Kim Surko
5.0
(10)
Studied at Texas State University
Works at Surko Coaching
Successful clients at
Available Monday at 6:30 PM UTC
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About Kim
I specialize in the architecture of modern leadership. Drawing from 20 years as a marketing and tech executive— navigating high-stakes corporate spaces as a woman and LGBTQIA+ leader—I provide a seasoned perspective on power, culture, and alignment. I operate at the intersection of executive coaching and strategic advisory. Unlike 'pure-play' coaches, I lean into my two decades of experience across startups and big tech to serve as a consultant and sounding board when the moment demands it. This allows me to offer more than just inquiry; I provide the situational insight required to navigate complex organizational dynamics. Known by former CEOs as 'The Velvet Hammer,' I am recognized for my unique ability to blend deep emotional intelligence with an uncompromising, results-driven strategic edge. I partner with leaders from all backgrounds to bridge the gap between human-centered values and measurable impact, ensuring they lead with the grounded authority the modern era requires.
Why do I coach?
I coach because the transition from a functional leader to a business leader is one of the most volatile pivots a professional can make. I remember that leap vividly—often as the only woman and LGBTQIA+ voice in the room, navigating the sudden isolation that comes with high-level authority. The weight of impossible decisions can be paralyzing when you feel you have to carry them alone. I found my own path through the fire because I had two incredible executive coaches who acted as my anchor and my mirror. They taught me how to lead without losing myself. Now, I dedicate my practice to being that same steady ground for leaders and executives. I love helping leaders bridge the gap between their technical brilliance and the grounded, strategic authority the modern era requires.
Work Experience
Founder
Surko Coaching
2024 - Present
Executive Presence & Authority: Partner with high-potential leaders to master the transition from operational execution to boardroom command. By refining executive presence and communication, clients secure the visibility required for senior-level promotions and high-stakes organizational influence. Mental Performance & Resilience: Address self-limiting narratives and imposter syndrome through targeted behavioral shifts. Enable leaders to trade performative urgency for grounded confidence, resulting in deepened trust with board-level stakeholders and more resilient professional relationships. Resilience & Work-Life Calibration: Partner with executives facing burnout and siloed communication issues to re-establish team collaboration and work-life calibration resulting in increased productivity and employee trust. Utilize the Energy Leadership Index (ELI-MP) to identify core energetic blocks, helping clients build sustainable resilience and reduce leadership fatigue. Clarity & Strategic Decision-Making: Facilitate 1:1 sessions focused on sharpening cognitive clarity during organizational change/pivots. Guide leaders through critical transitions by replacing reactive habits with proactive, actionable strategies, leading to faster, high-confidence decision-making in ambiguous environments. Employee Engagement & Retention: Design and implement coaching interventions for misaligned executive teams to break down silos and improve culture. By aligning individual professional goals with organizational vision, drive an increase in employee engagement and improvement in team retention rates. Assessment-Led Development: Administer and interpret behavior and attitudinal assessments (ELI-MP) to build deep self-awareness. Translate assessment data into customized leadership development plans that closed performance gaps and improved interpersonal team dynamics.
Chief Experience Officer
Flowcode
2024 - 2025
Executive team member reporting to the CEO; increased NRR from 90% to 110% Developed cross-functional processes and optimized collaboration across Product, Engineering and Customer Success to improve product to market efficiencies and quality in overall customer experience. Built and introduced at risk models to accelerate detection of at risk customers while creating cross-functional accountability through playbook creation and ownership of action steps required to mitigate risk.
Senior Vice President of Customer Success and Services
Bluecore
2017 - 2024
Executive team member reporting to the CEO; achieved 10x ARR - receiving valuation of $1B, unicorn status! Built, managed, mentored and coached, a global, cross-functional team of 200+ individuals and partners Oversaw acquihire of an India-based company, integrating Customer Success, Support and Production/Design resources into our Global Success Team Developed non-linear growth opportunities personalized to individual skills and curiosities, improving team retention and productivity through cross-functional job creation and transitions. Optimized pre-/post-sales collaboration and processes, achieving faster sales cycles and higher quality delivery; achieved 85% Renewal Rate / 130% DRR Accelerated product adoption with development of repeatable on-demand curriculum & instructor-led training Developed and launched GTM strategy for pricing, packaging and positioning of Bluecore’s Customer Success and Professional Services; generating >$20MM in under 2 years Maintained an overall NPS of 40 and Customer Support CSAT of 95% Established and inspired the voice of the customer and creation of a company-wide culture of #Customer-Obsessed giving input for Product, Sales, Finance and the entire Executive Team/Board
Director of Account Management
Oracle
2015 - 2017
Accountable for overall customer satisfaction - establishing and maintaining process for mutual accountability and expectations of partnership; management of monthly health scorecard of predetermined set of criteria; successfully increased score on critical account status from 2 to a 5 over course of 8 months Managed, coached and mentored a team of Account Managers across portfolio of full-service, enterprise accounts totalling $20MM in ARR with annual expansion goals of 15% YOY Implemented and optimized process for effectiveness: including PM, planning, QBR development and presentation techniques Trained and onboarded team members across portfolio of Oracle products and services Participated in new business opportunities to present and instill confidence in Oracle’s professional services Navigated complex internal processes and systems (due to acquisition of Responsys) for revenue and contract management
Senior Director of Account Management
Harte Hanks
2012 - 2015
- Spearheaded operations approach/process development and optimizations; navigating through corporate organization/restructure - Managed, mentored and coached team of account representative of various skills and experience levels across portfolio of full services accounts (each with $3-5 MM in ARR) - Achieved ARR growth of 500% over the course of 2 years - Supported B2B enterprise customers across various marketing technology solutions (Eloqua & Unica) to develop a Demand Generation Center, including complex, global email lead generation and nurture marketing strategy and implementation within the platform - Directed cross-functional team to service a Social Media Agency of Record for Time Warner Cable, including social strategy, management, content strategy and production
Director of Account Management
Archer Malmo
2010 - 2012
- Combined strategic and marketing plan development with my deep understanding of the digital space while leading several agency accounts - Have a deep knowledge and understanding of my clients' businesses and industries - Plan, develop, execute and measure business building initiatives based on client needs as well as delegate responsibilities to cross-functional stakeholders and direct reports - Accountable for keeping my accounts financially in-line with company policies and procedures, maintaining a minimum 15% watermark profit - Revamped Tocquigny's campaign reporting structure - Developed Board Presentations to receive buy-in on branding and communication plans - Trained Account Team on project management tools and software - Developed internal cross-departmental processes for consistency and efficiency within the agency - Managed >$1M acquisition, retention and loyalty direct mail programs; results 20% above industry averages - Developed and executed complex multi-variate testing plans with over 35 variables - Effectively delivered recommendations to improve campaigns via analysis and insights drawn from performance metrics - Expanded project-based, direct mail production relationship into retainer-based strategic partnership - Developed and managed >1M piece direct mail production and fulfillment process - Clients include: NRG, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Momentum Telecom, Guavus, Pioneer Natural Resources, Lackland, IDG, First National Bank, Pioneer Bank, Worldwide Supply
Senior Account Manager
Springbox
2005 - 2010
- Worked with a select portfolio of B2B and B2C clients to develop and deliver integrated, multi-channel marketing programs including website development, traditional and digital media, social media, direct mail, e-mail and print to drive customer acquisition and retention. - Acquired extensive interactive marketing experience in website strategy and development - Managed cross-departmental teams to ensure financial profitability, quality of work, strategic insight, and overall client satisfaction - Administered executive level insights and recommendations based on measured results of marketing initiatives - Identified and developed new business opportunities within existing accounts by expanding the relationship into new sectors - Managed internal marketing communication strategy for nFusion - Wore several different hats; account/client manager, traffic manager, strategic planner - Client includes: Samsung Electronics, Golfsmith and Anheuser-Busch
Education
International Coaching Federation
ACC
I'm an ICF Accredited Coach
iPEC
Certified Professional Coach, Career and Leadership Coaching
2024 - 2025
Leadership Coach, Executive Coaching and +5 skills
Texas State University
Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication
2002 - 2006
Grade: Cum Laude Activities and societies: - Dean's List each semester - Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO) - Golden Key International Honor Society - Texas Society of Accomplished Young Professionals (TSAYP)
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Kim has helped clients get into these companies: