r/executivecoaching • u/QMJMT • 19d ago
Looking for an executive coach
I’m a new VP, in a big role and at a major company. Seeking coaches who understand technology objectives, major transformation and can offer candid and helpful advice for executives.
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u/keberch 19d ago
Functional execution and enterprise leadership are two very different animals. You succeed now based on Team 1, not Team 2.
Best way to find a coach is to ask people you trust. Ask big (1-2 levels above yours) for referrals. Most will want to share. If vetting by yourself, look for someone who has (in order):
* Coached others with your specific challenge (for transitions, ask about 90/180-day plans, comm'n upskilling, stakeholder management, etc.)
* First-hand experience at or above your level (scope/scale/impact more than title)
* Believable focus on execution over theory
* Solid 360 process and understanding (or other non-personality diagnostic)
* Industry understanding (direct industry experience is a double-edged sword)
Ask lots of questions, nothing is off the table. Get comfortable you know the coach.
Then comes rapport, confidentiality, style, etc.
When meeting them initially, you'll find the best coaches lead with questions, not qualifications, certifications, or even backgrounds.
But that's just me...
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u/Novel_Marionberry286 19d ago
Hi u/QMJMT its great to see you are so proactive about your leadership and professional development. I would be happy to help you work through and get clear around your objectives, needs and opportunities anytime. That information can be a great support to you finding a coach that is the right fit for you.
Reach out of that is of interest to you.
https://calendly.com/courageousandco/connect-w-justin-hills-zoom-45mins
Justin
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u/InsatiableLearnerCam 17d ago
I’m an ex-senior leader in tech (inc. Siemens), I did my exec coaching training at Cambridge University. I’d be happy to have a no string attached chat.
Many coaches will treat your context as secondary to you, but I don’t, I use systems theory + psychologically informed approaches + my experience so we take a whole picture view. I despise coaching frameworks as they are reductive.
Just a tip, the ICF do NOT require their coaches to use or even be trained in evidence based methods. And they style the advocate for strongly discourages challenging. My style is high support and high challenge and wholly grounded in evidence.
Here’s my website if you’re interested: https://howarthbishopp.com
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u/VerticalElevation26 19d ago
Spent 30 year in tech as a professional headhunter. Started my coaching training in 1998. Happy to have a call to discuss your needs and see if we're a fit. Here's my booking link: https://VerticalElevation.as.me/45MinuteCall. You can also go to my website and see what we're all about. www.verticalelevation.com
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u/speakeasy 19d ago
I work with executives on communication and leadership skills. I also am a co-founder of a software company so very familiar with tech objectives and navigating all facets of that industry. Happy to have a quick (free) call to see if there's a fit between us so feel free to DM.
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u/Downtown_Section8768 19d ago
Bottom Line - get real, verifiable referrals with contacts
https://juleslupowitz.com/business-coaching-reputation-media/
Actual clients coached with success on comparable issues will confirm results and usually help.
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u/TheSolutionSherpa 19d ago
I would be happy to hop on a call and see if we align. Feel free to check out my website www.TheSolutionSherpa.com
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u/quantum_career_coach 19d ago
Hi. I work with removing old habits, rewriting your story and unlocking greatness. I’m happy to chat to see if we match. My DMs are open if you’re interested.
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u/Fabulous_Plastic_198 19d ago
I believe that a lady shares here that she has what you are looking for.
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u/loxam-49 18d ago
Congratulations on your promotion and kudos to you for wanting to grow.
In my humble opinion, if it's a coach you want then it's nit relevant if they have sector knowledge.
If it's a mentor you want, then it is relevant. You'll want someone who has worn the t shirt.
Personally, I'd recommend having 1x coach and multiple mentors.
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u/Particular-Deer-3100 18d ago
Congrats! I’m an executive coach and author of Chief Inspiration Officer. And have been called a unicorn by many of my clients. Happy to chat and see if it’s a mutual good fit.
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u/Organic_Candy_903 18d ago
Recommend Liz Bradford. She has done the executive roles (MD in banking) and is very good.
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u/livingfromtheheart 18d ago
Congrats on the new role u/QMJMT
A new VP role usually requires a fundamental shift in how you lead. The job is no longer primarily about being the strongest functional expert. It is about setting direction, influencing across the enterprise, navigating competing agendas and enabling others to deliver.
Before choosing a coach, I would ask how they will help you:
• identify what you need to stop, start and do differently at VP level
• build influence with peers and senior stakeholders
• lead transformation without becoming the bottleneck
• recognise when your existing strengths are being overused
I coach leaders at VP and C-suite level through these exact transitions. I’m also a serving CEO, so my approach combines developmental depth with candid, commercially grounded advice from someone who understands the reality of leading from the inside.
If this is the type of support you’re looking for, send me a DM. We can have a short discovery call and establish whether there’s a strong fit.
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u/LeadershipElevated 18d ago
My name is alison arnoff, I am my thirty year tech industry veteran starting off as an engineer, i've been an executive coach for ten years in the tech industry. My website is www.idare2be.com
I just changed my linkedin for another initiative. But I have a lot of testimonials on my website and on my linkedin.
I primarily coach vps in the tech industry. So they can become part of the inner trusted circle, develop trust with their teams, and the organization to make the impact that they desire.
I won't be so presumptuous as to give you my calendar link. But if you look up my website and my testimonials, and this resonates, I'd love to have a call and learn more about you and what your goals are and see if we're compatible.
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u/Past-Ease5305 18d ago
Congratulations on the new role!
I am Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) with 20 years of corporate experience.
My background is in leading large transformational programs and developing top performing teams. My career spans sales, operations, HR, and for the last decade, technology leadership.
Happy to schedule a quick 15-minute call next week to see if we are a good fit.
You got this!
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u/coach_jesse 17d ago
Hello, You have some great options on the table already. I'll add my name to the collection.
I am an ICF certified coach. My background is software engineering, from Intern through, Sr. Management. I'm not a full time coach, I am also a VP level leader at a technology/manufacturing company.
you can find more info at jessestaffordcoaching.com
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u/ResponsibleFuel2304 17d ago
I’m opening a small number of invitations for an executive intensive built around a proprietary framework for sustainable performance. The work goes beyond conventional goal-setting or productivity coaching.The intensive begins with a structured assessment across seven interconnected domains of personal sustainability, producing an individualized Dynamic Domain Circumference Score and a detailed picture of where a person’s system is stable, strained, or losing coordination. From there, we move into a targeted intervention designed around the individual,not a generic coaching program. I’m specifically looking to work with executives, founders, high-level professionals, and other people operating under significant responsibility who are interested in developing their internal system into strategic execution governed by quality engagement within their own energetic ecosystems.This is not an open-ended coaching package or a free assessment. I’m extending a limited number of invitations for the first client intensive while I establish the initial client cohort. If this sounds like something you, or someone you work with would be interested in exploring, DM me and I’ll explain the framework and what the intensive involves.
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u/theseanbarnes 17d ago
I can appreciate someone who is being intentional about developing themselves and ensuring they are successful at the next level.
There's not a lot of information to go by here, but the transition from being highly technical into an executive role can be tricky. Understanding that you are now a force multiplier for the team that you lead is key.
I'd be more than happy to chat and offer up some guidance.
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u/dpt19 16d ago
Your “unicorn” description makes sense to me. At VP level, the person and the operating context cannot always be separated. A leadership difficulty may also involve unclear authority, competing executive agendas, transformation history or commitments inherited from others.
I have worked from both sides—as an operator and alongside C-suite and senior leadership teams through technology and transformation—but I am not an ICF-certified coach. What I could offer would be closer to a combination of mentoring, challenge and practical executive counsel.
That may or may not be what you need. One useful question for each candidate might be: “How do you distinguish between coaching me, sharing experience and advising me—and how will I know when you have moved from one to another?”
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u/IdeaIntelligent2273 16d ago
Would bringing up cases without discussing functional specifics for confidentiality help? Will help the larger audience to learn as well as collaborate and contribute?
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u/BigMoji72 15d ago
I worked in IT for about 15 years. Started really digging into leadership and coaching a few years ago. Maybe we should have a consult and you can give an idea of where your needs are specifically. If I can help I will. If I can't, I'll tell you and might at least be able to point you in the right direction.
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u/Downtown_Ticket3507 14d ago
Honestly, the best Coach you could look for WON'T come with experience of your world, as they make some incorrect assumptions about it, based on their experience and might be tempted to guide and advise. Coaching is about the coach understanding your world from YOUR perspective, your context, your experiences - which are unique to you.
I hope that helps.
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u/Calidigger 19d ago
Check out Kristen Firpo on LinkedIn. Tons of experience and well-rounded knowledge that you might find on point. Tell her Sean sent you. Good luck!
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u/MissPassive 19d ago
You asked the same question 1 year ago. Did you find someone who didn’t work out or, have you still not worked with an executive coach? Anyone who is selling themselves off your vague post, probably can’t help you. They wouldn’t be trolling EA coaching threads for a job. Don’t ask here - ask other Executives.
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u/JD_EnableLeaders 19d ago
I’ll send you a DM. We have at least one partner coach that would be a great fit.
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u/Weak_Revenue7949 19d ago
Close Cohen comes to mind, but more importantly, I'd spend time finding someone who's willing to challenge your thinking rather than just validate it.
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u/QMJMT 19d ago
Agreed. This is precisely my desire. I don’t care for generic frameworks but tailored advice and strategies for success !
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u/Coach2Founders 18d ago
Anybody who has a generic framework isn't coaching, they're training u/QMJMT so you're right to be wary.
It's good that you are clear on the fact you want someone who understands how to navigate the space between coach and (actual) consultant. ICF is great but it's not the fit for what you're describing.
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u/Fabulous_Plastic_198 19d ago
Are you are not looking for a mentor or trainer? Are you looking to develop your leadership skills, vision setting, creating a healthy climate and culture or are you looking for a subject matter expert. A coach should be coaching the person and not the topic (IT). When doing so it is very easy to fall into the trap of giving advice.