Banu Parlar

Executive/Team Coach, Trainer & Facilitator

Through exploring with new and experienced leaders through multiple areas, I help empower and challenge them to deepen their awareness and skills when facing leadership challenges. Above all, I help individuals to develop critical thinking and explore new paths, which leads them to discover their own potential, and ultimately work at their best performance level, in a way that feels natural and comfortable.

Banu Parlar

My career in Human Resources started in 1997, and this is where my journey into understanding human communication and relationship management began.

In 2008, I was introduced to the concept of “coaching”. Coaching for me started personally; as like many people I experienced common issues within the workplace which might well sound familiar to you:

  • Difficulties encountered while leading the business and the team
  • Effort to maintain the work-private life balance
  • The ability to maintain my own motivation …

… and more…

I have had the most privileged experience over the last 15 years to develop my own knowledge and learn so much from the world of leadership management. Covering multidisciplinary areas I have listened and had in-depth conversations with experts in the fields of: leadership, motivation, the formation of efficient and motivated teams, professional coaching, mentoring and supervision.

It is through my learning I have discovered something fundamental: that the human journey of learning and development is unlimited.

Our careers, whilst occupying a large part of our time, are not the soul makeup of ourselves. Achieving balance and integrity within ourselves will reflect itself in all areas of our lives.

“Once a man has found himself there is nothing in this world that he can lose. And once he has understood the humanity in himself, he will understand all human beings.”

Stefan Zweig

A Selection of Training Programmes I Have Completed

Diploma in Coaching Supervision, Int. Centre for Coaching Supervision, 2022
Council Guide Training, The Delicate Lodge Teachings, 2016-2018 
Certified Leader of Lead 4 Success, Center for Creative Leadership, 2018 
Conflict Management Coaching, Cinergy Coaching Canada, 2016 
Systemic Team Coaching, Academy of Executive Coaching, 2016 
Gestalt Practicum Programme, Hanna Nita Scherler, 2016 
Coaching Approach in Leadership, Adler, 2015 
Mastery in Executive and Leadership Coaching, Marefidelis, 2015 
ROI Workshop, Jack Phillips, ROI Instıtute, 2015 
Facilitation and Moderating Workshop, Franklin Covey, 2015 
Transactional Analysis, Azmi Varan, 2015 
Gestalt Basic Principles and Methodology, Hanna Nita Scherler, 2013-2015 
Columbia Business School Personal Leadership and Success, New York, 2014 
Train the Trainer, Şensezgin and Kurmuş Consulting, 2013 
Positive Change, Coach-like Leadership, Adler, 2012 
Team Diagnostics Assessment Practitioner, TCI, London, 2011 
Practicum, Adler, 2010 
The Moving Toward Artful Coaching, Adler, 2009 
The Coaching Conversation in the Context of Work, Adler, 2009 
Foundation of Professional Coaching, Adler, 2009 

“By accepting the invitation of our ICF Aegean Regional Representation, you joined us for the event 'Freeing Ourselves from Judgments'. I first met Banu during my years working as an Executive/Leader, thanks to internal coaching in our organization. She brought tremendous insights and awareness to both my life and leadership. This time, we reunited as colleagues in February 2025. In her presentation on ‘Freeing Ourselves from Judgments’, Banu, as a professional coach, enriched both our coaching stance and our perspective on life; she broadened our perception. During this gathering, we explored the judging, comparing, and non-neutral voices in our minds that arise during or after coaching sessions. We examined how the habits that come with our human nature and experiences affect our listening skills. We questioned how we can shift our perception by 'seeing things as they are'—how we might feel if we were hearing or experiencing something for the first time. One question I’ve always been curious about—‘Is what I’m feeling/thinking an observation or a judgment?’—became crystal clear through Banu’s remarkable explanations. Her insights calmed my mind and opened my heart. Thank you so much, Banu, for your presence and your contributions…”

Ayşegül SEL Professional Coach

My purpose is to accompany leaders, teams, and individuals as they uncover what they are truly capable of — and to strengthen their capacity to lead change and transformation from within.

More than 25 years in Human Resources have shaped my understanding of a world where disruption is the norm and the need for meaningful growth has never been greater.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Testimonials

"Banu was like a friend who walked with me throughout my journey, as if she was a companion, matching her steps to mine. She helped me ask questions I didn't even know I was avoiding asking myself. She guided my mind to connect with my heart and intuition. I am grateful that Banu and I crossed paths at a time when I wanted to make changes in my life. With her unique approach that blends different models and disciplines from Gestalt to mindfulness, Banu has guided me to find the answers to many difficult questions that I face in order to transform myself for the better. In every session with Banu, I discovered, learnt and evolved. Now I have the courage to ask, experience and grow."
Gülçin Pınar GallGlobal Marketing Director | Danone
"Together with Banu, we had 8 months of coaching sessions in 2018 with the guidance of the Human Resources department of my company. As a relatively less experienced manager, I aimed to make the work I managed, my team and myself more visible, to get up where my motivation fell, and most importantly, to gather strength for the next stages of my career with self-confidence. First of all, I must say that I felt very comfortable and safe during our sessions, which helped us to analyse the issues in depth and find solutions. At the end of our work, I can say that I was much more at peace with myself and I was able to take a more confident stance on issues in my field of interest and influence. As a matter of fact, immediately after the coaching process, I made a detailed strategy presentation about the business I managed to the entire senior management level and implemented my suggestions."
Özkemal AltunHead of Home Entertainment | Arçelik
"I would not be exaggerating if I said that the coaching activities we did with Banu divided my managerial career into before and after! When I started, I thought that the process would mostly consist of theoretical content, but I was surprised and impressed when I encountered analyses and assignments aimed at improving my practices directly through my daily work. During the process, my awareness of the environment I was in and the values and potential I had increased considerably. As a result of our work, I believe that I have a much more holistic perspective on leadership. And I think the most important outcome of all this is to be able to determine the leadership style I want to achieve and to be able to demonstrate it in my managerial career."
İlker ÖztenDirector, Digital Channels & Business Development | UNLU & CO
"Our first collaboration began in 2018 when Banu was my executive coach, and later in 2021 when she became my supervisor and helped me discover my own coaching path. Over the years, Banu became far more than a coach or supervisor to me; she became a trusted friend and companion. Her unique coaching style is a blend of many different approaches and models. Every session carried something extraordinary, and I always left with meaningful insights to reflect upon. Even today, I vividly remember the awareness I gained and continue to apply those learnings in my life. More importantly, Banu is the person who inspired me to become a coach myself. I feel incredibly fortunate that our paths crossed. She will always hold a very special place in my heart and soul."
Aysun YavuzerSenior HR Director | Trive Financial Holdings
"We would like to thank my dear colleague Banu Parlar for the value she created with her knowledge, experience, technique, process management and professionalism in the Group Supervision activities she has repeatedly provided to our Academy of Executive Coaching graduates."
Gamze BayraktaroğluEIA Master Coach | AoEC Partner Türkiye
"We worked with Banu during a strategy meeting to improve the coordination of Boyner HR and Sales team. When both teams wanted to take concrete steps but had some issues, we needed a facilitator like Banu to better understand both teams' concerns, goals and possible areas of opportunity. The facilitation had a very well structured from the beginning to the end. We had different types of work to have a concrete roadmap. Banu is particularly strong in using facilitation skills to make sure that every participant's voice is heard. The most powerful aspect of facilitation work is the way Banu combines coaching and facilitation skills. In the end we had a better communication channel, a detailed roadmap and we became a stronger, interconnected team. I highly recommend always doing a follow-up programme as Banu shares very useful insights to achieve all the goals at the end of the programme."
Esra EseroğluChief People and Culture Officer | Turknet
"I had supervision from beloved Banu in 2022. The process we worked together gave me the opportunity to take a step back and look at my coaching from the outside with an impartial eye. Banu's supervision and the space she held and the contribution she provided made my coaching more fluent and lighter by mirroring me. In addition, the theoretical and technical support during the process was very supportive. I would like to thank her."
Müge KekeçIn-House Coach | Garanti Bankası
"My coaching journey with Banu became a true turning point in my life, something I now describe as a clear ‘before and after.’ Through her guidance, I experienced firsthand that a different kind of leadership is possible. I discovered the value of being ‘good enough,’ learned to approach life more holistically, and expanded my boundaries of acceptance. During our work together, I realized that perfectionism can become the enemy of growth, that controlling everything is impossible, and that I had sometimes been missing the simple joys of life along the way. What made the experience even more meaningful was that all these realizations emerged naturally, sincerely, and without judgment. Banu’s words ‘Take the wheel of your life’ and ‘Reflect your light’ still guide me today."
Güler AyyıldızDirector of Intellectual Property | Arçelik
"The Team Coaching program we carried out with Banu Parlar became an incredibly valuable experience during our company’s growth journey, strengthening our shared vision across the organization. Through a program tailored to our specific needs, Banu helped align teams at every level — from senior leadership to middle management — around common goals. Our teams defined their own values and developed actionable roadmaps to bring the company vision to life. Throughout the program, employees significantly strengthened their ability to think in a solution-oriented way, embrace different perspectives, and transfer their learning into daily business practices. One of the most impactful outcomes was the lasting employee engagement and strong cross-functional alignment that continued well beyond the program itself."
Özlem ÖzünerHead of Operations & Finance E-Commerce | Allianz Trade UK
"Our paths crossed with Banu during the reorganisation of our Human Resources department. It was a very intense process in which we re-established the department on the one hand and renewed our business model on the other. In that busy agenda, we decided to work on teamwork, and when I look at it today, the experience makes me think: 'thank goodness'. In painful processes, it can take a long time for the team to coalesce, personal differences can sometimes create problems with assumptions and sometimes personal biases, and at this point, we benefited a lot from the work we did with Banu. We discussed the values and motivational tools of our team, accelerated cohesion with open communication, and discovered each other's emotional language. We are now enjoying being a team that runs to a common goal with its own style. Thank you Banu..."
Burcu Yüksel KocagözCHRO | Petrol Ofisi
"When I first met Banu, I didn’t fully understand the value of an executive coach. Working with her gave me a completely new perspective on navigating challenges in both my professional and personal life. Whenever I faced important strategic decisions, she helped me find clarity and direction. She had a remarkable impact on my outlook for the challenges before me, my role within them, and how I could become part of the solution. Banu is approachable, an exceptional listener, and highly skilled at helping people identify their personal values. She has an innate ability to help you focus holistically on what matters most both for yourself and for your organization. I wholeheartedly recommend Banu as an executive coach."
Firdevs MesudoğluHR Director | Milanga
"It was a pleasure meeting Banu and working with her on my coaching supervision needs. Having been out of coaching business for several years, I was unsure about where to start or how to bring my strengths to the table. As a supervisor, Banu put me at ease and was able to quickly and easily guide me in performing correct manoeuvring movements and building a much clearer path. She collaborated on my coaching journey to evaluate my unique skills, challenge my self-awareness, define my goals and restore my sense of purpose. I am incredibly grateful to her for her highly valuable supervision and sincerity. I highly recommend her coaching supervision to anyone."
Elif TunayCareer Coach | IDA HR & Career Consultancy
"If I had to describe coaching, I would call it ‘walking side by side.’ Thanks to Banu, I gained deep awareness about who I am, what I truly want, and what genuinely works in my life. The questions she asked still illuminate my path today. Through her, I came to know both my saboteurs and my strengths. Whenever life became complicated, Banu was there beside me, supporting me through periods of change and helping me stay grounded. The team coaching, executive coaching, and feedback work we carried out together created a real transformation. What makes Banu truly exceptional is her intuition, that rare ability to open new doors and create profound shifts in people’s lives. Even today, as I continue my own coaching journey, I still carry the light of what I learned from her."
Neslihan ŞahinTalent Management Manager | Alternatif Ban
"In my work with Banu, I discovered many things about myself that I had not realised. I have created many changes in my life in my own favour with the development of awareness about my perspective on life and myself, the time I allocate to myself and the value I give to myself. I would like to thank Banu very much for her impact on me to open different paths in my own business field and to achieve more success in my business and I wholeheartedly recommend her."
Harika PekinelWorkshop Leader | Breathwork
"In 2016, I attended Banu's Basic Coaching Skills training, which opened the door to a completely new world for me. Around the same time, under Banu's leadership, we organised Coaching Summit Meetings within the organisation where we worked together. When our paths crossed again years later, this time through a supervision programme, I experienced profound personal and professional growth. Supervision helped me rediscover that coaching is an ever-evolving journey dedicated to serving humanity. I experienced first-hand that true transformation comes from listening deeply, staying present and creating meaningful awareness. My coaching journey has been enriched in so many different ways. Thank you, Banu."
Lale BudakBranch Manager | Garanti Bankası
"Banu and I crossed paths during a project after I received my ACC title. It was very important for me to improve myself and create benefits for my customers. With her approach, she very easily and skilfully identified me and my bottlenecks. He helped me a lot in learning new tools, evaluating myself and seeing my development area. I am glad that our paths crossed and I am glad that she was a light in my absence. My self-confidence in coaching and the satisfaction of my clients have increased even more with Banu's support."
Beril EsendalACC
"As a result of oursessions with Mrs. Banu over a period of 6 months, she added a lot to me about Leadership and Management. She enlightened my path by showing me how I should look in the mirror and how I can eliminate the negativities in my reflection. I thank her very much for her contributions to me."
Cihangir AkarsuTerminal Director
"I believe every person carries hidden talents, emotions, and intuitions within them. Yet, because of the excuses and inner saboteurs we create ourselves, we often avoid revealing the very qualities that make us unique. I called this ‘The Wall.’ Through this journey, I learned to break down my walls and developed the courage to say, ‘I belong here too,’ in every area of my life. It became an important journey toward my true self, my essence, and my future vision. As I gained new awareness, I learned to see my potential more clearly and look at myself through a different lens. This journey has been incredibly valuable for both my inner transformation and my ability to engage with life more fully and confidently"
İlhan BağırganDirector | Financial Affairs, ÜNLÜ & Co
"The coaching meetings with Banu were like staring into a big mirror for me. This mirror showed not only my outside but also my inside. In other words, I became aware of why I do or don't do what I do, and which values lie behind my behaviours. I think this realisation has added very important things to my leadership journey. While going further on the areas where I think I am strong, realising which values are actually working behind the scenes in the areas that I think need to be developed has given me the opportunity for rapid development. Having gone through the coaching process has made significant contributions to my personal development as well as to my relationships with my subordinates and superiors with whom I interact with a coaching perspective. I think that recognising people's values, learnedness, strengths and aspects that need to be developed brings very important advantages to move quickly to the shared goal."
Bilge DemirerDeputy General Manager | Garanti BBVA Romania
"We receive all kinds of feedback and comments in every period of life. Especially in business life, various personal trainings and methods are explained how to use this feedback, but it remains inconclusive because it is not specific to the person's own dynamics -Sui generis-. The coaching process we started with Banu was a journey towards myself in this respect. A journey that ends with awareness and success under her guidance and coaching. Thank you very much for her mastery and guidance."
Engin EmekliLead-Future Systems Engineering | Ford Otosan
"The coaching process I started through professional career life was a journey of discovery, development and transformation for me. At every stage, I turned back to myself a little more. I had the opportunity to evaluate myself objectively. I started to take more conscious steps with questioning and increasing awareness. I clarified my path and direction. I would like to thank Banu Parlar for shedding light on me in this adventure where I have learnt, gained, made sense of and found the opportunity to apply a lot both in my business life and in a personal sense."
Melis ErgürDirector, Human Resources | UNLU & CO
"I worked with Banu Parlar for coaching over the course of around a year. It wasn't simply a personal development journey, but a truly transformative experience that helped me rediscover myself and the way I see life. During our final coaching session, we explored my life purpose. Until that moment, I had never really stopped to consider what genuinely nourished me from within. That day, instead of analysing the thoughts in my mind, I found myself reading the words that flowed naturally onto the page. It brought me closer not only to understanding my purpose, but also to seeing life from a place that feels lighter, freer and more authentic. To me, Banu Parlar is far more than a coach. She is a wise guide who helps people see their own truth."
Meltem DemirBranch Manager | Garanti Bankası
"I first met Banu through an internal coaching program, and she has made an incredible contribution to both my life and my leadership journey by helping me gain valuable insights and greater self-awareness. This time, during her “Freeing Ourselves from Judgments” session for ICF Aegean Region participants, she once again enriched us—not only in terms of our coaching presence and mindset, but also in how we view life itself. Together, we explored the voices of the mind that judge and compare, both during and after coaching conversations. The distinction between asking “Is this an observation or a judgment?” became much clearer through her powerful explanations and facilitation. Thank you, Banu, for your presence, your wisdom, and the value you continue to create"
Ayşegül SelProfessional Coach
"Inviting Banu to the ODTÜMİST Mentoring Programme to lead both our supervision sessions and mentoring conversations was incredibly valuable. In every session, she made a lasting impact not only through her knowledge and experience, but also through her warmth, insight and genuine approach. She helped us recognise the human aspects of mentoring, including those that often go unnoticed, bringing greater depth and clarity to our conversations. For me personally, the experience was truly transformative. Banu offered far more than guidance. She helped me see myself, my relationships and the mentoring programme I lead from a more holistic perspective. Through her thought-provoking questions, attentive listening and ability to help people find their own inner clarity, she made a lasting contribution to both my own mentoring journey and the ODTÜMİST Mentoring Programme."
Ebru ÇalışkanIT Director | Bridge to Türkiye Fund
"My leadership coaching journey with Banu became one of the most meaningful turning points in my life. Through the diverse methods she used, I was able to see myself much more clearly in every aspect. At the same time, she helped me better understand and truly see others as well. She enabled me to develop a more constructive perspective and communication style. And somewhere along the way, I also gained a true friend. Being coached by Banu is a genuine privilege."
İrem ErdoğanCorporate Communications Director | ÜNLÜ & Co

Focusing on leaders,
managers and teams

3,400 hours

of coaching services

Leadership development
and personal development

2,800 hours

of training

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“Once a man has found himself there is nothing in this world that he can lose. And once he has understood the humanity in himself, he will understand all human beings.”

Stefan Zweig

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