What is the difference between Career Coaching & Executive Coaching?

Very often Executives who come to me to discuss the challenges they are facing in their careers ask me this question: “What is the difference between Career Coaching and Executive Coaching?” And most importantly which one is the best for me?

Obviously, this is a contentious question in the coaching industry. And there are probably as many answers as coaches you will ask the question to. Here is a work-in-progress answer based on my experience over the past two decades in career coaching, executive recruitment, and outplacement.

Executive Coaching is by far the most well-known form of coaching for Executives. It is often offered (and paid for) by companies and organizations to support their Executives to overcome the challenges they may encounter in their day-to-day work lives.

Executive Coaching addresses various issues such as Impostor Syndrome, (lack of) Executive Presence, Communication skills, Perfectionism, Fear of Failure, and so forth…

Meanwhile,

Career Coaching is a trust-based process where an Executive engages with a certified Career Coach to explore her inner motivational drivers and sense of purpose, define her ultimate career and life goals, and engage her network with the intent to achieve those goals.

Career Coaching focuses on Career Design, Personal Branding, and Job Search challenges.

If you want to grow as an Executive, I recommend that you work with an Executive Coach. If you want clarity and purpose in managing your career in order to achieve your goals, then working with a Career Coach is the best decision you will ever make.

Still not sure? Let’s talk, schedule a FREE “Intro” session with me.