How to Encourage Top Level Management (C-Suite) to Participate in a One-on-one Executive Coaching Program

Encouraging director levels to participate in a one-on-one executive coaching program requires a strategic, respectful and personalized approach, especially considering their seniority, responsibilities, and potential time constraints. Here's a step by step guide with messaging tips that are motivating and aligned with their role and aspirations.

Step-by-Step Approach

1. Understand Her/His Context & Motivation

Before inviting her/him, gather insights:

• What are her/his professional goals? (e.g., promotion, strategic impact, stakeholder management)

• What challenges does she/he face? (e.g., cross-functional alignment, talent pipeline, digital finance transformation)

• What’s her personality? (Data-driven? Reserved? Collaborative?)

2. Position Coaching as Strategic, Not Remedial

Make it clear coaching is not a sign of weakness, but a tool elite leaders use to accelerate their impact.

"This coaching program is offered exclusively to our top leadership team to sharpen strategic thinking, enhance executive presence, and lead with even greater influence."

3. Link Coaching to Their Leadership Role

Tailor the message to show how coaching supports their leadership. H/hisere is an example tailored for a female Finance Director:

"As a Finance Director, you’re already shaping the company’s future. Coaching can help amplify your voice at the strategy table, influence beyond numbers, and navigate complex leadership dynamics."

4. Offer a Safe, Confidential Space

Highlight that coaching is confidential, designed to help them reflect without judgment, and customized to their goals.

"Many senior leaders find it helpful to have a trusted sounding board to think through high-stakes decisions and lead with clarity."

5. Provide Evidence & Testimonials

Use data and real stories (from other leaders if possible):

"Over 80% of executives who’ve participated in our coaching program report stronger executive influence and better team engagement.”

“Our Legal GM said it helped her lead strategic conversations more confidently with the board.”

6. Offer Flexibility & Respect Their Time

Show that coaching can fit into her schedule and will be high-impact:

“The sessions are 60 minutes, scheduled based on your availability — even once every two weeks — with practical takeaways you can apply right away.”

Example Invitation Message (Email or Verbal Pitch)

Subject: Exclusive Executive Coaching for Strategic Leadership Growth

Dear [Name], As a valued senior leader and Finance Director, your role is critical in driving both performance and strategic clarity for the organization. To support you further in this journey, we’d like to invite you to a one-on-one executive coaching program tailored specifically for high-impact leaders like yourself. This isn’t a training or corrective initiative—it’s an exclusive, confidential space where you can: Refine your strategic leadership Navigate complex decisions with more clarity Enhance your executive presence and influence across functions The program is flexible, personalized, and led by a professional executive coach who understands leadership at your level. We’ve seen powerful results from other leaders in the same cohort. I believe this could be a strong support for you in your continued growth and strategic impact. I’d be happy to share more details and answer any questions. Warm regards, [Your Name]

Tip: If She’/He is Hesitant…

Acknowledge her/his concern, and offer a short trial session:

“Would you be open to just one introductory session to see if it fits your style and current leadership needs? No obligation beyond that.”

Case Study Example:

You are an HR Leader who is facing a skepticism of a female finance director about participating an one-on-one executive coaching program. Here is the full set of materials tailored to encourage her to join a one-on-one executive coaching program:

1. One Page Proposal for Executive Coaching Participation

Executive Coaching for Strategic Leadership

A confidential, personalized development experience for senior leaders

Why Coaching for a Finance Director?

As a senior finance leader, you carry significant responsibility: managing financial health, shaping strategy, and influencing business direction. Executive coaching provides a high-impact support system to:

• Strengthen leadership presence at the C-suite level

• Enhance strategic thinking beyond operational finance

• Navigate complex stakeholder relationships

• Act as a trusted sounding board for high-stakes decisions

What You Will Gain

• A deeper understanding of your leadership style

• Sharpened ability to lead through uncertainty and change

• Stronger influence across cross-functional teams

• Greater clarity in communicating complex financial narratives to non-finance audiences

What the Program Includes

• 6 Private Sessions with a certified executive coach

• Flexible Scheduling – 60-minute sessions tailored to your calendar

• Confidentiality guaranteed

• Customized goals co-designed to fit your role and aspirations

Who Is This For?

• This is not a performance intervention. This is a strategic investment in the leadership of:

• Senior Finance Executives

• Female Leaders driving transformation

• Key decision-makers at the enterprise level

“Coaching gave me a fresh lens to lead at the enterprise level—not just manage numbers, but shape business decisions with more confidence.”

— Former CFO, Multinational Tech Company

2. Script for HR/CEO to Use in a Verbal Pitch

“Hi [Name],

I wanted to personally share an opportunity we’ve curated for our top executives—an executive coaching program designed to support high-performing leaders like yourself.

This isn’t remedial. It’s about expanding strategic leadership, sharpening decision-making, and having a trusted thought partner outside your day-to-day team. For someone in your role as Finance Director—where you influence across the business, the board, and operations—it’s a chance to enhance how you lead change and communicate strategy.

Many of your peers have found coaching useful not because they’re struggling, but because they’re growing. It’s a confidential, flexible process, and we’d love for you to try an introductory session—just to explore whether it fits your leadership journey. Would you be open to that?”

3. Success Story: Female Executive Who Benefited from Coaching

Storytelling Case Study – Based on Real Executive Experience

"From Analyst to Strategic Voice at the Table"

The journey of a female Finance Director through executive coaching

Maria, a seasoned Finance Director at a leading FMCG company in Jakarta, had always excelled at delivering results. Her numbers spoke for themselves. Yet when it came to influencing business strategy and asserting her voice in the boardroom, she often held back.

“I thought my role was to present data clearly. But I realized I wasn’t connecting with the bigger business vision,” she shared.

Through a six-month executive coaching program, Maria worked with a coach who helped her:

• Reframe her mindset from ‘reporting’ to ‘co-leading’

• Practice strategic storytelling in financial presentations

• Manage tough conversations with peers and regional leadership

• Build a stronger personal brand within the executive team

By the end of the program, Maria was no longer just the financial watchdog—she became a strategic thought partner, contributing to product launch decisions, digital investment strategies, and talent planning.

“I didn’t change who I was—I just grew more confident in who I already am.”

Her story became a catalyst, inspiring other women leaders in her company to see coaching as an empowering, not intimidating, opportunity.

Conclusion

Encouraging C-suite Level to participate in a one-on-one executive coaching program is not about fixing gaps. It's about unlocking untapped potential at the highest level. Coaching offers a powerful, confidential space for senior leaders to:

• Navigate complexity with clarity

• Lead strategically beyond the numbers

• Build presence and influence in the boardroom

• And, most importantly, grow into the leader they are truly capable of becoming.

By presenting coaching as a strategic partnership -not a performance review- you affirm their value and invest in their growth as a key driver of business transformation. Paired with real-world success stories and personalized invitations, this approach not only boosts participation - it signals your commitment to empowering leadership at the top.