What is Coaching?

Coaching is a process-oriented way to help individuals and teams to reach their goals. Coach is only facilitating the process and providing a space and tools for the individual or team to find the best possible ways to reach their objectives on their own.

International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as a partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.

What is Executive Coaching?

Executive Coaching is 1:1 coaching for a person in a high-level leadership position. My coaching is directed at startup and scaleup founders, executives and leadership teams.

How is coaching different from mentoring?

In mentoring both the coach and the client share a common domain of knowledge. Mentor is the more experienced on this particular field and offers guidance based on his or her experience to a client within similar context. Coach doesn’t necessarily share a similar background with the client. Also, coach’s role is not to give advice but facilitate a learning process and create a reflective space where the client can reach their own conclusions and ways forward.

How is coaching different from consulting?

Consult is analysing clients professional context to offer a specific solution for a certain problem. Coach doesn’t offer opinions or solutions but rather creates a reflective space for the client to see a bigger picture and multiple directions or ways to solve their problem themselves. To achieve this coach utilises thought-provoking questions and excersises and mirrors back clients language and thoughts for deeper reflection.

How is coaching different from therapy?

Coaching and therapy share common methods and tools. Both are based on a reflective dialogue between the coach/therapist and the client. But there is a major difference between these two approaches: therapists goal is to analyse the problem and potentially diagnose a mental health issue. Coach never tries to diagnose or “heal” the client. Coaching is always present and future oriented and usually also more professionally oriented. Coaching is very beneficial solution-focused addition to therapy.

What is your coaching approach?

I offer confidential, one-on-one coaching, creating a space where you can think deeply, explore challenges without judgment, and refine your leadership. I focus on strategic insights, resilience, and high-impact decision-making, ensuring that every session brings clarity and actionable outcomes.

I believe in holistic view of a human so whenever necessary or wanted by the client, we cover also themes regarding clients personal life. I represent eclectic style of coaching which combines different coaching approaches depending on the context, situation and needs of the client.

What type of clients do you work with?

I work with startup and scaleup founders, co-founders, and leadership team members. My coaching is designed for high-achieving, ambitious individuals and teams who operate in high-pressure environments and seek clarity and support in their decision-making, leadership and work-life balance.

How much time do I need to dedicate to coaching?

I typically offer sessions on a weekly or biweekly basis, depending on your needs. Each session lasts 45–60 minutes. If you’re looking for long-term development, we can create a tailored package that fits your schedule and goals. Most clients like to start with a more intense beginning by meeting weekly and after that have more space between the sessions. After more intense beginning some like to meet monthly to reflect their growth and progress long term. First session is dedicated as a “chemistry session” to make sure coaching offers a solution to your needs and I am a good fit as a coach for you.

What is a “chemistry session”?

Chemistry session is the first session of coaching process. In chemistry session we agree on the objective of the coaching and clarify what is to be expected. The results are directly tied to the nature and quality of relationship between me and the client. This is why it’s important to make sure, I’m a good fit for you as a coach. Confidentiality, expectations and boundaries are set in this first meeting.

How many clients do you take on?

I dedicate 5 hours per week to executive coaching. This allows me to offer up to 5–10 individual clients tailored and focused support each week. My goal is not to have many clients but to deliver high-impact, premium coaching to a select few, since my main job is to lead Boost Entrepreneurship Society and coach/train/mentor early-stage founders and teams as a full time job.

Did I miss something?

If you have questions in mind, don’t hesitate to send a message through Get Started or send me email lauri@laurikoittola.com.