My vision

True performance is not measured only by what one achieves, but also by what one preserves.

Founder of Coachingmental.ch

For over 20 years, I have been supporting people in contexts of performance, transition and high demands, whether personal or professional.

What distinguishes top performers is not the intensity of their effort, but the quality of their recovery.

Course

I was born in a village in French-speaking Switzerland, into a family of artisans. Nothing predestined me for academic or international careers.

My first life was musical. From the age of 12 to 25, I lived in the demanding world of rhythm and performance. From my village brass band to the Drummers Collective in New York, I learned early on what it means to perform under pressure. I played in several ensembles and notably accompanied the very talented Nicolas Meier, guitarist for Jeff Beck. Music taught me discipline, listening skills, precision, and how to manage stage fright and emotions—skills that can't be theorized, but must be experienced.

At 20, I became a primary school teacher. There, I discovered a passion for mentoring and human development. Passing on knowledge has never left me.

Intellectual curiosity then led me to pursue advanced studies in history. I earned doctorates from the École Normale Supérieure(Ulm) in Paris and the University of Fribourg, followed by an academic career in Geneva, Lausanne, and Vienna. My research was recognized by the French Academy in 2015. Scientific rigor, structured thinking, and conceptual rigor became my foundation.

At 44, I chose to leave this theoretical environment, feeling a greater need for meaning and purpose. Not as a break, but for consistency. I wanted to work where the pressure is real, where performance and high standards are part of everyday life.

Thus, my career connects three worlds: the stage, research, and strategic support.

Music taught me rhythm under pressure
Research taught me the structure
Rational coaching engages me in concrete, high-level transformation

Today, I guide individuals through this delicate balancing act: aiming high without internal fragmentation. My journey has taught me that performance isn't about fleeting intensity, but about sustained effort over time. Aiming high is one thing. Staying strong while doing so is another. It's in this space—between ambition and inner stability—that true mastery is achieved.

Continuing education

2026 The Chimp Management Training, Steve Peters UK
2025 Oxygen Advantage Advanced Instructor Training, Patrick McKeown UK
2024 Mental Performance Mastery Certificate, Brian Cain USA
2023 Access Mental Preparation Training, Pier Gauthier FR
2022 Happiness Studies HSA Certificate, Tal Ben-Shahar, Harvard University USA
2022 Master Coach Certification, ICI Geneva, Alain Cayrol
2022 Bouncing Back After a Setback Training, Dr. Boris Cyrulnik
2021 NLP Practitioner Certification, ICI Geneva, Alain Cayrol
2021 ADHD Training, Dr. Annick Vincent, Montreal
2020 Management Skills Certification, University of Bern
2018 Media Training Certification, Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
2013 PhD in Arts, ENS-Ulm Paris and University of Fribourg
2005 Master of Arts, University of Fribourg
1997 Primary School Teaching Diploma, National Education College Fribourg

Testimonials

Rated 5 out of 5

I work in an environment where every decision has a major strategic impact. For a long time, I thought performance was primarily a matter of competence and endurance. Our work together made me realize that the real challenge lay elsewhere: in the quality of my internal functioning under pressure. With Alexandre, it's not about superficial motivation. It's about lucidity, regulation, and strategic clarity. I've gained stability, precision in my decision-making, and relational impact, without burning myself out. It's demanding work, but profoundly transformative. I recommend it to any leader who wants to achieve sustained, long-term performance.

Sonia

CEO, Switzerland

Niels

Unit Director

Rated 5 out of 5

I came to coaching with intense decision-making pressure, internal tensions within my management team, and a general feeling of strategic disarray. I needed clarity, not motivation. Session after session, we identified my blind spots and interferences, clarified my true priorities, and restructured my management style. The result: I regained control of my schedule, simplified three key projects, and repositioned two key members of my team. The strongest impact isn't just organizational; it's personal. I make decisions with greater serenity, more clarity, and less emotional reactivity. This coaching process with Alexandre isn't comfortable. It's demanding. But it produces remarkably tangible and lasting results.

Rated 5 out of 5

After a doctorate in finance and a researcher's journey, going from the academic world to that of the company was not a sinecure. During this transition, I benefited from the advice but especially from the experience of Mr. Fontaine. Himself from the academic world, Mr. Fontaine immediately understood my "mindset". His benevolent support allowed me to step back in order to better value my career to acquire confidence to successfully integrate the world of work.

Roman

Consultant

Anna

Professional musician

Rated 5 out of 5

Before starting this coaching, I was in a state of constant tension. Outwardly, everything was fine: concerts, projects, collaborations. Internally, things were more unstable. Performance pressure, excessive personal demands, difficulty switching off mentally. I needed a solid framework, not vague advice. Working with a mental performance coach has profoundly changed my approach to my profession. We worked on managing pre-show stress, concentration during performances, mental recovery, and decision-making clarity in my career choices. I learned to identify my patterns of self-doubt, regulate my internal pressure, and transform stage fright into useful energy. The impact wasn't limited to the stage. My organization is clearer, my priorities are better defined, and I'm better able to protect my energy. Today, I perform with more control and less tension. I still feel the adrenaline, but it no longer overwhelms me; it serves me. Thank you, Alexandre.

Rated 5 out of 5

Working with Alexandre marked a turning point in my career. His coaching allowed me to stabilize my performance under pressure. I learned to recognize my stress mechanisms, regulate my emotions, and quickly return to a useful state of focus. In concrete terms, my competitive performances became more consistent, and I improved my results in important events. But the most profound change lies elsewhere. I no longer define myself solely by my results. I can aim high without destroying myself internally. I recover better, I sleep better before competitions, and I remain clear-headed even after a poor performance. This work has given me a solid mental framework, capable of absorbing pressure. Today, I perform better. And above all, I've put enjoyment back at the heart of my approach.

Leila

Professional athlete

Dr. L. Noll

Scholar

Rated 5 out of 5

Alexandre is a passionate mental coach. You can tell he loves working with people and excels at what he does. Alexandre's guidance has helped me both professionally and personally: he gave me the tools to believe in my career goals and pursue them step by step. Alexandre also helped me visualize and celebrate both small and big successes, and to let go of my inhibitions, doubts, and fears. In short, Alexandre helped me recognize and realize my potential. I would recommend him to anyone and will certainly turn to him again for future professional challenges.