About my Coaching

I provide 1:1 coaching to startup CEO’s and product leaders who are in high pressure leadership roles and want to continuously improve their performance. I have been in and around startup leadership for 2 decades and have been through three exits, the smallest for $1, the largest for $2B, and one in-between. I have seen what works and what doesn’t and enjoy helping leaders get the most out of themselves and their teams.

My sole goal is to help you achieve your greatest level of success. With an outside and informed perspective, I can help you clarify what you are trying to achieve, identify potential blind spots, provide candid and confidential feedback, help you apply your energy in the best possible way, and provide a safe place for you to strategize and think through high stakes decisions.

What a typical engagement looks like

  • 6 month engagement with a set of specific goals to focus on

  • Two live, 60 minute Zoom sessions per month

  • Unlimited email and async support

  • Fees are typically covered by the company

  • First session is free to see if we are a good fit for each other

  • All sessions are confidential, this is purely to support you in achieving your goals

How I coach

80% modeled after the co-active model

  • I coach the whole person (professional and personal) with success defined by professional goals

  • Coachee defines success and prioritizes the topics to focus on

  • Sometimes coachee guides the conversation, sometimes I guide the conversation, and sometimes we mutually explore something together

  • I am deeply listening and asking questions, facilitating an environment where you can think strategically and find the best path forward

20% startup style GSD

  • Startup leaders face unique challenges: you have limited resources, limited time, and high levels of stress and responsibility

  • I have been in and around startup leadership for 2 decades, enabling me to bring advice and best practices to the table

  • Outside what a traditionally trained coach will do, I also help with targeted advice on topics such as how to recruit an A+ executive, close your next funding round, land a key client or partnership, align the team, launch your next product, or position yourself for successful M&A

  • I also work with a number of investors and industry executives and can make intros and connections when appropriate and helpful

Example topic areas we may cover

Executive Presence and Storytelling

  • Public speaking

  • Fundraising

  • Tightening the sales pitch

  • Managing the board

  • Building a talent brand

Building successful teams

  • Executive hiring

  • Clarifying roles and responsibilities

  • Holding people accountable

  • Delegating effectively

  • Investing in relationships

  • Building a strong, unique culture

  • Improving diversity and inclusion

Vision, strategy, and goals

  • Setting the bedrock for the company’s strategy

  • Clarifying the roadmap

  • Aligning stakeholders around the direction

  • Making difficult decisions with limited information quickly

  • Setting and tracking goals

  • Adjusting course

Personal development

  • Investing in non-work relationships

  • Staying healthy and strong

  • Managing through fear and uncertainty

  • Identifying and regulating your emotions

  • Managing your energy

  • Going to bed with a peaceful mind

  • Waking up excited for the day