About Coaching

There are many types of coaching, and each coach has their own twist on it. So that we’re operating on the same assumptions, here’s how I approach Executive Coaching.

What Coaching IS: A customized approach to development that places your growth front-and-center. Coaching may focus on either horizontal (external skill) or vertical (internal thinking) development – and often is some combination of both – with demonstrable outcomes.

What Coaching ISN’T: People sometimes mistake coaching for consulting. Unlike consultants, who are brought in to solve a problem, I focus on YOU and your growth – so you can solve your own problems! As a result, you (and by extension, your organization) gain and retain knowledge/skills through a coaching engagement.

When Coaching Is Most Effective: To put it simply: When you WANT to be coached! As a result, I only work with people who are personally invested in their own growth. (Yes, there are “turn-around” coaches who are forced upon employees by HR – I’m not that kind of coach.) I find the most successful engagements occur when you:

  • Clearly define a desired outcome or goal for the engagement
  • Can explain WHY achieving that goal is so critical (and are so passionate about it that you would be willing to give up something else important to pursue it)
  • Involve others (beyond the me) for feedback and accountability
  • Commit to homework and exercises between sessions

How I Typically Structure Engagements: Depending on the scope of desired change, engagements typically range from 6-12 months with a cadence of biweekly sessions. We’ll typically spend 1-2 sessions before formally engaging to clarify goals and outcomes for the engagement to ensure we’re clear on what success will look like.

How To Get Started: For all new clients, I include a complimentary initial intake session so we can get a feel for each other to determine if the “fit” is conducive to coaching and answer any questions you may have. Tip: It’s important to find a coach you trust, find credible, and will enjoy spending time with; likewise, my job is to help you achieve your goals, so I use this session to ensure I feel I’ll be able to support, challenge and hold you accountable.

How Executive Coaching Is Priced: If we decide to move forward, I’ll propose a structure for the engagement – including the duration, frequency of meetings, any assessments, etc. – and a corresponding price. Coaching is generally priced by the engagement rather than by the hour because a lot of work (on both sides) occurs outside our meetings. Most of my engagements are paid by my clients’ employers, but I do hold a handful of discounted spots each quarter for “private pay” clients who are engaging me without the financial backing of their organization.


Questions? Ready to explore? Bounce me a note at alison@exploreyouredge.com or complete this form so we can schedule time to chat!