For many H1-B visa holders working in Silicon Valley and other U.S. tech hubs, landing a job at a well-known company represents the culmination of years of education, sacrifice, and ambition. But while the professional title may be prestigious, the personal experience can often be isolating. Cultural barriers, homesickness, and the pressure to succeed in a fast-paced environment combine to create challenges that are rarely discussed.
That’s where Faranak Firozan, an executive life coach, comes in.
Faranak Firozan has built her practice around helping international tech professionals—particularly those in the U.S. on H1-B visas—find fulfillment both inside and outside of their careers. While most coaching services focus solely on performance or productivity, her approach is different. It’s personal, holistic, and grounded in cultural understanding.
“Many of my clients have worked incredibly hard to get to where they are,” says Faranak Firozan. “But once they arrive, they often find themselves overwhelmed, disconnected, and unsure of how to build a life here beyond work. That’s where coaching can make a real difference.”
Her clients include software engineers, project managers, UX designers, data scientists, and product leads—many of whom have relocated from countries like India, China, Brazil, and Turkey. While they often thrive in technical environments, they can feel lost when it comes to navigating relationships, building community, or simply feeling at home in a new culture.
One client, a systems engineer from South Korea, had recently been promoted to a leadership role but found himself struggling with interpersonal dynamics. “He was technically brilliant,” Faranak explains, “but unsure how to manage team conflict or assert himself in meetings without feeling like he was stepping out of line culturally.” After several months of coaching, he not only improved his communication style but also reported feeling more confident and supported at work.
Another client, a data analyst from India, came to her after a series of romantic relationships had ended in frustration. She was thriving in her job but struggling to build emotional connections. “We worked on emotional intelligence, boundaries, and understanding how cultural expectations around relationships were influencing her experiences. Today, she’s in a healthy relationship and feels more grounded in her personal life.”
Stories like these are not unusual. Many international professionals carry the weight of family expectations, financial pressures, and visa uncertainties while trying to adjust to a very different workplace and social environment. It’s a lot to handle, and often, they do it alone.
Faranak Firozan’s life coaching offers a structured way to slow down, reflect, and take action from a place of clarity. Her work focuses on four key areas:
What makes Faranak Firozan stand out in the executive coaching space is her deep cultural empathy. Rather than offering generic frameworks or advice, she tailors her sessions to the unique lived experiences of each client.
“My goal isn’t to change who you are,” she explains. “It’s to help you show up more fully—at work, at home, and in your community—without losing what makes you unique.”
Her coaching sessions are offered virtually, making them accessible to busy tech professionals across the country. And while Silicon Valley is home to many of her clients, she also works with individuals in Philadelphia, Austin, New York, and beyond through Zoom coaching sessions. In each case, the needs are similar: connection, clarity, and a path forward that doesn’t sacrifice well-being for success.
As the conversation around mental health and emotional well-being in the tech industry continues to evolve, so does the demand for coaching services that go deeper than surface-level career advice. Leaders are beginning to understand that performance and wellbeing are not mutually exclusive—and that both are necessary for long-term success.
In recent months, several of Faranak Firozan’s clients have gone on to lead mentorship programs within their companies, volunteer in local nonprofits, or start support groups for other international employees. “When people feel seen, supported, and confident in who they are, they naturally want to give back,” she says.
For H1-B visa holders, the stakes are high. Visas are tied to employment, making job loss not just a financial blow, but a legal and emotional one as well. This constant pressure can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout. Faranak’s coaching provides a counterbalance—a space where clients can process those pressures and find sustainable ways to move forward.
One former client, now a lead developer at a major tech company, says her coaching was instrumental in helping him rediscover purpose. “I was doing well by every external measure,” he says, “but inside I felt empty and disconnected. Working with Faranak gave me the tools to rebuild my inner life, not just my resume.”
In a space often dominated by metrics, algorithms, and optimization, Faranak Firozan’s work is a reminder that human connection still matters. Whether you’re managing a team, applying for permanent residency, or simply trying to build a life that feels good—not just looks good—her coaching offers the structure and insight to help you get there.
