Let’s be honest: navigating your career as an executive is far from easy.
Even the most seemingly successful leaders can feel stuck, underappreciated, or constantly stressed.
Maybe you’re battling imposter syndrome, feeling unfulfilled in your current role, or wondering how to take your career (and life) to the next level without burning out.
That’s where executive career coaching becomes your secret weapon.
As a tech career coach who specializes in supporting senior leaders, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful coaching can be in helping professionals get unstuck, improve their clarity, and build lasting confidence in their abilities.
In this guide, I answer some of the most common questions I hear from prospective clients, including:
- What is an executive career coach?
- What’s the difference between career coaching and executive coaching?
- How much does it cost to work with an executive career coach, and is it worth it?
- How do you find a reputable executive career coach?
What Is An Executive Career Coach?
An executive career coach is a career development expert who specializes in supporting senior leaders such as VPs, SVPs, EVPs, C-suite executives, and other senior-level professionals.
Depending on their background and goals, some senior individual contributors (ICs), managers, and directors may also invest in this type of coaching to support their growth and development.
An executive career coach partners with you to clarify what’s next, refine your strategy and approach, and help you reach your goals faster and with more confidence. This might mean helping you land a new executive role, navigate complex internal dynamics at your current company, or strategically shift industries, such as breaking into tech or transitioning out of it.
What Is The Difference Between Career Coaching And Executive Coaching?
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, career coaching and executive coaching serve related but slightly different purposes.
Career coaching focuses on helping you define your career path, transition into a new role, and/or improve your job search strategies. It often includes topics such as career exploration, resume and LinkedIn optimization, and interview prep.
Executive coaching, on the other hand, goes beyond the job search. It’s about how you lead once you’re in the role, i.e. improving communication, strengthening leadership presence, building confidence, navigating corporate politics, and influencing stakeholders.
Here’s a metaphor I often use during consultations: Career coaching is like the vehicle that helps you get to your destination. Executive coaching is the tune-up you get once you arrive.
How Much Does An Executive Career Coach Cost?
Because the value and ROI tend to be higher than regular coaching, executive career coaches typically charge more than general ones.
You can expect to invest several thousand dollars in a comprehensive executive career coaching program, although it will depend on the coach’s expertise and the program structure.
Important: Your employer may cover some or all of the cost of working with a coach. If you have professional development funds, they can often be allocated to coaching.
If you’re unsure whether you have access to these types of funds, ask your HR department or manager!
[Read: What Is The Cost Of Career Coaching?]
Is Hiring An Executive Career Coach Worth It?
Whether coaching is “worth it” depends on your goals and is ultimately a personal choice.
That said, if you feel underpaid, underrecognized, or simply stuck, consider how much you might be losing out on financially and emotionally.
Many of my executive clients command total compensation packages of between $250K and $3M+. This means that even a 10% salary bump, faster job search, or more fulfilling career can yield an ROI that far outweighs the initial investment in coaching.
How Do I Find A Reputable Executive Career Coach?
Finding the right coach can feel daunting, especially if you’re already feeling stuck in your job search or career, so let’s break the process down.
1. Get recommendations for coaches.
While a Google search can get you started, I recommend seeking coach recommendations from people you admire.
Ask peers, mentors, or leaders in your network if they’ve worked with an executive career coach they’d recommend.
This can help you build a shortlist of vetted coaches with a proven track record of success.
2. Look for an expert in executives.
Not all career coaches are created equal.
As you review coaches’ websites, LinkedIn profiles, and thought leadership publications, take note of whether they frequently work with executives or just mention them in passing.
If you’re a senior leader, you deserve to work with a practitioner who is intimately familiar with the nuances of being an executive.
3. Understand their coaching process and style.
Every coach brings a unique approach to their work.
Do they share a lot about themselves, or are they more of a blank slate? Are they direct or more passive? How often do they tend to meet with clients?
There aren’t right or wrong answers here; you want to find what resonates with you while also considering the possibility of stepping a bit beyond your comfort zone.
Important: While coaching may feel therapeutic, it is not therapy. An experienced coach will know where the line is and refer you to a therapist when it’s appropriate.
4. Verify their training and credentials.
Know that anyone can call themselves a “coach.” This is why you must verify their training and certifications and look for signs of ongoing professional development.
Great executive career coaches are experts in the craft of coaching, not just people who like to give advice.
Please be cautious about a coach who only relies on their personal experience and has never completed any formal coach training.
5. Review their testimonials.
Scrutinize their testimonials, and be sure to conduct your own backdoor research.
Many people who are considering working with me as their coach will reach out to people who have left testimonials on my LinkedIn profile. That’s a smart move, and any reputable coach should welcome it!
6. Develop thoughtful vetting questions.
When interviewing a coach, ask the tough questions. After all, this is an investment in your career and your life.
If the coach is hesitant to answer your questions or rushes you to make a decision, consider this a warning that they may not be the right fit for you.
You should never feel pressured to make a decision to work with a coach!
Questions To Ask When Meeting With Prospective Executive Career Coaches
When speaking with a potential coach, develop questions that get to the meat of what you really want to know about them and their approach. Here are some examples of questions you could ask:
- What’s your experience working with executives at my level?
- What’s your typical coaching process?
- How do you define and measure success?
- Where did you complete your coach training, and how do you stay up to date on the latest coaching best practices?
- Can you please point me to testimonials from your clients with a background similar to mine?
Additionally, take note of how each coach answers the question. Do they come across as scripted or authentic? Do their responses feel confident? Can you imagine yourself working with this person?
Final Thoughts On Executive Career Coaching
Finding the right coach is about more than training or credentials. It’s about finding the right fit. You want to ensure you feel seen, understood, and challenged in all the right ways, and that can take time.
If you’d like to discuss the possibility of working with me as your executive career coach, please reach out or schedule a consultation—I’d love to discuss how I may be able to help you.
And please know that if I’m not the perfect fit, I’ll provide you with a referral to one or more industry colleagues who may be able to support you. I want to ensure you find the very best fit for your unique needs and goals, because I’m here for you! You’ve got this!
