Cathy Liska 
Exploring the transformative power of coaching, we’ve compiled sixteen personal stories from CEOs, founders, and other professionals who have experienced the benefits firsthand. From a life coach sparking entrepreneurial success to an executive coach integrating personal and professional life, these narratives reveal the profound impact coaching can have on one’s journey.
- Life Coach Spurs Entrepreneurial Success
- Executive Coaching Enhances Leadership Skills
- Executive Coach Clarifies Career Path
- Business Coach Breaks Mental Barriers
- Career Coach Facilitates Industry Pivot
- Strategic Coaching Elevates Recruitment Platform
- Blended Coaching Approach Spurs Growth
- Executive Coach Boosts Leadership Transition
- Business Coach Offers Accountability and Insight
- Life Coach Empowers Entrepreneurial Journey
- Executive Coaching Improves Leadership and Business
- Diverse Coaching Experiences Enrich Personal Growth
- Coaching Supervision Refines Professional Practice
- Life Coach Inspires Personal Transformation
- Accountability Coach Supports Habit Change
- Executive Coach Integrates Personal and Professional
Life Coach Spurs Entrepreneurial Success
Working with a life coach transformed my life, and this is no exaggeration. I went from being a hard-working corporate professional with a cap on my earning potential, overwhelmed with people-pleasing, perfectionist tendencies, and a scarcity mindset, to a thriving entrepreneur with boundaries, joy, and the freedom to create whatever I set my mind to. I worked with my first coach for about four years, initially meeting every week and then eventually three times a month. Since then, I have worked with a few other coaches and have made a commitment to myself to always have a great coach by my side. It is truly the secret to my success.
Six months of coaching did for me what decades of therapy couldn’t. In my case, the key to transforming my life was transforming my relationship with myself. I learned that for many years, I had been operating on survival mechanisms, on autopilot, just trying to get through my day, week, month, and life. With the right tools, distinctions, and coaching, I learned to consistently embrace my essence—the highest and best version of myself. I was so compelled by my own experience being coached that I became a coach myself because I wanted to give the gift of transformation to others.
Leaving corporate, writing a book, stepping into my role as a keynote speaker, becoming a Master Certified Coach (MCC), exceeding financial goals year after year in my business, and becoming the healthiest I’ve ever been physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually are just a few of my accomplishments. Even more, I am a happier, more satisfied, and kinder person thanks to this journey.
Emily Golden, CEO & Strategic Talent Advisor, Golden Resources, LLC
Executive Coaching Enhances Leadership Skills
Partnering with a professional coach has been transformative for my career. My executive coach helped me refine my leadership skills and develop a strategic vision for Write Right. Through regular sessions, we identified my strengths and areas for growth, and crafted actionable plans to achieve my goals.
The coach’s objective insights and accountability pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, leading to better decision-making and increased confidence. This partnership not only enhanced my professional capabilities but also positively impacted the overall growth and success of my company. The clarity and focus I gained were invaluable.
Bhavik Sarkhedi, CMO, Write Right
Executive Coach Clarifies Career Path
As a life coach myself, I was at a crossroads in my career at some point. Having achieved a certain level of success, I felt stuck and unsure about the next steps to take to reach my full potential. The challenges of leading a growing team, managing stakeholder expectations, and maintaining work-life balance were overwhelming. During this time of uncertainty, I decided to partner with an executive coach.
From our first session, I knew this decision would be a game-changer. My coach began by helping me clarify my short-term and long-term goals. We delved deep into my aspirations, values, and what motivated me. This clarity alone was incredibly empowering, giving me a clear direction and purpose.
This helped greatly improve my leadership skills. I learned about frameworks and strategies for effective leadership that helped me understand my strengths and areas for improvement. We enhanced my communication skills, emotional intelligence, and decision-making abilities. As I implemented these strategies, I noticed a marked improvement in my team’s performance and morale. I became a more confident and empathetic leader, capable of inspiring and guiding my team towards our collective goals.
Adrienne Allaway, Founder & Life Coach, Adrienne Allaway
Business Coach Breaks Mental Barriers
Working with a business coach has had transformative impacts on my professional journey. My business coach has been instrumental in expanding my perspective, enabling me to see opportunities and challenges from angles I had never considered before. Her guidance has been invaluable in helping me break through mental barriers and self-imposed limitations.
By consistently challenging me, she has pushed me to set and achieve ambitious goals that once seemed out of reach. Her support has honed my strategic thinking and bolstered my confidence in taking bold steps in my business endeavors.
The accountability she provides keeps me focused, disciplined, and motivated to maintain momentum even when faced with obstacles. I am grateful for her belief in my potential and her ability to illuminate pathways to success that I might have overlooked.
This partnership has not only accelerated my professional growth but has also instilled a sense of resilience and clarity that permeates every aspect of my work.
The impact of her coaching is evident in the tangible successes I’ve achieved and the newfound vision I carry forward in my business journey.
Vivian Acquah CDE®, Certified Diversity Executive, Amplify DEI
Career Coach Facilitates Industry Pivot
I worked with a career coach a few years ago when I decided to pivot from my career in healthcare education to my current role in recruitment. I found working with a coach very valuable for helping me clarify my future. When I started working with the coach, I had a vague idea that I wanted to work with job applicants, but I hadn’t figured out what specific industry, sector, or area of the recruitment process I wanted to go into.
It proved exceptionally helpful to have an expert that I could use as a sounding board, talking through what I wanted out of my career and what types of roles I should target to get those qualities from my next position. I ended up making a very quick transition into my new field and have been making steady progress and advancement since making that shift five years ago, and I believe that working with a career coach was a big part of making this transition as smoothly as possible.
Rob Boyle, Marketing Operations Director, Airswift
Strategic Coaching Elevates Recruitment Platform
Collaborating with an executive coach proved to be transformative for my recruitment platform. Their invaluable guidance in strategic planning and time management revolutionized our approach. They assisted me in enhancing the agency’s efficiency without compromising our distinctive methodology.
A significant breakthrough occurred when my coach suggested creative marketing strategies that resonated with the values of a four-day workweek. This not only attracted exceptional talent but also forged connections with clients seeking a healthier work-life balance for their teams. The coach’s unwavering support and insightful direction ensured that our message was both compelling and impactful.
Furthermore, having a coach provided me with a trusted confidant with whom I could discuss ideas and challenges. Their extensive experience offered a fresh perspective, enabling me to anticipate market trends and adapt swiftly. This collaborative partnership was instrumental in building the agency’s credibility and achieving success in a highly competitive market.
Phil McParlane, Founder & CEO, 4DayWeekJobs
Blended Coaching Approach Spurs Growth
Partnering with a professional coach has significantly impacted my journey, offering both personal growth and professional advancement. Here’s my story:
Initially, I relied on self-coaching, learning from others’ experiences and observations. I would read books, listen to podcasts, and attend webinars, absorbing insights from industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. One unique approach I adopted was reflective journaling, where I noted down key takeaways from these resources and applied them to my daily life. Inspired by Tim Ferriss’s Tools of Titans, I started breaking my goals into smaller, manageable tasks and celebrated small wins, which kept me motivated and steadily moving forward.
Despite the progress with self-coaching, I felt the need for structured guidance. I decided to work with a professional executive coach, which brought a transformative change. Coaching provided clarity, accountability, skill development, and an unbiased perspective to achieve my goals.
Adopting yoga was another game-changer. Initially, I practiced on my own, but joining an instructor-led class made a significant difference. The structured guidance and community support fostered discipline and consistency. The holistic benefits of yoga—improved focus, reduced stress, and enhanced well-being—further fueled my professional and personal growth.
Combining self-coaching with professional coaching and instructor-led practices like yoga created a balanced and effective development strategy. Self-coaching empowered me with autonomy and continuous learning, while professional coaching provided structure, accountability, and personalized guidance.
If you’re considering partnering with a coach, I highly recommend it. Embrace a blended approach: leverage self-coaching techniques, seek professional guidance, and adopt instructor-led habits. This combination can lead to profound growth and lasting success. Start your journey today and experience the transformative impact for yourself!
Lokesh Bohra, Founder, SustainableX
Executive Coach Boosts Leadership Transition
Working with a professional executive coach has significantly impacted my career, especially during my transition to a leadership role. The coach provided structured guidance and an external perspective that boosted my confidence and strategic thinking.
One key area of focus was improving my communication skills. Through role-playing exercises, I learned to handle challenging conversations more effectively. Another major benefit was enhancing my time-management and delegation skills. My coach helped me understand the importance of prioritizing tasks and empowering team members, which not only boosted my productivity but also improved team dynamics.
Additionally, the coaching sessions promoted continuous personal development and self-reflection, helping me adapt and grow in my new role. Overall, the experience with my executive coach was transformative, equipping me with essential skills and insights that have propelled my professional journey and improved my leadership capabilities.
Shambhu Kadel, Founder, KBA Global
Business Coach Offers Accountability and Insight
Running an e-commerce business can feel like a constant juggling act. One minute I’m dealing with supplier negotiations, the next I’m knee-deep in website design tweaks. It’s exhilarating, sure, but there were times, especially early on, where I felt completely lost in the shuffle. Strategy seemed to fly out the window, and my to-do list just kept multiplying.
That’s when I decided to take a leap of faith and hire a business coach. Let me tell you, it was a game-changer. My coach wasn’t there to tell me what to do. They were more like a personal accountability partner and a sounding board all rolled into one, as they were able to help me see the bigger picture of our company.
One of the biggest things my coach helped me with was time management. We brainstormed strategies to prioritize tasks, delegate effectively, and schedule breaks! It sounds simple, but it made a world of difference. Now I feel like I’m in control, not just reacting to whatever fires pop up.
But the impact went beyond just business. My coach helped me identify areas in my personal life that were affecting my work. We talked about stress management techniques, and I even started incorporating some mindfulness exercises into my routine.
So, yeah, partnering with a coach was a total win. It wasn’t just about taking our business to the next level; it was about me becoming a better leader and a more well-rounded person.
Matt Little, Founder & Managing Director, Festoon House
Life Coach Empowers Entrepreneurial Journey
As an entrepreneur, I have found working with a professional life coach to be immensely valuable in navigating the challenging journey of building a business. A good coach helps keep you accountable to your goals and priorities, provides an outside perspective to help overcome obstacles, and serves as a thought partner to brainstorm new ideas.
For example, a few years into launching my company, I felt stuck in a rut and was having trouble staying motivated. My coach helped me reframe my mindset by focusing on my “why”—the deeper purpose behind my work. This shift was transformative and reignited my passion. With my coach’s support, I was able to develop a growth plan and take action on new initiatives that ultimately led to key milestones for my business.
Partnering with a coach requires investment, but for me, the rewards have far outweighed the costs. Having a skilled professional in my corner, committed to my success, and able to share lessons from experience, has made all the difference in empowering me to build a thriving company. Overall, I highly recommend business coaching for any entrepreneur looking to accelerate growth and reach their full potential.
Gert Kulla, CEO, RedBat.Agency
Diverse Coaching Experiences Enrich Personal Growth
Working with professional coaches has been a game-changer in my personal and professional growth, especially since, as coaches, we understand the profound value of guidance and support. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of partnering with several incredible coaches, each offering unique insights that have deeply enriched my journey. The transformation continues to unfold beautifully.
One coach helped me reconnect with my core values and align my goals with my authentic self. Through personalized guidance and reflective exercises, I navigated the complexities of my career and personal life, finding a clear path to balance and fulfillment. This experience reignited my passion and gave me a renewed sense of purpose.
When I faced intense burnout, another coach introduced me to holistic strategies that nurtured my physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Incorporating mindfulness, visualization, and self-compassion, I regained my energy and reconnected with my inner strength. This emotional liberation was transformative, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
With a focus on professional empowerment, another coach helped me align my career aspirations with my personal values, leading to greater job satisfaction and effectiveness. Regular check-ins, goal-setting exercises, and tailored feedback provided a supportive framework, empowering me to advocate for myself confidently and embrace leadership roles with renewed vigor.
Currently, I’m deepening my journey by fostering authentic connections both personally and professionally. Emphasizing mindfulness and intentional living has enriched my relationships, creating a nurturing environment at home and at work. This ongoing coaching relationship inspires me to embrace my true self and cultivate meaningful connections with those around me.
The collective impact of these coaching experiences has been nothing short of transformative. Each coach has contributed to different facets of my journey, helping me become more self-aware, resilient, and empowered. As coaches, we know how invaluable this guidance can be, and I am immensely grateful for the profound changes they have facilitated in my life.
Elizabeth Munoz, Spiritual Guide | 🌺 Holistic Life Coach | 🌀 Founder, Soulhaven
Coaching Supervision Refines Professional Practice
I’ve been a coach for over 20 years, and during that time, partnering with a coach and coach supervisor has had a huge positive impact on my career. Regular coaching and coaching supervision facilitate reflection, which helps identify any personal biases or limitations that might hinder my effectiveness as a coach. This promotes self-awareness and allows me to deliver the best possible service to my clients.
Through coaching, I’ve gained greater confidence in my coaching skills and refined my overall approach. This translates to a more impactful and successful coaching experience for my clients. Additionally, regular coaching and supervision provide accountability to help me stay focused on my own professional development and well-being goals.
Lisa LaRue, Career Coach, The Career Happiness Coach
Life Coach Inspires Personal Transformation
As a busy professional, I found myself feeling stressed, unfulfilled, and lacking clarity in my life’s direction. I knew I needed help gaining a fresh perspective and making meaningful changes, so I decided to partner with a professional life coach.
Working with my coach has been one of the most valuable investments I’ve made in myself. She helped me gain insight into my core values, priorities, and vision for the future. I was able to identify key obstacles holding me back and develop strategies to overcome them. My coach also challenged me with thought-provoking questions to help me gain a new outlook on my situation.
The coaching process wasn’t always easy, but with her guidance, I was able to make significant progress in work-life balance, relationships, health, and personal growth. I now feel empowered and have a clear path forward to continue evolving into my best self. Partnering with a life coach gave me the motivation, accountability, and tools I needed to transform my life in a way I never could have done on my own.
Hunter Garnett, Managing Partner and Founder, Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers
Accountability Coach Supports Habit Change
In March 2024, I decided to work with an accountability coach. I wanted to reduce my social media usage. We set realistic goals and divided them into daily sub-tasks.
My coach provided consistent support and motivation and helped me stay on track. It is incredible how being accountable to someone makes everything different.
She was there to help me when I needed it and support me when I felt unmotivated. We also had progress charts to understand how I was doing and the milestones achieved. And when I reached a specific goal, it was celebration time!
I reduced my social media distractions. She shared with me invaluable insights and techniques to stay consistent and motivated. It was one of the best investments of my life, and I’d do it again without any hesitation!
Giovanni della Ventura, Head of Content, giodella.com
Executive Coach Integrates Personal and Professional
The value of an executive coach cannot be overstated. Fortunately, my previous employer recognized this and connected me with the coach I have had the privilege of working with for the past four years. A skilled coach grasps your unique makeup and guides you through the challenges encountered both in the workplace and personal life.
The truth is, despite our efforts to separate them, our personal and professional lives influence each other. Coaches are there to bolster your creativity, provide clarity, and boost your confidence when it falters. They comprehend the dynamics present in any situation and assist you in staying on track toward your goals amidst the distractions of a bustling world.
Christina Linton, Chief People Officer + Flarespace CEO, Storyteller Overland & Flarespace
