Bill Gates once said, “Everyone needs a coach. We all need people that give us feedback. That’s how we improve.” Even the most successful leaders – Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, and Eric Schmidt – have turned to coaches for support and growth. Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, was hesitant at first until a mentor insisted, “Everybody needs a coach.” He later described it as one of the most eye-opening and valuable experiences of his career.

Coaching isn’t just about fixing your weaknesses – it’s about building on your strengths. It helps you understand yourself better and lead in a more thoughtful, authentic way. Sri Lanka’s first female CEO of a conglomerate, Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson, shared how coaching helped her balance her direct communication style while staying true to herself. In my own coaching journey, I’ve helped a senior manager to become a successful CEO of a banking network in Bangladesh, a smart young financial controller who’s on her way to becoming a major CFO, and a business unit head recovering from burnout. Their growth and transformation was nothing short of inspiring.

If top athletes and performers rely on coaches to stay at the top of their game, why should leaders be any different? Coaching helps build emotional intelligence, clarity, and the confidence to make strategic decisions. It’s a powerful tool for anyone who wants to lead with impact. So, instead of asking, “Do I need a coach?” you might want to ask, “What more can I achieve with a coach by my side?”

So, here’s your next step: you can sign up with a professional coach, or start a feedback circle with colleagues, teammates, friends, and family who can offer honest insights on your current communication, management, and leadership skills. Either way, enjoy the journey – it’s one worth taking!