Is It Time for an Executive Coach? 7 Signs You Might Be Ready (And What to Do Next)
By James Fleming, MD of The Power Within Training
I’ve worked with leaders in just about every situation you can imagine: scaling fast, firefighting daily crises, hitting plateaus, or dealing with the “3am panic” that only comes when you’re the one steering the ship.
And here’s the thing… Even the best leaders get stuck sometimes. You can have all the experience in the world, but still find yourself staring at the ceiling at night thinking, “What the hell do I do next?”
That’s where executive coaching can make the difference. It’s not about someone telling you how to do your job, it’s about having a trusted partner in your corner who helps you see the things you can’t, challenges your thinking, and gives you tools that actually work in the real world.
So, how do you know if it’s the right time? Here are 7 signs you might need an executive coach, and exactly what to do about it.
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You’re Overwhelmed by Decision Fatigue
If every day feels like a fire drill, and you’re constantly making decisions from the moment you open your eyes to the minute your head hits the pillow… it’s no wonder you’re exhausted.
When I hit this stage in my own business, I realised I was making decisions other people could (and should) have been making. A coach helped me see where I could delegate, trust my team, and save my brainpower for the choices that really mattered.
What to do: Learn to separate urgent from important. A good executive coach will help you build decision-making frameworks so you can protect your energy for high-impact calls.
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Your Team Isn’t Performing at Their Best
If you’ve ever sat there thinking, “Why can’t they just get it?”, you’re not alone. Often, the problem isn’t the team, it’s that they’re not fully aligned, inspired, or clear on expectations.
What to do: Coaching can help you spot where communication breaks down, build trust, and create a culture where people want to take ownership of their results.
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You’ve Hit a Growth Ceiling
Plateaus are frustrating. Whether it’s your business revenue, your career progression, or your personal growth, feeling stuck can chip away at your motivation.
When I’ve hit these points, an outside perspective has been invaluable. It’s hard to see your own blind spots, but a coach can challenge the way you’re thinking and help you find new ways forward.
What to do: Work with someone who’ll ask the hard questions, dig into what’s holding you back, and help you create a plan to break through.
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You’re Too Busy Working In the Business to Work On It
I’ve been there. Running around doing everything and ending the day wondering what I actually achieved. That’s not leadership. That’s survival mode.
At The Power Within Training, we teach business owners about ‘Must-Do Lists’ and ‘High-Payoff Activities’; the work that actually moves the needle. The problem is, most leaders spend all day reacting instead of creating.
What to do: Coaching gives you accountability and clarity to free up your time for strategic thinking and big-picture planning.
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You’re Navigating a Big Change
Promotions, restructures, pivots, or scaling: change is stressful, even when it’s positive. And in leadership, you can’t show your panic.
What to do: An executive coach can help you stay grounded, think clearly under pressure, and lead others through change with confidence.
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You’re Quietly Battling Impostor Syndrome
Here’s a truth most leaders won’t say out loud: it’s possible to be successful and still feel like a fraud.
I’ve met CEOs of multi-million-pound companies who still worry they’re “not good enough”. Coaching helps you reframe those thoughts and start leading from a place of confidence rather than fear.
What to do: Get support to shift your mindset, recognise your wins, and lead without second-guessing yourself.
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Leadership Feels Lonely
Sometimes, the hardest part of leadership isn’t the workload, it’s the isolation. When you’re the one making the big calls, it can feel like you’ve got no one to talk to who truly understands the pressure.
What to do: A coach gives you a safe, confidential space to think out loud, get perspective, and make better decisions.
So… Is Now the Time?
If any of these signs feel familiar, it might be the moment to explore executive coaching.
At The Power Within Training, we have a team of incredible coaches ready to be paired with you; the one who best fits your needs and understands your world. They’re experienced professionals, made up of previous business owners and senior leaders who’ve been where you are. They’ve faced the same pressures, challenges, and decisions you’re dealing with right now, and they know how to help you navigate through them.
Our executive coaching is built on real experience, practical tools, and honest conversations that move you forward. No jargon. No corporate waffle. Just support that works.
If you’re ready to cut through the noise, gain clarity, and make confident decisions, let’s talk.
📞 Book your free 15-minute executive coaching discovery call here.
James Fleming
The Power Within Training
The Motivational Intelligence Company
james@tpwtd.com
