“Coaching helped us move faster by helping leaders embrace a growth mindset.”
–Kathleen Hogan, Chief People Officer, Microsoft
Our practical experiences during Executive Coaching projects as consultants of Groval Selectia been very reassuring. Time and again it has reconfirmed that, whatever be the tangible outcome, executive coaching helps willing and sincere leaders. Irrespective of the industry, Executive coaching sets the ball rolling to build future organisations. Executive coaching is also an integral component in Organisational development programmes.
Read more about our work on the same here – https://grovalselectia.com/organisational-development-workshops/
In a world defined by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA), executive coaching has become a vital tool for developing resilient, thoughtful, and strategic leaders. Here are five compelling reasons, supported by industry examples and leadership wisdom.
Enhances adaptive leadership
In today’s world , agility is everything. Executive coaching helps leaders break out of rigid thinking, pivot with purpose, and lead through constant change. It nurtures a mindset that embraces transformation rather than resists it.
When Satya Nadella took over as CEO of Microsoft, he championed a shift from a fixed to a growth mindset. Executive coaching was used across leadership levels to promote
Strengthens decision-making amid uncertainty
In fast-moving, unpredictable environments, waiting for certainty is not an option. Coaching provides leaders with decision-making frameworks, helping them act confidently in ambiguity, manage risk, and align choices with core values.
During the global pandemic, Unilever’s leaders leaned on executive coaches to guide urgent decisions on employee safety, supply chain continuity, and consumer engagement—often with limited data and evolving circumstances.
“Executive coaching gave us clarity during chaos. It helped leaders trust their instincts and stay grounded in values.”
– Leena Nair, Former CHRO, Unilever
Develops Emotional Intelligence and resilience
Leadership today demands more than IQ—it demands EQ. Coaching sharpens self-awareness, improves empathy, and supports mental resilience. These qualities are vital for leading diverse teams, managing stress, and inspiring others through crises.
At Salesforce, executive coaching is part of a broader commitment to conscious leadership. Leaders are encouraged to build empathy, listen actively, and support team wellbeing—skills that have driven strong culture even in disruptive times.
“In a world full of stress and distraction, emotional intelligence is the new superpower.”
Marc Benioff, CEO, Salesforce
Encourages Strategic thinking and Innovation
In complexity, strategic clarity becomes a differentiator. Coaching helps leaders zoom out, reframe problems, and explore creative solutions. It nurtures long-term vision without losing sight of short-term priorities.
When COVID-19 disrupted travel, Airbnb used coaching to help its leadership pause, rethink strategy, and innovate. Rather than react with panic, they doubled down on core values, redesigned offerings, and emerged stronger.
“Coaching gave us the space to reflect and reimagine—not just react.”
— Brian Chesky, CEO, Airbnb
Provides a confidential space for reflection and growth
Senior leaders often lack a safe space to think out loud. Executive coaches serve as neutral sounding boards—offering honest feedback, challenging blind spots, and helping leaders think strategically without judgment or political risk.
At Google, even top executives regularly work with coaches. This practice supports clarity, personal growth, and better leadership alignment in one of the world’s most fast-paced, data-driven environments.
“Everyone needs a coach… We all need people who give us feedback. That’s how we improve.”
— Eric Schmidt, Former CEO, Google
Executive coaching is no longer optional—it’s strategic. In a VUCA world, coaching empowers leaders to adapt quickly, decide wisely, lead empathetically, think long-term, and grow continuously. It builds the kind of leadership organizations need not just to survive—but to thrive.
Reflective questions :
- Do we allow ourselves to be challenged by others in the system?
- How do we react to hurt to our ego?
- How do we deal with people who challenge status quo?
- How do we plan to challenge status quo?
Please visit our page on Executive Coaching to gather our perspectives –https://grovalselectia.com/executive-coaching-workshops-india/
Do write to us to share your thoughts on Executive coaching for your leaders
