By Kurt Landon, Chief Talent Officer
When we think of high-performance coaching, our minds often go to names like Simone Biles, Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, or Tom Brady—athletes who credit much of their sustained success to the coaches who pushed them, challenged them, and helped them grow mentally and physically.
But what about the boardroom?
C-suite executives face pressure just as intense as the world’s top athletes: high-stakes decisions, constant performance scrutiny, and an ever-evolving playing field. Yet many leaders still hesitate to seek coaching, fearing it may signal weakness rather than wisdom. The reality? The best leaders, like the best athletes, never stop improving—and they don’t do it alone.
The Athlete-Executive Parallel
In a recent Saybrook University blog, we’re reminded that elite athletes often turn to sports psychologists and performance coaches not just to address problems, but to elevate their mental game and build resilience. These professionals help athletes manage pressure, visualize success, and unlock their full potential.
This same approach applies to executive leadership. Whether navigating a merger, driving innovation, or shaping culture, CEOs, COOs CHROs, and other senior leaders benefit from trusted thought partners who can help sharpen their thinking and elevate their leadership impact.
What Coaches Do for Executives
An executive coach is not a therapist, consultant, or advisor. They are a confidential sounding board, someone who helps leaders reflect more deeply, see around corners, and translate self-awareness into action. Some of the core benefits include:
- Enhanced decision-making in complex, high-stakes environments
- Greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence
- Stronger communication and team alignment
- Support in navigating leadership transitions
- Accountability for growth and transformation
A recent McKinsey article even likens the modern CEO to an elite athlete, arguing that performance at the top demands more than intelligence and grit. It takes structure, discipline, and the ability to reflect and adapt. Coaching, in this context, becomes a strategic asset.
The Stigma Is Outdated
The idea that coaching is remedial or reserved for “fixing” people is outdated. Coaching is about unlocking what’s next, helping leaders navigate complexity, grow with intention, and lead with clarity. Top-performing companies know this. Increasingly, they’re investing in coaching not just for the CEO, but for their entire executive team, because high-impact leadership is a collective effort.
Coaching Is a Competitive Advantage
Just as athletes wouldn’t think of going into a championship season without a coach (or several!), executives should see coaching as a key part of their leadership toolkit. The ability to pause, reflect, and grow with the help of a skilled partner is no longer optional — it’s essential.
Because peak performance doesn’t just happen on the field, it’s forged in the boardroom too.
Interested in exploring executive coaching for yourself or your team? Let’s talk. At LEAD3R, we work with senior leaders to unlock their highest potential through tailored coaching engagements, grounded in real-world business acumen and transformative leadership frameworks.
Additional Source:
Leadership Lab: Take a Cue From Athletes by Working With an Executive Coach
About Kurt
Kurt Landon (he/him) is a seasoned executive coach with 30 years of experience helping senior leaders unlock their full potential and drive business results. Known for his results-oriented and cross-culturally fluent approach, Kurt blends direct guidance with a facilitative coaching style, empowering leaders to solve immediate challenges while building long-term resilience.
With a global track record that spans top companies like Accenture, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Pinterest (where he served as Chief People Officer), Kurt brings deep expertise in leadership effectiveness, organizational growth, and high-performance culture. As founder of Enspira—a leadership and HR consultancy ranked on the Inc. 5000—he built a $13M business supporting 200+ clients before its acquisition by LEAD3R in 2024.
Kurt now serves as Chief Talent Officer at LEAD3R, where he leads executive coaching engagements and strategic client partnerships. He is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and has been featured as a speaker and lecturer at institutions such as Kellogg, ESMT, and Université Catholique de Louvain. Fluent in five languages and having lived in four global regions, Kurt brings unmatched perspective to every coaching conversation.
Relevant The Future of Teamwork Podcast Episodes
Check out some relevant content from The Future of Teamwork podcast, hosted by LEAD3R CEO, Dane Groeneveld:
Episode 79: Decoding Leadership for First-Time CEOS with Byron Morrison
Dane interviews leadership coach Byron Morrison about transforming the CEO’s role in team productivity and wellness. Morrison shares actionable insights on decision-making, small team dynamics, burnout prevention, and creating workplace well-being while empowering teams for success.
Episode 97: Cultivating Empathy and Resilience in Team Dynamics with Makeda Brown
Dane interviews Makeda Brown, an executive coach who transitioned from HR. Brown emphasizes the importance of personal connections between leaders and teams, creating supportive environments, and understanding teamwork fundamentals. She advocates shifting from fear-based leadership to a collaborative “orchestra conductor” approach focused on growth, curiosity, and resilience.
Episode 127: Energy Leadership: How to Be a More Effective Leader with Gina Catalano
Dane interviews Gina Catalano of Centro Forza Group about leadership and workplace culture. Catalano discusses how emotional intelligence shapes leadership style, meeting individual team needs, and using the Energy Leadership Assessment to understand stress reactions. The episode offers practical strategies for effective leadership and stronger team cultures.
