and aim for win-win outcomes.
It always starts with inner work (and that means real work of confronting yourself with your beliefs and fears), then comes the external dialogue, clear, constructive, connected.
What’s next for UP’N’CHANGE? Are there new tools, partnerships, or innovations we should be excited about?
Stay in the loop! We are currently launching our Masterclass: Conflict-Mastery, designed to help professionals move from avoidance to action, with both psychological depth and strategic skill.
In September, we are introducing the UP’N’CHANGE Membership, which includes deep dive sessions, “hot seat” coaching challenges, and video solutions to problems. If you are interested in joining the founding member launch, then write me an email: [email protected]
And stay in the loop by trying out our freebies at www.upnchange.com, subscribing to our newsletter https://upnchange.com/en/newsletter-subscription/ and my LinkedIn profile www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielelang-executive-online-coaching. Change to Success with UP’N’CHANGE now.
