Don't Do That!

So now we’re paying for advice? The truth about Executive Coaching

Episode Summary

Today we’re talking about executive coaching. So, is it me, or is everyone suddenly offering expert advice about your career? Coaching used to be something mostly reserved for CEOs navigating big decisions, but now you see everyone from new managers to senior leaders working with coaches.

Episode Notes

Welcome to another episode of Don’t Do That! Today we’re talking about executive coaching. Is it a powerful leadership tool—or just expensive advice?

Executive coaching used to be something mostly reserved for CEOs and senior executives, but now you see everyone from new managers to seasoned leaders working with coaches to think through career decisions, leadership challenges, and big transitions. Some people swear by it. Others think it’s a professional development grift.

In this episode, we unpack what coaching actually is, when it can be helpful, and when it might not be worth the investment.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What executive coaching actually looks like in practice
• Why coaching has become more common in complex and virtual workplaces
• How to tell if coaching is helping—or just validating bad ideas
• Red flags that someone hired the wrong coach

Some key takeaways are:

• Coaching works best when leaders are open to reflection and change—not just validation.
• In fast-moving and distributed workplaces, coaching can create rare space for clear thinking and perspective.
• Working with a culturally competent coach can broaden your aperture, helping you consider how identity, power, and context shape leadership decisions.
• Coaching can support leadership growth, but it cannot fix structural problems inside organizations.

Resources:

• 2025 ICF Global Coaching Study https://coachingfederation.org/resource/2025-icf-global-coaching-study-executive-summary/
• 2024 HBR Global Leadership Study https://www.harvardbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CRE5057_CL_TT24_Research-Findings_June24.pdf
• HBR “What Can Coaches Do for You?” https://hbr.org/2009/01/what-can-coaches-do-for-you

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