Best Executive Coaches

About Marshall Goldsmith

Marshall Goldsmith is a renowned executive leadership coach and author, celebrated for his significant contributions to leadership development and executive coaching. Born on March 20, 1949, in Valley Station, Kentucky, Goldsmith pursued a Bachelor of Science in mathematical economics from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1970, followed by an MBA from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business in 1972, and a PhD from UCLA Anderson School of Management in 1977. ​

Throughout his career, Goldsmith has been affiliated with esteemed institutions such as Loyola Marymount University's College of Business and Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business. He co-founded Keilty, Goldsmith and Company, a management education firm, and later established the Marshall Goldsmith Group, focusing on executive coaching

Services

Marshall Goldsmith offers a range of services aimed at enhancing leadership effectiveness:​

  • Executive Coaching: Goldsmith has coached over 150 major CEOs and their management teams, utilizing practical and proven methods to facilitate behavioral change and improve leadership effectiveness. ​

  • Stakeholder-Centered Coaching Certification: This program trains leaders to implement behavioral changes with long-term organizational impact, involving key stakeholders in the coaching process to ensure sustained development.

  • Speaking Engagements: As a sought-after speaker, Goldsmith delivers keynote addresses and workshops globally, sharing insights on leadership, behavioral change, and personal development.

 Strengths

  • Proven Methodologies: Goldsmith's coaching techniques are research-based and have been successfully implemented by numerous top executives, leading to measurable improvements in leadership performance. ​

  • Global Recognition: Consistently ranked among the top executive coaches and business thinkers globally, Goldsmith's expertise is widely acknowledged in the industry. ​

  • Extensive Resources: Through his books, articles, and online content, Goldsmith provides a wealth of knowledge accessible to a broad audience, extending his impact beyond direct coaching clients.

Weaknesses 

  • High Demand and Accessibility: Given his prominence, securing personal coaching sessions with Goldsmith may be challenging, and his services may come at a premium cost, limiting accessibility for smaller organizations or individuals.​

  • Perceived Rigidity in Approach: Some critiques suggest that Goldsmith's methodologies may not be universally applicable across all organizational cultures or individual personalities, potentially limiting their effectiveness in certain contexts. ​

Summary

Marshall Goldsmith's distinguished career in executive coaching and leadership development has solidified his status as a leading authority in the field. His evidence-based approaches and stakeholder-centered methodologies have been instrumental in transforming leadership behaviors across various industries. While his services are highly sought after and may not be accessible to all, the extensive resources he offers continue to influence and inspire leaders worldwide.