The Business of Executive Coaching

In this episode, I wanted to share with you one of the most popular episodes from the last year. This episode is a favourite because it addresses a question that makes many coaches cringe: “So… what do you actually do?” If networking, referrals, or informal conversations play any role in your marketing, how you answer this question really matters. In this episode, I explore why traditional elevator pitches often feel awkward for coaches. Most of us really deeply value service and humility, which can make self-promotion uncomfortable. As a result, we either over-explain our work or downplay it, leaving people unclear about who we help and when to refer to us. I share a simple, stress-free alternative to the standard elevator pitch. If you want a clear, comfortable way to answer “what do you do?” and open the door to more meaningful conversations and referrals, this episode is a great place to start. Listen in and let me know what you think! If you’d like feedback on your own soundbite, feel free to share it with me on LinkedIn. And if you’re curious whether the Corporate to Coach Accelerator could support you as you grow your coaching business, book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall or learn more at elliescarf.com/cca. And don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn.

If you are a coach, considering starting your own business in 2026, this episode is for you.For the holidays, I’m revisiting some of last year’s most popular episodes, and this episode was certainly one of them. The start of the year is a perfect time for dreaming so dive in if you want to make your dream coaching business a reality.In this episode, I break down the five (plus a bonus!) essential elements of a successful Corporate to Coach Runway strategy, the period that bridges your corporate career and the launch of your coaching business. We dive into practical, financial, and mindset strategies to help you prepare for the discomfort and uncertainty of starting a business. I talk about how to improve your relationship with rejection and sales and how to define your financial runway - so you can grow your business without feeling desperate or overwhelmed. This episode also touches on the importance of community, and realistic timeframes.If you’re ready to start your executive coaching business with confidence and clarity, I’m offering a free one-on-one strategy call to discuss your runway to starting a coaching business If you’d like guidance to start or grow your coaching business, I’d love to support you. Book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall, explore the program at elliescarf.com/cca, and be sure to connect with me on LinkedIn.

Outreach is one of the most powerful ways to grow an executive coaching business and also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, I wanted to revisit one of the most popular and practical conversations from the podcast this year, focusing on a topic that consistently comes up for coaches working with corporate clients: outreach. More specifically, I explore what I call the outreach myth, the fear of being perceived as salesy, pushy or misaligned with your values. I unpack why this fear is so common among coaches, how it shows up and practical ways to approach outreach differently. If outreach feels heavy, awkward or out of alignment for you, this episode will help you rethink how you approach it and move forward with more confidence and clarity. If you want support to make 2026 the year you start to grow your coaching business, let's chat to see if the Corporate to Coach Accelerator is the right fit for you. Book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall or learn more at elliescarf.com/cca. And don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn.

As the year winds down and we head into the holiday break, I wanted to revisit one of the most practical and well-loved episodes from the podcast: The 8 things to include in your 2026 coaching business strategy In this episode, I break down the core strategic pillars every executive and leadership coach needs to consider when planning for the year ahead. Rather than staying at a high-level or getting lost in vague intentions, this conversation is all about the nuts and bolts of what actually belongs in your strategy if you want a business that is sustainable, profitable and aligned with the way you want to work. I walk you through the eight key areas to review and plan for, including your offers, pricing, revenue mix, business development, marketing, financial management, systems and support, and your own professional development. Along the way, I share why starting with reflection and acknowledging your wins matters just as much as setting new goals, and how clarity in these areas can make planning feel far less overwhelming. If you are starting to think seriously about your 2026 plans and want a clear, practical framework to guide your thinking, this episode will give you a strong foundation to work from. If you would like support as you build your strategy for the year ahead, let's explore whether the Corporate to Coach Accelerator is the right fit for you. Book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall or learn more at elliescarf.com/cca. And don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn, I’d love to hear what stood out for you from this episode.

As I map out my plans for 2026, I have been thinking about how quickly we jump into revenue targets and marketing tactics without asking an equally important question: Does my business actually support the life I want and the impact I care about? In this episode, I talk about the three priorities most coaches bring into business: financial security, meaningful work and the flexibility to live a life that truly fits. These intentions often fade into the background once planning begins, so I share how to bring them back into focus as you shape your strategy for the year ahead. If you are ready to plan for your 2026 business goals with life in mind, this episode gives you a great starting plan. If you want support as you build your 2026 strategy please reach out to find out whether Corporate to Coach Accelerator is the right fit for you. There are just a few spots left before pricing increases in the new year. Book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall or learn more at elliescarf.com/cca.And don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn.