Who we are

(and who we aren’t)

We are psychoanalysts. We didn’t do a quick coaching certificate — we’ve spent years in deep study and practice. We don’t have decades of executive experience, but we do have over a decade of experience listening and talking to people (including executives) in creative ways that go beneath the surface and help leaders break through barriers.

Psychoanalysts have unmatched training in understanding what drives us, what troubles us, and what helps us live and work more effectively. We uniquely engage people and systems where behavior is shaped not only by what’s known, but by what hasn’t yet come into focus.

How we work

(and how we don’t)

Our approach is informed by psychoanalysis. It’s not diagnostic — it’s relational. We believe many common coaching tools serve the consultants more than the clients. Delivering “data” with limited validity can offer quick relief from the discomfort of not knowing. We sit with you in that not knowing.

We’re not doing therapy or psychoanalysis with you, but we are thinking like psychoanalysts with you about your work in competitive, challenging environments. We don’t provide off-the-shelf fixes. We bring psychological insight to support personal, professional, and organizational development — and your authentic leadership.

We don’t offer a formula. We engage a process of discovery.

We’re here when you’re ready for something different.

Joel Simons, PsyD

  • Founder

    Dr. Joel Simons founded Mirae Leadership Advisory to offer an alternative approach to human capital consulting. As a psychologist and psychoanalyst, he brings a depth of understanding to executives who need a trusted confidant on their leadership journey.

    He’s a licensed psychologist in private practice who trained at Harvard Medical School and Boston College, where he also pursued graduate studies in Leadership & Administration. He has held clinical and teaching roles at Boston College, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he served as Associate Director of the Faculty/Trainee Mental Health Clinic. He completed his psychoanalytic training at Boston Psychoanalytic Society & Institute, where he is currently guest faculty.