Why I Keep Hiring Coaches—Even As a Coach Myself

I’ll never forget the first time I hired a coach.

It started with a dinner invitation from a friend and colleague after a long, hectic workday. We slid into a booth, ordered a glass of wine, and began catching up. Mid-conversation, she shared something that caught me off guard: for the past few months, she’d been working with a coach—on her own dime.

She credited this coach with her recent breakthroughs at work, her renewed confidence, and the surprising sense of calm she’d found amid the usual chaos.

I was surprised—but in hindsight, I shouldn’t have been. I’d noticed the change in her. She was making decisions more confidently, bringing fresh perspectives to tough situations, and somehow staying grounded while the rest of us were spinning our wheels. While we were burning out, she was showing up with clarity and focus.

I remember thinking: I want some of that.

I asked for her coach’s number and set up my first session the next day.

At the time, I was at a fork in the road—doing well but wanting to think beyond the next move to the legacy I wanted to create. Together with my coach, we mapped out a trajectory I’ve followed closely ever since.

How Coaching Helps You Stay Three Steps Ahead

That dinner—and the coaching journey it inspired—shifted how I think about growth. It made me realize that coaching isn’t just about solving immediate challenges; it’s about seeing what’s possible and planning for it, strategically and intentionally.

At that moment in my career, I didn’t want to focus on just one move—I wanted to plan three steps ahead. My coach helped me clarify the life I wanted to build, explore the paths that could take me there, and map out the steps to make it happen.

One of the biggest decisions I faced was whether to leave a large, established organization, where I led a sizeable team, to become Chief People Officer at a biotech startup—where, at least initially, I’d be a team of one.

It wasn’t just a job change; it was a deliberate step toward my long-term vision—gaining startup experience, working in an industry that inspired me, and laying the foundation for the coaching practice I lead today.

My coach helped me approach the move strategically—how to navigate the transition, maximize the opportunity, and make sure it aligned with my bigger goals.

Looking back, hiring that first coach was the moment I truly took control of my career—and my future.

Why I Keep Turning to Coaching—Again and Again

Since then, I’ve worked with coaches at pivotal moments in my career. Some engagements were long-term, while others were for specific challenges. Here are just a few examples:

• A communication coach helped me prepare for a keynote at an international conference, ensuring my message landed with clarity and confidence.

• An art coach helped me think through how to structure my first exhibit—how to tell the story, talk about my work, and price it in a way that made sense.

• A resume coach helped me craft my Board bio, which led to a role on the Foundation Board of Directors of Minnesota State University (Go Mavs!).

Each time, coaching delivered something invaluable: clarity, focus, and the ability to move forward with confidence. Practically speaking, they also saved me countless hours and frustrations.

Sure, I could have figured things out on my own, but having an expert guide—someone who had been there before—made the process so much smoother and more effective. It was money well spent—and something I’d happily invest in again.

The #1 Lesson Top Leaders Know About Coaching

The best leaders don’t go it alone. They know a coach can help them sharpen what already works and stay ahead of what’s next.

Over the years, I’ve worked with coaches at key moments—not because I had to, but because I wanted to grow faster, think bigger, and execute better. Even now, as a coach myself, I continue to seek out coaching. Having a trusted thought partner—someone who challenges my thinking, expands my perspective, and helps me move forward with confidence—is invaluable.

Coaching isn’t something I rely on all the time, but it’s something I return to when I want to be intentional about my growth. It’s how I sharpen my edge, get clear on what matters, and make bold moves with confidence.

3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Investing in Coaching

If you’ve ever thought, “I should be able to figure this out on my own,” ask yourself this:

• Am I spending more time spinning my wheels than actually solving the problem?

• Is the cost of staying stuck greater than the investment it would take to move forward with clarity?

• Would I move faster and feel more confident if I had a trusted guide to help me see what’s next?

Coaching isn’t just an investment in your career—it’s an investment in yourself. Whether you’re navigating a career transition, leveling up your leadership, or tackling a specific challenge, coaching gives you the clarity, tools, and accountability to move forward strategically.

Coaching Changed My Career. Could It Change Yours?

I know because I’ve experienced it firsthand. Coaching changed my career—and my life. If you’ve been wondering whether it could do the same for you, let’s talk.

No pressure—just a chance to get clear on what’s possible.

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