Leadership today is a multifaceted role that goes beyond guiding a team; it requires strategic alignment with others, empathy, and adaptability. These elite leadership coaches are not just transforming the way leaders think, act, and inspire, but they are doing so with pioneering methodologies that are reshaping the leadership landscape. Their bespoke coaching is not just empowering organizations, but it is also sparking curiosity and pushing the boundaries of innovation and high performance. Here are ten outstanding leadership coaches who are not just setting new standards, but they are doing so with pioneering methodologies, advancing organizational greatness to even greater heights.
- John C. Maxwell
John C. Maxwell, a renowned leadership expert and best-selling author, has dedicated over 40 years to inspiring leaders globally. His work with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and educational institutions is driven by a deep commitment to helping people grow, embrace change, and discover their passions. Maxwell’s dynamic speaking style, personal stories, and timeless leadership principles consistently motivate audiences and leave them with actionable steps.
Maxwell is the author of more than 100 books on leadership, personal growth, and success, including his best-known works, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 5 Levels of Leadership. His teachings on vital topics such as influence, communication, and teamwork provide practical strategies for individuals and organizations alike. With a passion for empowering others, John Maxwell is not just shaping the present, but also the future of leadership through his impactful coaching and writing, giving the audience a sense of hope and optimism.
- Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek is a well-recognized optimist and visionary thinker, dedicated to building a future where people feel inspired, secure, and fulfilled in their work. With a background in ethnography, he has gained the tools to observe the behavior and communication of the world’s most impactful organizations and leaders. His TED Talk on the concept of WHY has garnered more than 60 million views, becoming a guiding framework for leaders striving for purpose-driven success.
As a bestselling author, Simon’s notable works include Start with WHY, Leaders Eat Last, and The Infinite Game. He continues to inspire through his leadership company, The Optimism Company, his publishing platform, Optimism Press, and his podcast, A Bit of Optimism. His collaborations with global organizations, the U.S. Armed Forces, and nonprofit sectors highlight his influence and commitment to meaningful reform in modern leadership, business, and policing through initiatives like The Curve.
- Liz Dobbins
A Master Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, Liz Dobbins is the principal owner of Propelogy® LLC and specializes in Sensory Somatic Coaching. Liz is an experienced, visionary educator, coach, author, and mentor who has worked with individuals to support their personal growth through teaching, coaching, and mentoring.
A keynote speaker at universities, businesses, and wellness conferences, she has provided cutting-edge presentations and inspirational messages on Human Body Intelligence, and sensory awareness based in neuroscience.
As a leader, she has enhanced her facilitation and coaching skills as a leader by receiving training as a Life Coach from Boldly Embody Life (Elevate). The goal of her coaching is to assist you in exploring, expanding, and developing your authentic self through exploration, expansion, and development of the science of you. Among the certifications she holds are Comprehensive ICF PCC Marker Assessor Training, Sensory Intelligence® Cultural Intelligence™, and Coaching for executives.
Her extensive athletic background makes her an excellent coach and mentor. In addition to being a national champion and one of the top 5 triathletes in her age group, she is a USA Triathlon Association age group commission chair and a women’s commission chair, and an author of numerous publications. She served as the President of the K-Club and the National Letter Winners Association while at the University of Kansas.
- Jane McCloskey
Internationally recognized leadership and performance coach Jane McCloskey speaks on high-impact methodologies with stellar results. With over 30 years of experience as a media executive and Chair, she has navigated the complexities of leadership, governance, and risk at the highest levels. She led the UK’s media giants like the BBC through transformational change, making her a boardroom authority. She’s an intuitive-style coach who helps high-profile clients—from politicians and celebrities to entrepreneurs in public-facing and demanding roles—unlock their talent and excel in competitive and challenging environments.
Her reputation for trust and delivering a high ROI has made her highly sought after, with her elite clientele spanning media, technology, sustainability, and global pharmaceuticals. Key clients include Sky, GlaxoSmithKline, and Christie’s, to whom she serves as a risk and ESG advisor. Inspirational and motivational, she’s a life-changing force for her clients, helping them turn challenges into success.
- Dr. Krisztina Konya
Through her consultancy work as a holistic executive coach and leadership development expert, Dr. Krisztina Konya helps leaders unlock their full potential by maximizing their true worth for greater accomplishments. She is a certified IPHM (International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine) Approved Executive Training Provider, offering a unique approach to coaching that goes beyond the confines of traditional coaching environments. Her coaching sessions focus on self-awareness, strategic thinking, and effective communication, leading to greater clarity and purpose in leadership.
With an Honorary Doctorate in Global Leadership and International Peace, combined with a bachelor’s degree in business management, Krisztina’s background is extensive and reflects her lifelong commitment to leadership excellence. In addition, she is an International Peace Ambassador, Spiritual Mentor, Ancient Crystal Healing Master Healer, and Usui Reiki Master Teacher.
- Dr. April Willis
Dr. April Willis brings an exceptional blend of expertise, holding a Doctorate, three Master’s degrees, and over 15 years of experience in leadership, business, and operations. As a coach, speaker, published author, and business consultant, she has earned affiliations with the Forbes Coaches Council and holds a TEDx license. Most recently, Dr. Willis founded the National Nonprofit Collaborative to provide essential support to nonprofit leaders.
What distinguishes Dr. Willis is her unwavering commitment to personal and organizational growth. She is deeply passionate about fostering positive change and helping individuals reach their highest potential. Since launching her consultancy in 2018, Dr. Willis and her nationwide team have consistently delivered impactful results with integrity, excellence, and enthusiasm.
- Sonja Harvey
Sonja Harvey, founder of The Expansion Practice, is a renowned leadership and intuitive intelligence® expert with over two decades of experience in leadership and organizational development. Sonja’s unique approach blends intuition with analytical, emotional, and somatic intelligence, allowing her to guide leaders through transformative growth.
Her coaching spans a wide range of leaders, from visionaries to those caught in toxic patterns. Through this diverse experience, Sonja has developed a deep understanding of how to foster sustainable organizational change. She helps her clients unlock their leadership potential by aligning their intuitive intelligence® with their purpose, enabling them to break through subconscious fears and limiting beliefs.
Sonja’s evidence-based methods empower innovative leaders to create lasting change within themselves and their teams. She offers personalized coaching, Leadership Labs, keynote speeches, and her flagship program, Leadership Alchemy, which is held twice a year.
- Jim Bishop
Jim Bishop, founder of Conjunction Leadership, brings over 20 years of experience in executive development, corporate leadership, and human performance. His global journey in coaching executives and teams, along with modernizing leadership systems, has helped organizations navigate growth and change effectively. Jim’s expertise focuses on building strong people strategies that ensure success during times of scaling and transformation.
In 2020, Jim launched Conjunction Leadership to provide executive coaching and team development. His unique approach helps leaders move from reactive to strategic thinking, encouraging diverse perspectives and fostering authentic connections. By emphasizing “more AND, less OR,” Jim guides leaders to balance tensions, embrace authenticity, and lead effectively through uncertainty.
Certified by the International Coach Federation and The Ken Blanchard Companies, Jim blends science with art in his coaching. His programs focus on holistic development, helping leaders grow within dynamic, human-centered cultures. Through Conjunction Leadership’s DISRUPT, BRIDGE, and GROW process, Jim leads executives on a path of self-discovery, mindset shifts, and measurable success.
- Dr. Jennifer Reimer
Dr. Jennifer Reimer, CEO of Virtuous Radical Leadership, is a leadership coach dedicated to helping professional women break free from the cycle of constant busyness. With over two decades of experience in multinational corporations and as a consultant, Jennifer brings deep expertise to her coaching practice.
Noticing that traditional leadership education was falling short, Jennifer set out to revolutionize the field. For the past eight years, she has focused on researching leadership and sustainability, exploring the unconscious beliefs that drive leaders’ decisions. Her doctoral research forms the basis of her signature program, “From Busy to Being,” designed to help women leaders identify and release limiting thought patterns.
Through a mix of pre-recorded modules and live sessions, Jennifer guides participants from a state of overwhelm to one of creativity, courage, and inspiration. Her coaching empowers women to elevate their leadership while making room for personal fulfillment. If you’re looking to transform your leadership approach and reclaim balance in your life, Jennifer offers the support you need.
- Stacey Caster
Stacey Caster, the driving force behind North Executive Advisors, is a top authority in leadership coaching with over 25 years of experience across various industries. Renowned for her innovative approach and deep understanding of human dynamics and business systems, Stacey excels at helping senior leaders and C-suite executives unlock their full potential and drive organizational success.
As a Certified International Coaching Federation (ICF) ACC Coach, Genos Emotional Intelligence Practitioner, and Certified Master Facilitator, Stacey’s expertise is both extensive and highly respected. Her proprietary Leadership Progression Plan equips leaders with the skills they need to thrive in executive roles. Whether delivered in-person, virtually, or through self-paced modules, her program is designed for maximum flexibility and impact.
Through North Executive Advisors, Stacey offers tailored leadership development programs that produce immediate, transformative results. Her deep, firsthand experience in C-level leadership gives her a unique ability to guide others through challenges, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. Under Stacey’s guidance, leaders are empowered to embrace change, lead with confidence, and achieve lasting success.
