TRADITION PROVEN
BY REAL RESULTS
One of the translators of the Diamond Sutra is Geshe Michael Roach, the first Western geshe and the founder of the Asian Classics Institute. He demonstrated to the world that this wisdom works not only in monasteries, but also in modern life. By applying the principles of the Diamond Sutra, he built a diamond business in New York — from minus $50,000 to a company with annual revenues of $250 million, which was later sold to Warren Buffett. This experience clearly showed that ancient wisdom can be applied step by step — in business, career, relationships, and personal growth. The results speak for themselves.
WHO WE ARE
Diamond Cutter London is a London-based community and educational branch founded on the teachings of the Asian Classics Institute, established by Geshe Michael Roach.
We create a space where ancient texts become living experience, knowledge is tested through real results, and growth happens through practice and community support.
OUR TEAM
Ola Fitzgerald
ACI certified teacher
Ola Fitzgerald is a life coach and wellness mentor with a background in politics and marketing. She holds a degree in Political Science and has over 10 years of experience in the marketing and communications field. Her passion for personal development led her to blend her professional expertise with ancient wisdom teachings. Since 2018, Ola has been studying ACI and is an ACI-certified teacher, guiding others on their journeys of transformation and holistic well-being.
Irina Bezhevec
Trainer ACW
Irina Bezhevets is a business owner with over 20 years of experience and a certified trainer with the Asian Classics Institute (ACI) and Diamond Cutter Institute Global (DCIG). Since 2018, she has completed 16 ACI courses, 5 teacher training programs, and 8 SCIM sessions with Geshe Michael Roach. Irina integrates ancient wisdom with practical business skills, conducts workshops, and offers personal mentoring.
Olia Morris
ACI certified teacher
Olia Naymushina is a biodynamic psychotherapist specializing in body-centered healing, with 20 years of experience in London. She has completed 12 ACI courses and 4 ACI Teacher Training courses. Since 2017, Olia has applied the Seed System to achieve personal success and professional fulfillment while mentoring others through transformational teachings.
Aizhan Nurzhanova
Senior trainer ACW
Aizhan is a financial expert with over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, currently working at Ernst & Young, a Fortune 100 company. She has been studying ACI since 2017 and is an ACI-certified Senior Teacher. Aizhan also serves as an Assistant Professor at SCIM, training future DCI teachers.
Liana Gurzhiy
Trainer ACW
Liana Gurzhiy is an experienced educator and ACI-certified guide with a background in teaching and holistic wellness. She has 25 years of experience in music education and later founded a beauty salon within a health spa in Myrhorod, Ukraine. Since 2019, she has been studying ACI, completing nearly all 18 courses and 4 teacher training programs. Now based in London, Liana supports ACI projects and guides students through transformative teachings.
Inna Ivanina
Trainer ACI
Inna Ivanina is a physician, PhD, psychotherapist, and an author of transformational courses. She has 15 years of experience in clinical research. Inna has been studying ACI since 2014 and is an ACI certified teacher.
Bill McMichael
Trainer ACI
Bill McMichael is a pilot, has been studying ACI since 2000, is a student of Khen Rinpoche and Geshe Michael Roach. He completed 18 open ACI courses, then 18 advanced courses and concluded his studies with a 3-year retreat. He is an ACI certified teacher.
Peter Mertel
Founder of ACW
Peter Mertle is a successful speaker and teacher for over 1,000 students worldwide. He is a direct student of Geshe Michael Roach and a senior teacher at the Asian Classics Institute. He has been teaching ACI courses since 2012. After personal tragedies in 2007, he began studying ACI. Having completed all 18 courses, Peter now teaches around the world.
Yaryna Carpenter
Interpreter
Yaryna Carpenter — Head of Translation. PCC ICF coach, CELTA-certified English teacher with an MA in Teaching English & Translation Studies. Skilled manager with 10+ years of leadership in the UK and a postgraduate degree in International Economic Relations. DCIG Teacher Trainee.
“I completed ACI 1 twice — first online, and later in person with the teachers in London. Revisiting such profound material truly deepens understanding and integration. At Diamond Cutter London, I experienced a warm and supportive atmosphere, meaningful conversations filled with wisdom, and a community that is always ready to guide and encourage.I’m really looking forward to ACI 2. It will be my first time taking it, and I’m confident that learning in the flow with experienced teachers and mentors will bring invaluable knowledge and practical tools."
Daria Krinitsyna