FAQ

General Questions

1. What is coaching? (And how is it different from therapy, consulting, or mentoring?)

Coaching is an intentional partnership designed to support you as you strive to improve your life. For a detailed explanation of my approach and how it differs from therapy, consulting, and mentoring, please see my Scope of practice page.

2. Who can benefit from coaching?

Coaching benefits individuals committed to self-reflection, personal growth, and those seeking greater meaning and fulfillment – especially when navigating the dynamic challenges of the startup world.

3. What kind of results can I expect from coaching?

Through our work together, you can expect to:

3. • • 1. Develop deeper self-awareness.

       2. Clarify your core values, beliefs, and a compelling vision for your future self.

       3. Strengthen the connection between your daily actions and your most important hopes and dreams.

       4. Acquire tools and strategies to characterize and discuss uncertainty.

       5. Navigate choices and obstacles with greater intention and control.

       6. Improve your effectiveness in your professional and personal goals.

4. What is your coaching process or methodology like?

My coaching is founded on the beliefs that you are inherently valuable and resourceful, and that our time here is precious – making attention our most vital currency. I believe that attending to ourselves holistically (mind, body, and spirit) leads to deeper fulfillment, especially while navigating a path towards worthy, carefully chosen goals. This means our sessions will make space for deep inquiry, focused attention on what truly matters to you, and practical steps towards purposeful action and well-being.

5. What are your qualifications and experience as a coach?

While I formally launched my dedicated coaching practice in May 2025, my approach is built on years of practical coaching and mentorship. This includes guiding students during my teaching at Stanford and leading teams as a Director in Engineering and Operations at four distinct startups. In addition, my PhD and MS from Stanford's Design Division equipped me with unique methodologies in design thinking, new product introduction, and decision analysis, which I now adapt to help clients design more purposeful lives. My own journey has also been one of embracing bold, transformative decisions, and I bring that spirit to empowering yours. You can learn more on my About me page.

6. How long does a typical coaching engagement last? / What is the duration of the coaching programs?

Our initial engagement is a foundational block of three weekly sessions. Beyond that, I offer 10-session blocks, typically meeting every other week. If, however, your preference is to set up a longer term engagement, we will set up an arrangement that can adapt to your evolving goals and progress.

7. How frequent are coaching sessions?

Typically, the first three are in sequential weeks, and every other week after that, if you chose to continue.

8. What are your prices?

Your most significant investment will be your dedicated time and attention. Please see my Programs page for details. My introductory pricing is as follows:

9. What happens in a coaching session?

Our sessions will be dynamic and purposeful. They often include:

9. • • Embodied Start: Especially for in-person sessions, we may begin with a physical activity (walking, kettlebells, etc.) to connect mind and body. For video sessions, I'll suggest a preparatory physical focus.

     • Focused Listening & Exploration: I'll listen intently as you discuss your current situation, progress, insights, appreciations, and fears.

     • Clarifying Key Decisions/Commitments: We'll work together to frame important decisions or commitments.

     • Defining Actionable Steps: We'll outline tangible next steps, plan their integration into your life, and agree on your preferred accountability methods.

10. Is what we discuss confidential?

Absolutely. Confidentiality is the bedrock of a trusting coaching relationship. Everything you share – from our conversations to your personal information – is kept confidential and secure. For full details and information on the standard ethical and legal exceptions (e.g., risk of harm), please review the Confidentiality Agreement on the Programs page.

11. How do I know if you're the right coach for me?

Choosing the right coach is a significant decision. I encourage you to explore my About me page, and the information across this site. In addition, please consider booking a Free intro to help you assess if my unique approach aligns with your needs.

12. Where do coaching sessions take place?

We can connect online via video calls. For in-person sessions, I am flexible and happy to meet at a location of your choosing – ideally one that supports both any active elements we might incorporate and focused conversation. My only restriction is that the location needs to be within 60 miles of Santa Clara, CA.

13. What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

For details on my cancellation and rescheduling policy, please refer to the Programs page. I generally request at least 1 week notice for any changes to our scheduled sessions to allow others to potentially use that time.

14. Do you offer a free introductory session or consultation?

Yes, I offer a complimentary introductory call. It's a great opportunity for us to discuss your aspirations and see if my coaching approach is the right fit for you. You can book your call on the Free Intro page.

Unique Coaching Approach

1. How does your background as a Stanford-trained Design Engineer and your experience in startups influence your executive coaching approach?

My Stanford graduate work in Design Engineering (PhD, MS) focused on systematic methods for innovation – like customer value chain analysis, concept generation and selection, failure modes and effects analysis, decision analysis, and prototyping. I’ve applied these in high-stakes startup environments and now adapt them to help you 'design' a more purposeful and effective life and career. This means we can use structured, creative approaches to define your vision, map challenges, explore solutions, and prototype meaningful changes, moving beyond just talk to tangible action.

2. You mention integrating physical activities (like kettlebells, BJJ, cycling, golf) into coaching. How does this work for busy startup professionals, and what are the benefits?

I firmly believe in the deep connection between mind and body, especially for sustaining peak performance and well-being in demanding startup roles. Integrating physical activity isn't about adding another 'to-do.' Instead:

2. • • In-Person: We might start sessions with activities like walking, stretching, or even a more vigorous option you enjoy (kettlebells, golf, etc.) to energize thinking and provide new perspectives.

     • Virtual: I'll encourage a brief physical activity before our call to help you arrive centered and focused.

     • Benefits: This approach can enhance clarity, reduce stress, build resilience, and unlock insights by engaging your whole self. It also supports developing sustainable routines. We tailor this to your interest and fitness level.

3. What do you mean by helping clients connect with their "deeper purpose" in the context of a fast-paced startup environment

In the whirlwind of a startup, it's easy to lose sight of why you're doing what you're doing. Connecting with your 'deeper purpose' means looking beyond daily tasks to understand your core values, what truly motivates you, and the lasting impact you want to make. We might use powerful reflective exercises, like envisioning your legacy, to cut through the noise. When your actions are aligned with a clear, powerful purpose, it fuels resilience, clarifies decision-making, and brings greater fulfillment, even amidst uncertainty.

4. How is your executive coaching different from traditional leadership coaching or business consulting?

My primary focus is on your personal and professional growth, development, and fulfillment. While traditional leadership coaching often focuses on specific competencies, and consulting provides direct business solutions, my approach empowers you to uncover your own answers, insights, and paths forward. We work on developing you into the leader and individual you need to become to navigate your unique challenges and build a life aligned with your deepest values. While my startup and design background informs my perspective, our coaching sessions are dedicated to your agenda and your growth.

About the Coaching Engagement & Logistics

5. What can I expect in the initial block of three sessions you offer?

Our initial three-session block is designed to be foundational. You can expect us to:

5. • • Deeply explore and articulate a compelling vision for your desired future, both professionally and personally.

     • Conduct a candid examination of your current situation – your strengths, challenges, values, and fears.

     • Turn down the volume on the day-to-day noise by confronting our own mortality (should you wish).

     • Begin the process of connecting what truly matters most to you with actionable insights and potential next steps.

6. Given your preference for in-person, active sessions, how do you accommodate clients who are not local or prefer virtual coaching?

While I greatly value the dynamic of in-person, active sessions, I am fully equipped and happy to work with clients globally via video conferencing. We can adapt many of the principles of mind-body integration for virtual sessions, and the core of our deep coaching conversations remains highly effective regardless of location. Coursework and check-ins also support our virtual work.

7. You mention "self-commitment documents" and "progress charts." What are these, and how are they used in your coaching?

Achieving meaningful change often requires consistent, dedicated effort. To support this:

7. • • Self-Commitment Documents: We may collaboratively create a concise, signed document outlining specific commitments you choose to make to yourself. This acts as a powerful personal anchor.

     • Progress Charts: For key metrics or habits you want to develop, we can design simple visual charts to track your progress. This provides clear feedback and helps maintain momentum.

     • These tools are personalized and designed to empower your self-accountability in a way that resonates with you."

8. What are your policies on confidentiality, especially when coaching individuals within the interconnected startup ecosystem?

My commitment to confidentiality is absolute, and this is especially critical when working with individuals in the often interconnected startup world. All personal and professional information shared with me is kept strictly confidential and secure. For a comprehensive outline of my confidentiality policies and standard ethical exceptions, please refer to the Confidentiality Agreement on my Programs page.

9. If physical activity is part of a session, what kind of preparation or equipment is needed, and are there any additional considerations (like waivers)?

Any physical activity we incorporate will be discussed and tailored to your interests and comfort level beforehand. Generally, no special preparation or equipment is needed beyond what you'd typically use for, say, a walk or light stretching, unless we specifically plan for something like a golf session. For any activities that involve more than gentle movement, I have a Physical Activity Waiver (available on the Programs page) for you to review and sign, ensuring clarity and safety.

Who You Work With & Expected Outcomes:

12. Who are your clients?

I work best with individuals who are curious, committed to growth, and ready to explore how to align their ventures with a deeper sense of meaning. I thrive on working with a variety of individuals within the startup ecosystem or individuals seeking to innovate from within larger organizations. This includes, but is not limited to:

12. • • Founders seeking purpose, resilience, and leadership clarity.

      • Engineering, Operations, and Project Managers looking to enhance their impact and navigate team dynamics.

      • Investors and HR Leaders aiming to foster more effective cultures and support key talent.

      • PhD students (especially in technical fields) needing motivation and strategies to complete challenging work like dissertations.

13. What are some potential (non-guaranteed) outcomes clients might experience from working with you...?

While results are individual and depend on your engagement, clients often experience significant shifts. After our initial 3 sessions, you can expect a newly articulated description of your current circumstances, a clearer draft of your 3-5 year vision, and often, a more visceral connection to what deeply matters to you. If we continue for a longer engagement (e.g., an additional 10 sessions), the aim is for you to:

13. • • Feel physically better and more energized.

      • Experience increased mental clarity and awareness.

      • Derive greater fulfillment from a heightened sense of coherence between your daily choices and your core purpose.

      • Navigate your path with more confidence, knowing it's been chosen based on your deepest values.

Getting Started

14. What's the next step if I'm interested in getting started?

    • • Book a complimentary Free intro call to discuss your goals and determine if we're a good fit, or

      • Or schedule your first coaching sessions on the Programs page.