A comprehensive collection of testimonials and feedback from non-profit executives and directors who completed The Coaches' Gift program.
“The Coaches Gift lives up to its name. A true gift to any senior or executive leader seeking to take new ground in their leadership impact.”
“My coach’s coaching was thoughtful, strategic, and highly impactful. She has a unique ability to combine leadership expertise with genuine care and professionalism. She helped me clarify priorities, thereby reducing stress and anxiety about change and succession planning, and increased my confidence in leading by helping me to empower others and foster more effective team dynamics.”
“The Coaches’ Gift was a meaningful and practical investment in my leadership. It gave me space to reflect and receive guidance that helped me think more strategically about WAAR’s future. Through the coaching process, I gained clarity that sustainability requires more than passion and strong programming. It requires infrastructure, board engagement, diversified revenue, business discipline, and intentional relationship-building. This experience helped me see WAAR’s rebuilding season not as a setback but as an important step toward stronger, more sustainable growth. It is difficult to fully express how grateful I am for this experience. The value of this process has been both practical and deeply affirming. I strongly recommend this program to other nonprofit leaders, especially those leading startup or grassroots organizations. WAAR would be in a stronger position had we participated when the program first launched.”
“Working with my Coaches' Gift Coach helped me realize that growth isn't always about doing more—sometimes it's about understanding yourself more deeply. My coach helped me uncover blind spots, challenge old patterns, and develop a healthier relationship with myself and others. I'm leaving this experience with greater self-awareness, stronger leadership skills, and tools that will continue to serve me for years to come.”
“This was a transformative experience. My mentor was outstanding.”
“Through the Coach's Gift, I have become a more confident and grounded leader. It felt like having someone in my corner who genuinely wanted to see me succeed and consistently invested in my growth, encouraging me to reach my full potential.”
“The support provided through The Coaches’ Gift was invaluable during a pivotal period of leadership growth and change. The opportunity to work with an experienced executive coach gave me a trusted space to process challenges, gain perspective, and approach important decisions with greater clarity and confidence. The coaching relationship helped strengthen my leadership, sharpen my thinking, and navigate a complex transition with a more strategic mindset. I am deeply grateful to The Coaches’ Gift for investing in nonprofit leaders in this way.”
“The Coaches’ Gift was one of the most impactful leadership development experiences I have ever participated in. From the thoughtful matching process to the depth of each coaching conversation, every aspect of the program was intentional and meaningful. I was paired with a coach who not only understood the realities of my leadership journey but also challenged me to think bigger, lead more intentionally, and embrace opportunities for growth with confidence. Every leader deserves someone who believes in their potential, challenges their perspective, and invests in their growth. The Coaches’ Gift does exactly that.”
“If you are wanting to grow in your skill as a leader, Coaches' Gift is an awesome program to help you do just that! The executive coaching they gift to you is offered by skilled coaches who donate their time and resources to help you grow into the next level of yourself. I couldn't have asked for a better gift to my professional growth.”
“This experience was invaluable for me and my career. It not only validated my strengths as a leader but also helped me to process and improve the areas where I needed to grow and prepare me for future positions. Anne was kind and helpful while holding me to a higher standard. Most importantly, regardless of the topic or my response, I felt like Anne had my best interests at heart. I would recommend the Coaches' Gift to all leaders.”
“Participating in the Coaches' Gift program was one of the most valuable professional development experiences I have had. My coach provided guidance, perspective, and practical leadership tools that helped me navigate complex decisions with confidence. The experience challenged me to grow as a leader while providing the support needed to address real-world challenges. I am grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend the program to any leader seeking personal and professional growth.”
“The Coaches’ Gift has been a deeply meaningful and enriching experience for me as a Director and community leader. The personalized coaching created space for hard questions, reflection, clarity, and intentional growth, while also strengthening my capacity to lead with purpose in a complex and faith-based nonprofit landscape.”
“The coaching provided a fresh perspective on our challenges while helping me strengthen my leadership skills. It reinforced the areas where I already excelled, identified opportunities for growth, and equipped me with practical approaches to become a more effective and strategic leader.”
“I'm so grateful for this experience and the clarity it brought to understaning my leadership style. It helped me align my vision with practical action, and how to communicate it effectively and with confidence. It helped me understand and apply my version of servant leadership -- and I'm using it today. Every session provided insights that I was eager to apply. What a wondeful gift this has been.”
“Participating in The Coaches’ Gift was an invaluable experience that provided me with the space and structure to gain a deeper understanding of my purpose and leadership approach. Through thoughtful questioning, reflection, and validation, I was able to examine my thought processes, clarify my motivations, and better understand why I lead the way I do. The experience strengthened my self-awareness, confidence, and ability to lead with intention.”
“The Coaches’ Gift provided me with a valuable opportunity to grow both personally and professionally as a CEO. Executive coaching gave me an objective, outside perspective that helped me become more self-aware, think through challenges more effectively, and approach leadership with greater confidence and intention. It created a space for reflection, support, and growth that is often difficult to find in the demands of everyday leadership.”
“Working with a leadership coach through the Coaches' Gift has helped me feel more confident and capable in my role as a leader, identify what it means to lead with intention, and provided a self-awareness that will help me continue to grow well after the program has ended.”
“I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but the Coaches' Gift turned out to be one of the more valuable things I've done for my own development. Jim has a way of meeting you where you are and helping you see things you might be too close to see on your own. I'd absolutely recommend it.”
“My coach helped me navigate a difficult work environment and focus on the experiences I could control to prepare for my next role.”
“I would like to personally thank the Coaches' Gift for the priceless gift of support, guidance with where I was standing in non profit work. My Coach created the space that we were able to communicate and sharpen the tools or get access to the tools I needed to grow in this work. I am so grateful for the opportunity and experience.”
“Coaches Gift was the support I didn't know I needed. My coach gave me clarity and focus in a time when I needed it most.”
“The time with my coach gave me a lot to think about and consider how I perform my current position, and what changes needed to be made.”
“This experience and opportunity was extremely valuable as I transitioned into an Executive Director role with a new organization. My coach helped me become more confident in my voice and role, which has been particularly important as we were beginning an important organizational strategic planning process.”
“The Coach's Gift provides in-depth, customized executive coaching that many leaders never experience in several years of on-the-job training. The intake process ensures that your needs and biggest challenges are unveiled and addressed. In this program, you'll have an experienced coach who listens carefully, asks great questions and provides excellent guidance catered just for your exact situation.”
“The Coaches’ Gift has been a transformative experience for me as a leader. It strengthened my confidence and executive presence, eliminated feelings of imposter syndrome, and helped me grow into a more empathetic, grounded, and effective leader. I’m incredibly thankful for the coaching I received and would highly recommend this program to others.”
“My coach was a perfect match and very beneficial. I benefited from his guidance. He asked questions, understood my situation, and tailored his approach to my needs!”
“The Coaches Gift was a timely exercise for me as I was just taking over as CEO of our organization at the time and was looking to connect with a coach that would help me in that transition. The process has been more than valuable, especially with adjusting my mindset and expectations of the transition to CEO. I have enjoyed the process. If you want to be intentional about life and work (purpose) be open to coaching.”
“As a leader, especially in the nonprofit world, you expect to have all the answers. The Coaches’ Gift allows you the ability to have someone to answer YOUR questions!”
“The Coaches’ Gift is the power of perspective — the ability to step back, reflect, and re-engage with clarity and intention. Working with a coach helped me rediscover my strengths, challenge limiting beliefs, and move forward with greater purpose and confidence in my leadership journey.”
“…I cannot say enough positive things about my experience working with my coach….Many people on my Board and leadership team have noticed a change, and I can wholeheartedly say I’m in a wonderful place... I really don’t know where I’d be without the gift of my amazing coach!”
“The Coaches' Gift will provide you a world-class executive coaching experience that will meet you where you are, help you understand yourself better, and give you actionable ways to level up.”
“I found the Coaches' gift extremely valuable in helping me to identify suggested areas of improvement in both my leadership style and my presentation to others around me… I have a new outlook on what I thought I was giving versus how others receive me. My coach was excellent at walking through things with me to help me understand situations through a different lens and provided excellent guidance on handling things more effectively. I would highly recommend applying for this amazing opportunity!”
“My coach was a great listener, and she had wonderful suggestions for taking our discussions into actionable moments. It felt like my time with her allowed for a laboratory in leadership, where I was encouraged to be proactive in situations between coaching sessions.”
“Coaches’ Gift was one of the most beneficial experiences I’ve had since assuming my new role in leadership. My coach helped me focus my thoughts, gave me new tools and challenged me to set a course I will use throughout the course of my career.”
“The Coaches’ Gift has been an incredible resource for me as a nonprofit leader. The guidance I’ve received from my coach has been nothing short of transformative. I’m walking away with practical tools and a clearer path forward. To have access to such high-level coaching was such an amazing gift, and I can’t recommend it enough!”
“The Coaches' Gift truly helps individuals in leadership positions navigate organizational transitions and priorities. As a leader you are making decisions on behalf of the organization and having an Executive Coach as a thought partner is invaluable and I recommend The Coaches' Gift to future leaders.”
“The Coaches Gift is a valuable program for leaders or upcoming leaders wanting to grow. It’s good to have someone you can open up to and express yourself without judgement or fear of losing your job. Its also another perspective, because at times we let our thoughts, emotions, and even assumptions consume us. This program can also help you realize if Leadership, is something you want to continue to purse in your career.”
“The Coaches' Gift has been an invaluable experience. I have a better understanding of my value alignment with the work I do as a result. My coach was timely in his interactions and brought a high level of experience to the process…I will recommend the Coaches' Gift to other impact leaders throughout my career.”
“As an executive for over 30 years, I believed I mastered my craft; and I have. But there is something special about being challenged to think wider, permission to be considerably confident and own the room without apologies. The Coaches’ Gift gave me a new way of thriving in a very difficult and stressful industry. Well done.”
“I sought the Coach’s Gift at a time when I felt that my leadership capacity and abilities were being challenged more than ever in my career… My executive coach was instrumental and integral and ensured my evolution. I realize why it is called a “gift”. The knowledge that I gained through this process is truly a gift that I will cherish and carry forward through many more years of being a servant leader.”
“Participating in the Coaches’ Gift program was an incredibly rewarding experience. It gave me the tools, encouragement, and expert support I needed to grow professionally and consider possibilities beyond the horizon. The insights I gained from my 360 review and one-on-one meetings with my coach will continue to shape how I lead and connect with my teams, colleagues, and other leaders.”
“The Coaches’ Gift has been one of the most valuable experiences of my professional life, and I know it will be the gift that keeps giving, as the guidance, mentorship, and leadership development I’ve received will continue to inform the way I approach my role as a leader long into the future. The Coaches’ Gift has helped me to become more reflective, directional, and capable.”
“Working with my coach through the Coaches’ Gift was a very rewarding experience. It is an investment in yourself separate from your job or current role. My coaching engagement allowed me some important time to reflect and explore how I wanted to grow and develop as a leader, without having to prioritize others’ desires.”
“As our organization faces tremendous growth, great leadership drives our collective success. My experience with The Coaches’ Gift could not have come at a more important time in my career and in the stage of this organization. I would truly describe our work together as life-changing. Thank you!”
“…the Coaches Gift caused me to look inward and recognize where I needed to improve and even more so, forced me to acknowledge what I'm doing that is great, and not focus on the negative. I gained understanding, as a novis non profit leader, of what it really means to lead a group of people with like-minded goals. Im so very thankful for my coach’s expertise and guidance.”
“The Coaches' Gift is so appropriately named! The time I had with my coach, who brought a wealth of experiences to our conversations, was a true gift. She sought to understand me as an individual in unique circumstances, so our conversations were really valuable to my day-to-day work. I developed a greater confidence in my skills as a leader.”
“My coach truly helped me understand myself better, grow, and be prepared for potential situations and challenges I might face in the future. His personal experience completely aligned with my current situation and I was able to benefit from his research and learnings. It was a pleasure chatting with him and being challenged to dig deep and find solutions.”
“The Coaches Gift is simply that; a GIFT. The test and 360 view has helped me address gaps and direct my focus to 1-2 needs of my team. Well worth my time and anyone’s time who is committed to life long learning and development.”
“The Coaches' Gift is exactly that - a gift. My incredible coach took time to truly get to know me and created a customized plan that has profoundly supported my personal growth, thereby setting the stage for greater impact through my work.”
“My coach… was a God-send! Not knowing what was coming my way when I signed-up for Coach’s Gift, my coach was a great sounding board and encourager when our facility encountered a very trying time. Only God knew how much I needed her! I appreciate the opportunity of your gracious offering and highly recommend to anyone in a leadership position.”
“The Coaches’ Gift was profoundly beneficial to me and I will always be grateful for the experience. I had an amazing coach who used assessments, board interviews, poignant yet gracious questioning to give me insights on my strengths, areas for development and clarity for how to be a more effective leader.”
“For my time in the Coaches’ Gift, I am beyond grateful. My coach has been so kind and understanding of the challenges that I am growing through. She was the perfect match for me.. My time with my coach has been such a large morale boost and empowering moment. I look forward to using the tools we've created for years to come.”
“My experience with the Coaches Gift has been immensely rewarding and beneficial for me on multiple levels. My coach's management expertise and experience have been invaluable assets, providing me with helpful insights and guidance. Equally important, however, has been his understanding and concern for our mission.”
“The Coaches’ Gift program provided me with much-needed clarity and an excellent sounding board at a critical time. As a nonprofit leader, having someone to run ideas by is invaluable. My coach offered insights and support that were instrumental in helping me navigate my role more effectively.”
“My coach's insights and encouragement significantly impacted my professional growth. He patiently listened and provided constructive feedback, which has been instrumental in helping me navigate challenges.”
“The Coaches’ Gift was an immensely helpful engagement that helped me learn about myself, how others perceive me, and how I can grow professionally. Our organization was in a transitional phase during this engagement. My coach asked me thought provoking questions and provided great insights.”
“The Coaches' Gift is an invaluable resource for senior non-profit executives who are always looking to do more with less resources, but truly need the same executive support that their counterparts in the private sector often need and are given budget for. Its tuly a gift that's hard to come by!”
“It was such an honor to be part of the Coaches' Gift program. My coach helped me see paths forward to being a better leader by using my strengths and understanding my weaknesses. I have a better understanding of why I work the way I do. He was patient, funny, and smart and provided me with tools and insight to guide me forward.”
“The Coaches Gift is an invaluable opportunity for nonprofit leaders.”
“The Coaches' Gift program was offered at a time when I needed it the most. Having a coach gave me a chance to dedicate the time I needed to find the solutions to my challenges and finally create a strategic plan that has finally allowed me to envision sustainability for years to come. I am eternally grateful!”
“…the entire process has exceeded my expectations in every way. The insights and transformations I have gained throughout the Coach's Gift have been truly remarkable. I have discovered new perspectives, honed my leadership skills, and gained a deeper understanding of myself and my abilities.”
“Great Experience, thought leadership, engaging, honest and provides great resources, tips and suggestions that applicable. My coach was very nimble, adaptable and pivoted to adjust to the situation.”
“The Coach's Gift is the best gift a nonprofit leader could ever want. Deep expertise and professional experience are deftly applied to the leadership opportunities and hindrances faced by the people charged in some of society's greatest challenges. The services of this program are truly helping to save the world, one leader at a time.”
“This opportunity opened the door to a wealth of knowledge and experience I would not have received otherwise.”
“I have not yet completed it, but already the program is lending to my confidence in leadership, clarity in decision making and a very clear perspective of what needs to shift for me to have longevity in ministry.”
“I am a lifelong learner always trying to improve and be better as a leader. This program came at a very important time in my life as I was beginning my journey to serve as the District Governor for my Rotary District. The program and the coaching were extremely impactful, and I cherish and am very grateful of the experience!”
“I would highly recommend this coaching opportunity to anyone looking to grow and become more effective in their leadership!”
“Thanks for this treasured opportunity to participate in the Coaches' Gift. You have not only impacted me, but also the 5,500 chidlren and 800 staff members who I get to journey alongside!”
“My coach helped me to receive feedback, prioritize my workload, and also served as a balanced perspective as another working mom. I truly appreciate her time and the efforts she poured into my development.”
“I’ve had an incredible coaching experience with my executive coach. Her insights have been so valuable to my growth as a leader and in helping me during a very demanding time at our company. We’re in hyper growth mode and navigating unchartered waters. Her sage advice has been critical to my abilities to keep perspective, leverage my strengths, and coach my team.”
“I have had the pleasure of working with an executive coach for the past few months. As a small nonprofit, this is not something we naturally built into the budget so when presented the opportunity to receive coaching pro-bono, I jumped on it and am so glad I did. It has made me feel supported in my role, given me confidence and tools to lead better.”
“My executive coaching experience was and is truly beneficial in many ways. I talked with my coach once a month after an initial assessment. We discussed my strengths, traits that could help my role as leader/executive, and how I can continue to hone those skills to maximum capacity. My coach is an incredible encourager.”
“I want to say thank you for your amazing gift of my incredible executive coach. She has been a wonderful coach to work with and I have learned so much from her and about myself from the work she has had me do. I will be forever grateful for the support she has provided during this important season.”
“Transitioning from a professional athlete to a business leader proved to be much harder than learning the New England Patriots playbook. I struggled. I needed help. My executive coach guided me towards productive understanding, active patience and elite problem-solving skills. He taught me leadership starts by looking in the mirror.”
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in this program. My coach has been incredible for me as she has helped me settle into my new role here. Her care and wisdom have helped me pause enough to see things about myself that otherwise I would have missed.”
“The Coaches Gift initiative experience has been the most rewarding aspect of my 2022 journey. My coach has helped me grow personally and professionally in ways that are producing a meaningful work life balance. My personal life has benefitted in ways that has caused me to be more focused and present during family time.”
“This experience has truly been a gift, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to participate. My coach provided incredible insight into how my personality and my leadership style contributes to the interactions I have with my colleagues and my Board.”
“The Coaches Gift could not come at a better time for my organization. As I started coaching, we were thrown into an organizational crisis. The support and guidance from my coach helped me navigate a very perilous time. During this journey, I was able to grow as a leader and build the organizational culture.”
“My coach was genuinely caring, supportive, and highly skilled. The assessment feedback was extremely insightful and helpful. I learned about my default patterns and when these can get in the way of progress. Through coaching, I have increased my self-awareness, improved my communication techniques, and obtained new tools.”
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with my coach, she is the best! It is a time of heavy change management at Camp Twin Lakes as we prepare to grow to serve 30% more campers over the next couple of years. My coach has helped me think through Situational Leadership and practice multiple leadership styles.”
“Our coach has been a huge help and contribution to our foundation this year. He has guided us through many hurdles and obstacles, and we just think he's the best. We are so grateful for this gift. It has been a great support to us and we are truly grateful.”
“Coaches' Gift was indeed a gift. My coach helped me maximize my strengths and work on my shortcomings to become a better leader and more able to fulfill the mission of my organization. I looked forward to each session with my coach and the valuable feedback that was offered.”
