Kathrin O’Sullivan

My clients are mostly senior commercial and technical leaders across multiple sectors, with a focus on the technology industry. I work with companies of all sizes, from small start-ups to large multinational enterprises. I also have experience working with leaders in the not for profit space.

I recently coached a client, let’s call her Eileen, a senior leader in a fast paced online retail start-up. We worked together for about 10 months. Initially, she came to coaching in order to “help her build her brand” as she called it. She wanted to instill confidence in others that she’s got what it takes to be on the Executive Team. She was told by her CEO and the Board that while she was considered high potential, she didn’t yet have the experience for such a high profile role. Indeed, she was only in her late 20s. Yet she came with an impressive track record of innovative ideas and impressive results. She was creative, collaborative, and a true explorer.

Together, we dug into the “why” for the desired promotion. She noticed that she was so focused on achieving what was expected of her that she almost lost herself in the process. She started to shift from overworking to understanding and claiming what she wanted to stand for as a leader, and how she wanted to show up in the company. This unleashed boundless creative energy and courage, which in turn translated into valuable results. By giving up trying to impress others and following her own compass, she ended up impressing them so much that she got offered a role on the executive team 6 months into the coaching engagement. We used the remaining 4 months to help her set herself up for success in the new role.

We met every 2 weeks, mostly via video calls. With her permission, I occasionally checked in with her boss, board members, and some of her team to observe how she was being perceived over time. While I strongly believed in her agency, she is also part of a larger system that is important to consider throughout the coaching process.

I love the paradoxes we face in our work, like when clients achieve more than they thought possible after deliberately letting go of overworking, or when they get promoted after letting go of the attachment to a promotion. I’m so proud of Eileen. She has courageously grown into a radiant leader who generously inspires others to shine.

I use a variety of methods like Integral Coaching, Growth Edge Coaching, Somatic Coaching, Adult Development Theory, Complexity Science, Leadership Circle Profile, and IEQ9 Enneagram. I ask a lot of questions that will make you think deeply. And I use my common sense, compassion, business experience, and warmth to meet you where you are at.

Back in my early twenties, a psychic told me my profession would be to help people in the corporate world suffer less. I thought it was a joke, but now that I look back on my 25+ years in business, it’s true. It makes me sad that so many of us stay miserable and unhappy at work. I’m here to help others step into their power and shine. I draw on my own experiences as a business leader. I know how hard it is to wear multiple hats and meet the many demands of work and life.

I’m well versed in many academic and practical tools and modalities to help leaders grow. Every client is unique, and I apply my toolkit depending on the situation. I think my superpower is my no-nonsense yet compassionate approach coupled with my ability to provide useful support to help my clients grow as they work through their challenges.

I am an executive coach and facilitator.

I usually work with six month, fixed fee coaching packages, meaning I am available to my clients at a frequency that works for them. This can include a personality profile, a 360 feedback process, manager and team check-ins, etc.

We’ll be exploring your questions and challenges together. I use a variety of academic and practical tools for that purpose. I will help you get clarity on your goals and support you to stay on track. I will be a support system when you need it, and I will challenge you to fully step into your greatness. Most of all, I want to create a confidential and safe space for you to be the real you, so your real work can get done. In order to keep the momentum going and get the most out of coaching, I like to meet at least once every two weeks.

My coaching is mostly virtual. Having said all that, each client is unique, and your specific situation might call for something different. Let’s talk and figure it out together.

I was born and raised in Germany. After living and working in 5 countries, I am loving my life in California with my partner Richard and our cat Meeko. I enjoy taking long hikes in the hills around San Francisco, swimming in my local lake, and practicing yoga. I feel blessed to be able to travel a lot and spend 2 months a year in Europe. I’m very social and value great conversations, delicious food, and the arts.

I don’t work with teams or groups unless I know the team leader is 100% committed to the project. I only coach individuals who want to be coached (versus being told to get a coach).