At Navigate Forward, our tenured career coaches help executives find (and thrive) in their next role, whether it’s landing a new leadership position, securing a corporate board seat, or launching an encore chapter as full-time work ends. We’re the team you turn to for important career transitions.
For senior leaders facing other challenges, a one-on-one engagement with an executive or leadership coach can be a smart move. In many cases, your company may fund some or all of your coaching sessions; after all, it’s in their best interest to provide professional development opportunities and retain their top performers.
As this Minnesota Star Tribune article notes, expert coaching can “help with new leadership skills, get over a hump, or give you confidence.”
Here are excerpts of the guidance that three members of the Navigate Forward community shared in the article:
Sample: Find a Coach with a Methodology
Anne Sample served as head of human resources at Pepsi Americas, Thrivent Financial and Caribou Coffee and Bagels before joining Navigate Forward six years ago as CEO. She’s adept at helping executives overcome obstacles and further their careers.
Sample’s guidance:
“Executive coaches are about helping individuals and leaders become better at what they’re doing: to be able to produce more, deliver more, get noticed more or get promoted more.”
“I always recommend to people they find someone who has a methodology, and who has been through some kind of training and certification. That means they’re not just a wise person, they’ve got the benefit of some instruction and some background, and they’ve got context they can go to.”
Simermeyer: Do More than ‘Learn as You Go’
A former senior executive at Ecolab, Beth Simermeyer turned to an executive coach early in her career, an experience she described as “game-changing.” Recently, she worked with Navigate Forward’s coaching team to prepare for corporate board service. She is now a certified executive coach herself, supporting other leaders.
Simermeyer’s advice:
“When you get to a senior level, in particular, it can be very helpful to have a confidential, objective third party, who has experience in organizational dynamics, and who can give you advice on how to handle situations. [In senior leadership,] you’re really learning as you go.”
Meyer: ‘Find Someone to Challenge, Support You’
Mike Meyer is a sought-after executive coach, experienced board director and former C-Suite executive for Fortune 500 companies who joined Navigate Forward in 2022. His book, Work and Win with an Executive Coach, defines his unique perspective and helps senior leaders maximize the impact of coaching engagements.
Meyer’ recommendations:
“Be open to feedback. Choose a coach with the tools, training and experience you need. Find someone who will both challenge and support you.”
