Executive Coaching for founders

Building something from nothing is hard.

Make it easier.

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I’m James Sheppard.

WELCOME. I’m glad you’re here

I help founders accelerate their impact with less stress.

Let’s face it, you’re running a marathon at a sprinter’s pace.

You’re passionate about the problem you’re trying to solve and you’re fired up by the progress you’ve made. But it still feels like an uphill climb and, some days, a lonely one. Co-founders, investors, spouses, employees, board members…. they often don’t get it.

I get it. I’ve been there.

I’m James Sheppard; a 3X founder turned executive coach.

Over my 20 year career as a founder I’ve ridden the roller coaster of highs and lows, driven to build things of value and make an impact.  I know what it’s like to give everything I’ve got in pursuit of building something great.  I’ve tasted both failure and success.  And I’ve learned A LOT along the way.

My mission now is to help other founders thrive in the experience of building.

So what does “thriving” actually mean?

It’s more than the typical success metrics.

The KPI definition; scaling, profitability, and the market loving your product (as measured by growth) matter, but they’re destinations.

Real success lies in how those around you experience the journey.

Can you inspire others to follow your vision? Can you build a world-class team? Can you develop a winning strategy? Can you execute on it?

You can’t get to a destination without being effective.

And your effectiveness is a function of the way you experience the journey.

Imagine effortlessly being at your best, even when you…

… look at your calendar for the week and think “there’s just no way I can do it all!”

… can’t help but feel you made a bad hire, but taking action has tricky consequences

… continually butt heads with a board member on strategy

… find yourself at odds with your co-founder, unable to agree on responsibilities

… close a huge deal but the complexities and trade-offs leave you not feeling like rallying the team to celebrate

… struggle with your spouse, having set expectations you aren’t meeting

… and the list goes on.

The challenges are inevitable. The struggle is optional. Thriving means gracefully navigating the whole ride - ups and downs and all - with more ease.

I can help.

Sounds interesting?   Let’s talk.
working with me

I coach at the intersection of the personal and professional.

You’re a human being, first, a founder second. Paradoxically, working from this understanding will amplify your results.

My approach includes everything you would expect in the areas of KPIs and leadership effectiveness. But what fires me up is to help you become truly intentional about your experience.

This often includes:

Achieving greater results with less effort

Thinking at your CLEAREST and most creative in the face of relentless pressure

Leading from a place of self-awareness that elicits the best from your team

Engaged employees doing their best work while loving their job (and remaining loyal)

If this sounds interesting, let’s talk.