Technical expertise is insufficient for an effective leader—especially in today’s complex and ever-changing business environment. Instead, aspiring managers must demonstrate the three holy grails of business leadership: emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate unprecedented challenges.
The key to unlocking these skills? Finding the right coach.
The following leaders empower individuals to reach new heights—personally and professionally. As they each bring a unique approach to leadership development, they are also transforming the coaching landscape.
Here are 2024’s best business coaches.
Elaine Lou Cartas: Conscious Conversations for Meaningful Success
Elaine Lou Cartas combines trauma-informed coaching with a passion for helping women of color redefine success. She has earned recognition from Apple News as a top-five business coach. Cartas stands out for her ability to guide leaders toward conscious conversations and sustainable strategies. Her work transcends career advancement: Cartas’s clients uncover what happiness and fulfillment look like on their terms.
“I help my clients land dream careers and create businesses that align with their values,” Cartas explains.
Her career began in political organizing and nonprofit fundraising, where she raised $1 million in just six months to fund more than 200 scholarships. Today, Cartas leads retreats in Los Angeles and hosts the WOC & Allies: Business & Career Realtalk podcast. Her goal? To foster spaces for self-trust and holistic leadership.
Jamie White: Breaking Barriers Through Holistic Growth
Jamie White’s journey as a coach reflects his entrepreneurial success. White has built and sold four businesses, twice earning him the title of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur and inclusion in the nation’s “30 Under 30” list. His specialty? Going beyond profit and loss statements: White is laser-focused on helping clients achieve personal transformation.
“I empower leaders to break through barriers holistically,” White confirms.
He brings to the table 20 years of experience and 15 years of knowledge in psychedelics for personal growth. White’s approach blends practical insights with inventive techniques. Whether guiding executives or entrepreneurs, he inspires clients to maintain balance and well-being while achieving extraordinary results.
Susan Hobson & Elite High Performance: Unlocking Mindset Potential
Susan Hobson is the Founder of Elite High Performance. Through Elite, Hobson uses a neuroscience-based approach to leadership coaching. She’s also quite familiar with the positive mindset needed to thrive in a competitive environment: her experience spans Princeton University, Harvard University, and the National Women’s Hockey League. Hobson says she’s filling an important gap in the business world: “Only 25% of leadership development targets mindset training.”
So, how exactly does Hobson help clients achieve sustainable high performance? Her coaching method combines mindset strategies, leadership development, and cutting-edge neuroscience, which are key to helping business professionals succeed. Hobson has helped entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and even Google’s leaders unlock their full potential.
Erin Thomas: Amplifying Leadership Influence
Erin Thomas believes that leadership is more than an inherent trait—it’s a choice. Fueled by this belief, the former HR executive turned career and leadership coach has helped high-achieving professionals land ideal roles and amplify their influence. Thomas has received multiple honors as a Top Coach and appeared on the 50 Under 50 list of the industry.
“To lead effectively, one needs self-awareness, emotional agility, and a commitment to growth,” Thomas insists.
Her coaching draws on two decades of experience in organizational development and behavioral science. Her forte? Thomas equips clients with strategies to secure top-dollar offers and build professional brands that stand out in competitive markets.
Elevating Leadership in 2025
These coaches prove an undeniable fact about the modern business world: leadership is not one-size-fits-all. Whether focusing on mindset, personal transformation, or strategic career moves, these forward-looking professionals give aspiring leaders the tools they need to thrive.
With their guidance, leaders across industries can look forward to a 2025 filled with elevated execution and management.
