Raef Baard

Raef's Journey from Executive to Life Coach

From Africa To America

Now living in America, but with deep roots in South Africa, Raef's life’s been an epic adventure across 79 countries, gathering experiences like souvenirs. From a humble start at a swap meet next to a cattle yard, his 40-year career has zigzagged through retail, travel, cruise lines, tour operations, vacation rentals, and real estate. Raef has worn many hats—from launching startups to navigating the C-suite in both private and public companies.

How does that help you?

Raef has walked in your exact shoes as an executive. As an immigrant, a gay man who came out in his 40s, and a seasoned businessperson, Raef has known a thing or two about embracing change. The exact challenges you face might be different, but the proven approach to tackling them is the same, and Raef is here to guide you.

Understanding Human Behavior

Raef has delved deeply into the mysteries of human nature, using tools like the Enneagram and the Human Design System to gain insights. With a lifetime of varied experiences under his belt, Raef is uniquely equipped to be your go-to Intuitive, Holistic Executive Life Coach.

LGBTQ+ Experience

Raef embraced his identity as a gay man, coming out while working at a public company as an executive. This process was particularly challenging for Raef, but allowed him to increase his Emotional and Cultural Intelligence (EQ and CQ) which makes him particularly effective when coaching folks who are struggling with identity issues in the workplace.

Spiritual Coaching

You might have noticed that Raef also offers spiritual coaching via The Book of Aeon Website. Raef is a deeply spiritual person and his spiritual journey is as eclectic as his career, with explorations ranging from Christianity to Eckankar and everything in between. Raef's spiritual coaching extends to everything from exploring spiritual aspects of self to full psychedelic integration for those who may have explored what these ancient medicines offer. Each coaching engagement is unique, and rest assured that spiritual coaching is never part of executive coaching unless the client specifically requests it to be. For more information about spiritual coaching please visit: www.thebookofaeon.com

From Executive to Life Coach

At People to People, Raef had the incredible opportunity to oversee the operational side of the company, crafting educational travel experiences that took over 50,000 teenagers on summer adventures each year. Raef's team achieved a 72% Net Promoter Score during his time there which beat all companies in the same space. After 20 years, when the People to People Ambassador Program wrapped up in 2016, it was time for a new chapter.

That chapter led Raef to Stay Alfred, a fast-growing startup where he joined the C-suite and helped scale the company from a few units in a handful of cities to a whopping 3,000 apartments in 48 cities across the USA. When the pandemic occured, the company had to close its doors. Raef then decided it was time to follow a different dream—one he had always been passionate about but never fully pursued.

Driven by his desire to become a Life Coach, Raef enrolled in Erickson Coaching International’s solution-focused program. After a year of intense learning and mentoring, Raef earned his coaching certificate and became an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified coach. With a diploma in the Art & Science of Coaching ACTP program from Erickson and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential under his belt. Combined with years of experiences in the business world, Raef is uniquely qualified to help you.

My Intuitive Journey...

What does intuition have to do with business? Simply put, you would be surprised to know how many C-Suite Executives consult intuitives on a regular basis. Simply stated, we are all intuitive, we are just taught to ignore the gift we are born with. I always trusted my intuition in business and I often have intuitive insights as a coach.

From a young age, I knew I had a little something extra—a keen sense of intuition. But like many kids, I was taught to hush those subtle inner signals and lean on logic instead. Even so, I couldn’t ignore the premonitions and the deep connections I felt with certain people in my life.

As a teenager, a series of unexplainable experiences only made me more curious about this mysterious gift.

Fast forward to adulthood, and my fascination with intuition led me to explore the world of psychics, intuitive practitioners, tarot readers, and fortune tellers. With every encounter, my interest and understanding grew deeper.

Then in 2004, I met an extraordinary intuitive who didn’t just sense my abilities—she outright affirmed them. A couple of years later, sessions with a shaman specializing in soul healing, past life regression, and intuitive guidance confirmed what I already knew: I had a gift, and it was time to start nurturing it.

But it wasn’t until 2022 that I truly embraced my intuition. That year, I crossed paths with Karen J Lewis, an intuitive practitioner and mentor who became my guide. Under her mentorship, I dedicated myself to honing my intuitive skills. Through this journey, I uncovered the power of my deep connection to spirit and discovered that I could provide profound and accurate tarot interpretations.

Now, I’m committed to using these intuitive abilities to help you find clarity, guidance, and empowerment on your own path.

About Raef

Raef's Journey from Executive to Life Coach

From Africa To America

My name is Ralph, but I go by Raef—just like the actor Ralph Fiennes. Fun fact: Raef is an ancient Norse name that means 'Wolf Counselor.' And yes, I’ve always loved wolves—in fact i have a wolf in my office seriously!

From Executive to Life Coach

My Intuitive Journey...

Book a free session with me

Let's explore how I can help you sleep well knowing you are

About Raef

Raef's Journey from Executive to Life Coach

From Africa To America

My name is Ralph, but I go by Raef—just like the actor Ralph Fiennes. Fun fact: Raef is an ancient Norse name that means 'Wolf Counselor.' And yes, I’ve always loved wolves—in fact i have a wolf in my office seriously!

From Executive to Life Coach

My Intuitive Journey...

Book a free session with me

Let's explore how I can help you sleep well knowing you are

Raef Baard holistic life coach. I help with navigating midlife

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