Changing jobs at the executive level isn’t like sending out a few applications and hoping for the best. Senior leaders face different challenges. They need to position themselves strategically, navigate complex negotiations, and often reinvent their professional identity. That’s where an executive career coach comes in.
An executive career coach and consultant is a professional who works with senior leaders, helping them clarify their career direction, develop their leadership brand, and achieve meaningful growth. Whether you’re aiming for a C-suite position, transitioning industries, or figuring out your next move after years in one role, this type of coaching offers tailored guidance that goes beyond generic career advice.
Let’s break down what executive career coaching really involves and how it can help you grow.
Who Needs an Executive Career Coach?
Executive career coaching isn’t for everyone. It’s designed for professionals who have already built substantial experience and are now looking to move up, pivot, or make a more purposeful career choice.
You might benefit from working with an executive career coach if you’re:
- Senior managers or directors who want to break into the C-suite but aren’t sure how to position themselves for that leap.
- Mid-career professionals who feel stuck or unfulfilled and are considering a significant change, whether that’s a new industry, a different role, or even starting their own venture.
- Executives in transition who have left a role, either by choice or circumstance, and need support building their next chapter with confidence.
- High performers who are technically strong but need help developing the softer skills that matter at the top, like executive presence, influence, and strategic thinking.
If you’ve reached a point where standard career advice doesn’t fit your situation anymore, that’s usually a sign you need someone who understands the nuances of leadership-level career planning.
What Does an Executive Career Coach Actually Do?
The work an executive career coach does is different from what you’d get with a resume writer or a general career counsellor. It’s more personal, more strategic, and more focused on long-term growth.
Here’s what the process typically looks like.
Clarify Your Vision and Goals
Many senior professionals know they want something different, but they struggle to articulate what that actually is. An executive career coach helps you dig deeper. What do you really want from your career at this stage? What kind of impact do you want to make? What trade-offs are you willing to accept?
This clarity becomes the foundation for everything else.
Assess Your Strengths and Gaps
Coaches often use assessments, feedback tools, and reflective exercises to help you understand where you excel and where you might need development. This isn’t about pointing out weaknesses. It’s about building self-awareness so you can play to your strengths and address any blind spots that might be holding you back.
Build Your Leadership Brand
At the executive level, your reputation matters as much as your resume. An executive career coach helps you define and communicate your unique value. What do you want to be known for? How do you want others to perceive your leadership style? This involves everything from how you show up in meetings to how you present yourself on LinkedIn.
Professionals working with someone like Mohammed Bawaji often find that refining their leadership brand opens doors they didn’t even know existed.
Develop a Strategic Career Plan
Once you know where you want to go and how you want to be seen, the next step is building a plan to get there. This might include identifying target companies, building relationships with key decision-makers, or developing new skills that will be essential in your next role.
An executive career coach doesn’t just help you think about the future. They help you map out the specific actions you need to take.
Navigate Transitions and Negotiations
Career transitions at the executive level are rarely straightforward. There are politics to manage, compensation packages to negotiate, and sometimes difficult conversations to have. A coach provides guidance and support through these moments, helping you stay focused and confident.
How Executive Career Coaching Differs from Other Types of Coaching
People sometimes confuse executive career coaching with life coaching, leadership coaching, or even therapy. While there’s some overlap, they’re not the same thing.
Leadership coaching focuses on improving your effectiveness in your current role. It’s about becoming a better leader where you are right now.
Life coaching looks at your overall life satisfaction and might touch on career, relationships, health, and personal growth all at once.
Executive career coaching is specifically about your professional trajectory. It’s forward-looking and action-oriented, with a clear focus on helping you achieve your next career goal.
And while therapy helps you process past experiences and emotions, coaching is about moving forward and creating new outcomes.
Read More : Career Coach Vs. Life Coach
The Real Benefits of Working with an Executive Career Coach
So what do you actually get out of this? Let’s talk about the tangible benefits.
Faster Career Progression
When you have a clear plan and someone holding you accountable, you move faster. You stop second-guessing yourself and start taking meaningful action. Many executives report landing their ideal role months or even years sooner than they would have on their own.
Better Decision-Making
Big career decisions can be overwhelming. Should you take that offer? Should you wait for something better? An executive career coach helps you weigh options objectively and make choices aligned with your long-term goals.
Increased Confidence
Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear just because you’ve made it to the executive level. In fact, it can get worse. Coaching helps you recognise your value and own your achievements without downplaying them.
Expanded Network
Good coaches introduce you to people who can help you. They might connect you with recruiters, industry leaders, or other executives who’ve been through similar transitions. These connections can be just as valuable as the coaching itself.
Platforms like Mohammed Bawaji offer not just coaching but also access to a broader community of professionals navigating similar challenges.
Greater Work-Life Balance
Growth doesn’t always mean working more. Sometimes it means working smarter, setting better boundaries, and being more intentional about how you spend your time. Many executives find that coaching helps them achieve more while actually reducing stress.
What to Look for in an Executive Career Coach
Not all coaches are created equal. Here’s what you should look for.
Relevant Experience
Your coach should understand the level you’re operating at. Ideally, they’ve worked with executives before or have been in senior leadership themselves. They need to understand the unique challenges and dynamics of executive-level roles.
A Structured Process
Good coaching isn’t just venting sessions. It should have structure, clear goals, and measurable progress. Ask potential coaches about their methodology.
Chemistry
You’re going to be sharing a lot with this person. You need to feel comfortable being honest with them, even when that’s uncomfortable. Trust your gut on whether there’s a good fit.
Proven Results
Ask for testimonials, case studies, or examples of clients they’ve helped. A good coach will be happy to share success stories.
Whether you’re exploring options on your own or considering working with a professional like Mohammed Bawaji, make sure you do your homework before committing.
How Long Does Executive Career Coaching Take?
This varies depending on your goals and situation. Some executives work with a coach for three to six months, while others engage in longer-term relationships lasting a year or more.
Short-term coaching might focus on a specific goal, like landing a new job or preparing for a promotion. Longer engagements often involve deeper work around leadership development, career reinvention, or building a sustainable path for long-term growth.
Getting Started with Executive Career Coaching
If you’re considering working with an executive career coach, here’s how to begin.
First, get clear on what you want. You don’t need to have all the answers, but having a general sense of your goals will help you find the right coach and make the most of the experience.
Second, research potential coaches. Look at their backgrounds, read reviews, and schedule introductory calls. Many professionals featured in lists like the Career Consultant and Coach in Pune offer free consultations to help you understand their style and approach.
Third, commit to the process. Coaching only works if you’re willing to do the work. That means being open, being honest, and taking action on what you discuss.
FAQs About Executive Career Coaching
What is the difference between a career coach and an executive career coach?
An executive career coach specialises in working with senior leaders and focuses on challenges specific to executive-level roles, such as C-suite positioning, leadership branding, and high-stakes career transitions. A general career coach works with professionals at all levels and may not have the specialised knowledge needed for executive contexts.
How much does executive career coaching typically cost?
Fees vary widely depending on the coach’s experience and the programme structure. Executive coaching can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds per month. Many coaches offer packages that include multiple sessions, assessments, and ongoing support between meetings.
Can executive career coaching help me change industries?
Yes, one of the most common reasons executives seek coaching is to transition into a new industry. A coach helps you identify transferable skills, build relevant networks, and position yourself as a credible candidate even without direct industry experience.
How do I know if I’m ready for an executive career coach?
If you’re feeling stuck, unclear about your next move, or ready to make a significant change but unsure how to approach it, you’re likely ready. Coaching works best when you’re open to feedback, willing to invest time and effort, and committed to making real progress.
What should I expect in my first session with an executive career coach?
The first session usually involves discussing your background, current situation, and goals. Your coach will ask questions to understand what’s working, what’s not, and what you want to achieve. Together, you’ll outline a plan for your coaching engagement and set expectations for the work ahead.