My Approach
My approach to coaching is personalized and pragmatic. I believe you need to be able to bring your whole self to your work, and that means examining the topics that we cover together through the lens of your values and priorities. There is no ‘right path’ but only the best one for you. In working together, I adopt a pragmatic approach focused on identifying your personal and professional priorities and ensuring we’re structuring our time to address them. I see it as my job not only to support you in your journey, but also provide a sounding board for critical thinking and reflection. My priority with clients is to be truth-seeking, and build a trusting relationship that enables us to approach the tough topics without judgment.
Unlike many other coaches, I continue to hold an active operational role at my company so I have a very limited number of spots. This means that should we work together, you’re one of only a very small number of active clients.
Why Coaching Matters
As a founder myself, I can empathize with the challenges of trying to scale yourself while building the best for your team. Here are a few themes that you may find relatable.
Leadership can be incredibly lonely. Sometimes it feels like everyone is looking at you to project confidence and set a vision when you don’t feel it.
Your role is changing under your feet. The skills that got you here aren’t what you need to get you there, particularly in areas like communication, navigating conflict, and people management.
It’s a struggle to balance personal with professional. The pull of your business and team can pull the balance of time spent on personal priorities out of whack. All of us are wearing multiple hats, not only as leaders but as partners, parents, community members and more.
It’s a rollercoaster to tie your identity and emotions to your business. Finding a way to build your resilience and stamina to the shocks of business building is a huge factor in staying the course.
I wish I had had someone helping me in my early career as a founder and executive. Not to tell me how or what to do, but to help me figure out my own unique leadership style and navigate these roadblocks when I hit them the first time. There are many successful models of leadership, but finding one that is authentic and aligned with my values was critical in helping me grow into my new role.
Client Testimonials
“Ada’s coaching has been truly life-changing, personally and professionally. It has been the single biggest impact on my growth as a founder and CEO, and by extension the progress of our company.”
Amelia Lin, Co-Founder and CEO, Honeycomb
“Every single conversation that I have had with Ada has been useful, with zero exceptions. Having a coach that has actually gone through the mud of being a founder provides Ada with a unique ability to provide a constant stream of clear, actionable insights that are invaluable to me.”
Ben Klenk, Co-Founder and CEO, Hotplate
Work with Me
I work with founders on a bi-weekly basis, meeting for 60-minute sessions every other week. In the initial sessions, we will follow a more structured process to get to know each other. We’ll complete an in-depth interview on your background and goals a values exercise, and a complimentary 360 with up to 4 people who know you well. In addition, I’ll be available between sessions to help with anything that comes up at the moment.
Are you interested in learning more? I’d love to hear from you. Click the button below to get in touch.