Over the years, I’ve worked with C-suite executives across industries, and one thing remains consistent—those who seek an executive coach don’t do so because they are failing; they do it because they are committed to excellence. No matter how high you rise in your career, the weight of responsibility, decision-making, and driving an organisation forward can be immense.
As a leader, you may already have experience, intelligence, and a strong network. But an executive coach helps unlock perspectives you might not even realise you’re missing.
In this article, I share my three core reasons why having an executive coach isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for sustainable leadership success.
- Elevating Strategic Clarity and Decision-Making
One of the most valuable aspects of executive coaching is refining how leaders think. When you’re at the top, decisions come fast, and stakes are high. Many leaders operate under the pressure of ambiguity, needing to act decisively without complete information. A coach acts as a sounding board, helping you structure your thinking, uncover blind spots, and clarify the rationale behind your choices.
For example, I worked with a seasoned CEO who was navigating a major digital transformation. While he had industry expertise, he struggled with aligning his leadership team on the new vision. Through executive coaching, we used a structured approach to break down resistance, engage stakeholders, and create a more effective communication strategy. The result? Faster buy-in, smoother implementation, and a leader who exuded confidence rather than doubt.
Strategic clarity isn’t just about making better decisions; it’s about making them with conviction and foresight.
- Strengthening Emotional Intelligence for Influence
Leadership isn’t just about driving results—it’s about inspiring people. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is one of the most underrated skills in leadership, yet it differentiates great leaders from those who struggle to engage their teams effectively.
An executive coach helps you sharpen your self-awareness, recognise how you’re perceived, and develop stronger interpersonal skills. One of my clients, a brilliant CFO, had a sharp analytical mind but struggled with building rapport. His direct reports often felt unheard, leading to lower morale and reduced collaboration. Through coaching, we worked on active listening techniques, feedback loops, and non-verbal communication cues that made a tangible difference. Over six months, his engagement scores improved significantly, and he was able to foster a culture of trust within his team.
In an era where employees expect more than just a pay check, leaders who cultivate emotional intelligence create stronger, more resilient organisations.
- Challenging Limiting Beliefs and Expanding Growth Mindset
Even the most successful leaders have internal narratives that can hold them back. Whether it’s imposter syndrome, fear of failure, or resistance to change, unchecked mental barriers can limit both personal and organisational growth.
Executive coaching provides a structured way to challenge these beliefs. I once coached a COO who was reluctant to embrace a more public-facing role, fearing that his reserved nature would be a liability. Through targeted exercises, reframing techniques, and progressive exposure, he not only overcame his hesitation but became a sought-after speaker in his industry.
Leaders who work with a coach don’t just become better at their jobs; they unlock new dimensions of leadership they never thought possible. Growth is a continuous process, and the best leaders are those who seek to evolve, adapt, and push their boundaries.
Reflection —
If you’ve ever wondered whether an executive coach is worth the investment, ask yourself this: Are you willing to settle for where you are, or do you want to see just how far you can go? Think on the lines of amplifying strengths, sharpening self-awareness, and making sure you’re leading at your highest potential.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
Extending beyond academia; Ankoor has been honoured with the "CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE 2024" award by Passion Vista and recognized as the "MAN OF EXCELLENCE, 2024" by the prestigious Indian Achievers' Award. Additionally, he received the "LEADER 2.0 AWARD, 2023" from adgully and was named a "DIGITAL KAIZEN LEADER by DigiAdCon 2024”, Dr. Dasguupta's contributions to the field of marketing are widely acclaimed, marking him as an inspiring thought leader in his domain. Ankoor is also a member of IMA India’s CMO Forum.
Most recently Dr. Dasguupta has been selected and felicitated with the national level award -Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Inspiration Award 2024 in the category Youth Icon of the Year.
Dr. Dasguupta is a key member of the esteemed International CMO Council and keeps delivering lectures at top Business Schools and also colleges at University of Delhi. As an industry expert, Ankoor has also been a member of the interview panel at MICA for their PGP Group Exercise & Personal Interview PI process for PGDM-C/PGDM selection for two consecutive years. Dr. Dasguupta is also on the Advisory Board of the Marketing Department at ISBR Business School, Bangalore. Recognized by DMA Asia as a marketing Ace, Dr. Dasguupta is a LinkedIn Top Voice, advocate of social impact, driven by kaizen, Ankoor believes in the power of Energy and Energize
Dr. Ankoor is practicing his PCC (Level 2) coaching from the gold standard International Coaching Federation [ICF]. He is a people's person and has worked across functions in senior leadership positions in marketing, advertising, media & communication with a pedigree of 24 years and ongoing exciting journey. Trained from Dale Carnegie in Mentoring to Develop Talent, Ankoor is a marketing practitioner, a coach, a knowledge manager, a team builder, a thought-leader, an avid writer with close to 100 published articles / interviews and is a Thought Leader. Dr.Ankoor wears the hat of a CMO as well. His leisure pursuits are reading, effective listening and percussion. Follow Dr. Ankoor Dasguupta on LinkedIn| https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankoordasguupta/
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