“The decision to invest the time and resources to work with CEO Coaching International was spot on. It has been a game changer for us, and we are seeing a tangible impact on our business results.”

 —Brett Rodewald, CEO, Lucent Health

What to Look for in Your Executive Coach

We pride ourselves on our ability to pair our clients with the right executive coach for their specific situation. We’ll have an introductory call with you to get to know you better, and then you’ll have a complimentary call with one of our coaches to make sure they are the right match for you. Here are some qualities to look for when meeting your executive coach with our firm or any other:

What is executive coaching, and how does it differ from CEO coaching?

Executive coaching is a broader term that applies to leadership development for professionals at all levels of an organization, including C-suite executives, department heads, and high-potential employees. Any leader, regardless of title, can (and should!) look for executive coaching. CEO coaching is a more targeted approach that focuses specifically on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by CEOs.

What should I look for in a CEO or executive coach?

When hiring an executive coach, you want someone who has been in your shoes before—they may have run companies of similar size or been a player in your industry. Either way, a great coach should have:
– Real-world CEO or executive experience
– A proven track record of success
– A structured coaching methodology
– A strong focus on accountability
– The ability to challenge and support you

How is executive coaching different from mentoring or consulting?

As an executive, only you can truly make the decisions required to grow your business or change your personal life. While a mentor or a consultant can share their perspectives, a coach will guide you through self-reflection exercises based on our proven Make BIG Happen framework, in addition to sharing their own experiences.

What should I expect from my first coaching session?

Your first coaching session will focus on understanding why you hired a coach in the first place. We’ll talk about your goals, challenges, and opportunities. Your coach will begin by talking through and clarifying your vision, assessing your current situation, and developing an initial action plan for the first 90 days and beyond based on your goals.

How often do coaching sessions take place?

Most coaching engagements include biweekly or monthly sessions, along with ongoing support, accountability check-ins, and access to vetted resources and community events.

Do you offer in-person or virtual coaching sessions?

Coaching is typically done virtually, with quarterly and/or annual in-person sessions.

What are the benefits of executive coaching for CEOs?

They often say “it’s lonely at the top.” Executive coaching provides leaders with access to someone who has navigated the unique challenges of leadership before. Hiring an executive coach can help you gain:
– Strategic clarity and focus
– Improved leadership skills
– Increased confidence in decision-making
– Enhanced team performance and alignment
– Accountability for achieving business and personal goals
– Tools to manage stress and maintain work-life balance

How can coaching improve my leadership skills?

Coaching improves your leadership skills by giving you more clarity and focus over what matters (and what doesn’t) when it comes to achieving your goals. With coaching, you can work through thorny business challenges and receive guidance and mentorship for your own career.

How long does a typical CEO coaching engagement last?

Coaching engagements are ongoing, depending on the client’s needs and goals. Long-term coaching ensures sustained growth, leadership development, and measurable impact.

Can executive coaching benefit experienced leaders?

Absolutely. If you’re an experienced leader, then you know exactly how lonely it can be at the top. A coach can give you a fresh perspective from outside the organization—helping you through specific challenges, like breaking through a growth plateau, or working toward a larger goal, like a successful exit.