What is Executive Coaching? A Guide for Leaders and Professionals in London

Executive coaching has moved from a niche leadership tool to a mainstream professional development investment. London’s most ambitious leaders — from FTSE 100 directors to startup founders — are using it to perform at their best, navigate complexity, and lead with greater impact. But what exactly is executive coaching, and how do you know if it’s right for you?

What is Executive Coaching?

Executive coaching is a professional development process in which a trained coach works 1-to-1 with a leader or senior professional to improve performance, develop leadership capabilities, and navigate specific challenges. Unlike management training or consulting — which typically deliver advice or instruction — executive coaching is a collaborative, questioning-based process that draws out the coachee’s own insights and solutions.

The focus can range from specific skills (communication, decision-making, delegation) to broader themes (leadership identity, managing under pressure, work-life integration, career transition).

Who Uses Executive Coaching?

Executive coaching is used across all sectors and levels of seniority. Common clients include:

• Senior leaders and directors — navigating board dynamics, managing up, driving organisational change
• New managers — transitioning from individual contributor to people leader
• High-potential professionals — accelerating career growth and building executive presence
• Entrepreneurs and founders — scaling themselves alongside their businesses
• Professionals in transition — changing industry, returning after a career break, stepping back from a high-pressure role

What Does Executive Coaching Address?

• Leadership style and effectiveness
• Communication and influencing skills
• Confidence and executive presence
• Managing stress and preventing burnout
• Navigating difficult relationships or conflict at work
• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Work-life balance and boundary-setting
• Imposter syndrome and self-limiting beliefs
• Career planning and purpose

How is Executive Coaching Different From Mentoring or Therapy?

Executive Coaching vs. Mentoring

A mentor typically shares their own experience and gives advice based on having “been there”. A coach does not need to have worked in your specific field — their value comes from powerful questioning, reflection, and process, not expertise in your domain. Many senior professionals find coaching more valuable than mentoring precisely because it’s non-directive: it challenges your thinking without imposing someone else’s path.

Executive Coaching vs. Therapy

Therapy typically explores past experiences and psychological patterns to promote healing. Executive coaching is forward-focused — it starts from where you are now and focuses on where you want to go. A good executive coach will recognise when deeper psychological work is needed and refer appropriately, but coaching itself operates in the performance and development space, not clinical mental health.

What Makes a Good Executive Coach?

• ICF accreditation — the global standard for coaching quality and ethics
• Relevant experience — some understanding of professional or organisational contexts
• Specialist tools — NLP, psychometric assessments, mindfulness, or somatic coaching can add powerful dimensions
• Strong rapport — the relationship is the primary vehicle for change; chemistry matters
• Confidentiality — you need to be able to speak freely; a good coach maintains strict confidentiality

What Does Executive Coaching Cost in London?

Executive coaching in London typically ranges from £150–£500+ per session, depending on the coach’s credentials, experience, and niche. Many coaches offer packages of 6–12 sessions. Some organisations fund coaching as part of their L&D budget — it’s worth asking your employer or checking if your company has a coaching budget.

How Long Does Executive Coaching Take?

A typical engagement is 6–12 sessions over 3–6 months. Sessions are usually 60–90 minutes, fortnightly or monthly. Some specific goals (confidence for a presentation, preparing for a difficult conversation) can be addressed in 2–3 sessions; broader leadership development typically benefits from a longer engagement.

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Beyza is an ICF Level 1 Accredited coach and NLP Practitioner based in London, working with professionals and leaders to unlock their full potential. Explore 1-to-1 coaching sessions or life coaching, and book a free discovery call to start the conversation.