San Francisco-based Executive Coach | Author | Speaker
Joel Garfinkle
Recognized as One of the Best Executive Coaches
- Named One of the Top 15 Executive Coaches Worldwide by Global Gurus
- Master Certified Coach (MCC credential) – Only 2% of the 30,000 coaches worldwide hold the highest accreditation from the International Coaching Federation.
- 25 Years of Executive Coaching Experience.
- 2, 500 Leaders Coached
- 7,500 Coaching Hours
- Operating from the Bay Area, Joel offers San Francisco executive coaching locally and virtually to leaders around the world.
Named One of the Top 15 Executive Coaches Worldwide (Global Gurus)
Master Certified Coach (MCC): Only 2% of 30,000 coaches worldwide hold the highest International Coaching Federation accreditation
25 Years of Executive Coaching Experience
2,500+ leaders coached | 7,500+ hours of executive coaching delivered
Operating from the Bay Area, Joel offers San Francisco executive coaching locally and virtually to leaders around the world
Top Companies Worldwide That Have Hired Joel Garfinkle as an Executive Coach
From its roots in San Francisco, Garfinkle Executive Coaching has expanded its reach globally, serving leaders from organizations across the world. Whether you’re in the Bay Area or beyond, Joel’s executive coaching services has helped executives from some of the world’s most respected organizations, including:
What Led Me to Coaching
In college, I discovered my purpose: “I want to help healthy individuals better their lives.” Years later someone told me, “That’s called coaching.” I immediately enrolled in a 3-year coaching program, and launched my practice. After my first class, I was literally jumping with joy. I’d found my calling. I’d always felt like a fish out of water in school and early in my career, coaching felt like coming home to water.
Why I coach
Coaching is where everything aligns. My clarity and instincts pour effortlessly into each session, and I know exactly how to challenge each leader. I coach because it creates real change. I’ve seen thousands of leaders shift behaviors, reframe mindsets, and step into their power. What energizes me most? Those breakthrough moments, when someone realizes they’re more capable than they believed, takes the bold step they’ve been avoiding, or steps into courage they didn’t know they had.
How I Work with Leaders
Clients say they feel safe, seen, and deeply understood. My calm, grounded presence invites honest reflection, while my motivating energy sparks real growth. I offer direct, no-nonsense feedback with care. I help leaders cut through the noise, get to the heart of issues quickly, and create practical solutions that deliver lasting change. At the core of my work is a simple belief: when leaders feel safe to explore who they are, they grow into the kind of leader they were meant to be.
Global Executive Coaching, Based in San Francisco
Geographic location doesn’t matter—Garfinkle Executive Coaching has coached clients in over 25 countries. My executive coaching services are delivered primarily via video conferencing and email support, ensuring global accessibility and convenience. Clients from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa, China, Australia, South America, and North America have benefited from my world-class coaching.
While my virtual coaching approach is highly effective and popular, we also conduct in-person sessions for clients who prefer face-to-face interactions, particularly those seeking top-tier San Francisco executive coaching and executive coaching in the Bay Area.
Ready to invest in Executive Coaching?
I selected Joel as my executive coach for the UC Berkeley Executive Leadership Program. Joel’s thoughtful, probing questions helped me gain a fresh perspective on my challenges and develop a clear, actionable plan. I highly recommend Joel to anyone seeking a professional coach.
Scott Ramsay – WW Director Data center Care Services
Joel is a Featured Expert in Prestigious National News Outlets
Joel, known for his San Francisco executive coaching, has appeared in ABC News, Harvard Business Review, CNN, NPR, BBC, CNBC, Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Forbes, USA Today, Newsweek, CBS Money Watch, New York Post, BusinessWeek, Fast Company, The Economist, Fox Business, Inc.
Published Author and Thought Leader
Over the past 25 years, through writing and speaking on leadership, I’ve built a deep library of practical insights for leaders at every level.
Bestselling Author and Leadership Expert
Author of 11 Leadership Books
- This Executive Presence book is a blueprint for commanding respect, exuding charisma, and making a powerful impact in…
- Why Some Leaders Get Promoted—And Others Don’t Two employees perform at the same level, yet only one moves…
- What sets good leaders apart? It’s not just experience—it’s the qualities of great leaders that define success. In…
- No one is born a great boss—you become one. You may have earned your promotion through strong performance,…
Professional Speaker and Corporate Trainer
Companies, organizations, associations, and conferences worldwide have hired Joel as a speaker, including industry leaders in technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, retail, consumer goods, hospitality, media, and entertainment.
Joel delivers engaging, results-driven executive presence training that empowers leaders to enhance their executive presence, increase influence, and accelerate career growth. Here’s a partial list of companies that have benefited from Joel’s expertise as a speaker and corporate trainer:
Hire Joel for Speaking or Executive Coaching
Professional Affiliations
International Change Management Consultant
Worked as a consultant for two of the top consulting firms in the world.
Ernst & Young in Hong Kong
Accenture in San Francisco
Education
Degree in psychology from San Diego State University
Completed a three-year coaching certificate program with Coach University