Top 10 Career Mentors
Discover the top 10 Career Mentors in 2025–2026. Expert coaches with proven success helping applicants advance their careers.
Posted October 5, 2025
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When the stakes are high and the path isn’t apparent, the right coach can change everything. This curated list features proven career strategists from ex-Disney and Google leaders to product-tech executives who’ve guided thousands through competitive recruiting cycles, complex pivots, and high-velocity growth. You’ll find specialists for every stage, function, and identity, so you can choose a partner who truly understands your goals and helps you move with clarity and confidence. See all career coaches here.
Kira D.
Experience: Former recruiter at The Walt Disney Studios and Lucasfilm with 10+ years of full-time coaching across undergrad, specialized master’s, MBA, and working professionals. Prior decade in entertainment spanning production, C-level EA roles, casting, and HR/recruiting. Known for standout behavioral mock interviews, masterful resume editing, and compassionate career pivots guidance.
Specialties:
- Behavioral interview prep and storytelling
- Resume copy and positioning
- Major career pivots (incl. military-to-civilian)
- MBA recruiting (non-IB/MC) and internship/full-time searches
- Networking for international students; STEM OPT basics
If you want direct, empathetic, and actionable coaching from someone who’s sat on the recruiting side at iconic studios, Kira is a standout. She’s exceptional at helping you “wrap elevating your narrative. Ideal for MBAs, entertainment switchers, international students, and anyone navigating a major transition who needs grounded strategy plus a steady, kind straight-shooter.
"I want to start by being completely honest. I tend to be highly critical of the academic world. I’ve had extensive conversations with Kira about aspects of the program we met through that I disagreed with. I mention this to emphasize that what I’m about to say about Kira comes from a place of absolute sincerity. Kira is, without a doubt, the single best person I have had the privilege of working with in my academic journey. She was an exceptional advisor, but more specifically, she is a resume guru. The company I landed at receives an average of 3,000 applicants per internship slot, with many getting instantly rejected. During my phone interview, one of the first things they mentioned was how impressed they were with my resume. I ultimately secured the internship and was recently converted to full-time, all thanks to Kira’s meticulous review and guidance. Now, when I evaluate resumes from new applicants, I rely on the tools Kira taught me to identify the next generation of talent. Beyond her expertise, Kira is an incredible listener. She doesn’t just hear you, she truly listens. I’ll never forget a late lunch we shared during a cohort meetup, where we talked for an hour. She encouraged me to express my thoughts openly, engaged with my perspective, and offered meaningful feedback. She is the definition of an advisor. She is the definition of a coach. She is the definition of a mentor. If you’re on the fence about working with Kira, let me make it simple: you’d be making a mistake to pass up the opportunity."
- Jake M., Coached by Kira and landed a role at Coinbase
→ Book a free intro call with Kira
Lindsay S.
Experience: Certified Professional Coach with 19 years in corporate America, including 14 at Google helping businesses navigate digital transformation. Moves clients from confusion to clarity with actionable next steps.
Specialties:
- Career direction and transitions
- Resume and LinkedIn optimization
- Interview preparation and confidence-building
- Promotions and growth planning
- Life coaching for clarity, resilience, and mindset
Lindsay pairs personalized coaching with structured frameworks that unlock confidence and forward motion. If you’re feeling stuck or spread thin, her guided prompts and strengths-focused approach help you identify the “right-fit” role and build momentum quickly. Great for professionals seeking clarity, storytelling polish, and a resilient mindset through change.
"I benefitted greatly from coaching with Lindsay when I transitioned from a role as a clinical pharmacist into a highly competitive and coveted role in the pharmaceutical industry. Lindsay listened to my goals, fears, frustrations and helped me stay focused on why I initially set my goal. Her suggestions were always personalized, insightful and actionable. I am currently contemplating a move into a different pharmaceutical industry role, and I have returned to Lindsay, as her coaching was invaluable 4 years ago when I worked with her!"
- Carrie L., Coached by Lindsay and landed a position at AbbVie
→ Book a free intro call with Laura
David H.
Experience: 15+ years recruiting and leading teams at a16z, Meta, Intuit and Zoom. Deep insight into the competitive hiring processes.
Specialties:
- Breaking into and advancing in tech, VC, and PE
- Job search strategy and market differentiation
- Interview readiness from a recruiter’s lens
- Goal setting and accountability
- Career changes within competitive markets
David brings a recruiter’s x-ray vision to your search, translating insider hiring practices into clear tactics you can use. If you’re targeting tech, venture, or private equity, his perspective helps you avoid guesswork, sharpen your positioning, and move decisively. Expect a structured, ethical, and supportive coaching environment that turns ambiguity into a plan.
"I’ve always turned to Dave whenever I was navigating a job search, and his guidance has been invaluable. He has a deep understanding of the job market, industry trends, and salary expectations, which helped me feel more confident in negotiations. His advice on interview prep and job searching strategies made the process much more efficient and effective. He provided thoughtful feedback, helped me know what to expect, and gave me the confidence to approach opportunities strategically. Dave is a fantastic resource!"
- Lori T., Coached by David and landed roles at Spotify, Nutrafol, and Sony
→ Book a free intro call with David
Lydia H.
Experience: Former corporate recruiter at The Pokémon Company International, Amazon, and Redfin. Has helped 300+ clients land offers at companies like LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Oracle.
Specialties:
- Business and marketing job searches
- Resume/LinkedIn optimization and candidate positioning
- Interview preparation and recruiter-ready narratives
- Career pivots and re-entry (incl. immigrants)
- Targeted application and outreach strategies
Lydia knows exactly how hiring managers decide because she’s partnered with them. Her tailored strategies help you break through screening noise. If you’re in marketing or business functions, expect practical, high-impact guidance that gets traction quickly.
"I went to many interviews but didn't get anywhere with any of them. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with my responses or resume. Unlike other coaches largely into technology, Lydia has the marketing industry knowledge and corporate recruitment experience. During our sessions, she spent extra time addressing my doubts and always responded to my zillion questions promptly and patiently. With Lydia's advice, I was able to structure my interview answers and incorporated her suggestions into my interview answers. Within three months, a business management consultancy has offered me a full-time role as a Senior Associate, Product Marketing, to support their big client - Microsoft. I'm excited to start my new career in the States and I appreciate Lydia for helping me achieve my job search goal!"
- Aishwarya S., Coached by Lydia and landed a position at Microsoft
→ Book a free intro call with Lydia
Amanda C.
Experience: 20+ years in career coaching, counseling, and program management. Board Certified Coach with extensive experience supporting individuals and teams through major transitions and leadership development.
Specialties:
- Career clarity and values alignment
- Strengths-based planning and confidence building
- Leadership development and growth
- Programmatic goal-setting and accountability
- Transitions across life stages and industries
Amanda meets you exactly where you are and then helps you move forward with purpose. Her person-centered approach is ideal if you need clarity, a grounded plan, and steady support through change. Expect practical tools, genuine partnership, and coaching that connects who you are with what you do.
"As someone that values authenticity, I can honestly say that Amanda is the real deal. She has the right balance of empathy, knowledge and polite push and I feel it is because she genuinely wants the best for us. I started with Amanda when I was looking for a grief coach, and while grief never really fully goes away, our sessions have evolved into so much more than I was ever expecting. I look forward to each and every session and leave each one feeling inspired, confident, and more at peace. She has played an integral role in both my personal and professional development and I look forward to her guidance as I continue to grow. I honestly can’t imagine life without her at this point and my only regret is not finding her sooner. She is definitely more than a coach and even goes out of her way to send encouraging messages outside of the sessions. Her impact is hard to sum up into words, but I’ll share this - others around me have given me feedback recently that they can tell a difference in me, and I know I owe a lot of that to Amanda. I will be forever grateful for my time with such a kind and bright light!"
- Beth C., Coached by Amanda
→ Book a free intro call with Amanda
Lee B.
Experience: Experienced executive and top-rated career coach who’s launched departments, driven revenue growth, recruited talent, and led cross-functional teams in high-growth, tech-driven companies. Deep familiarity with rigorous interview processes.
Specialties:
- Strategic career storytelling and positioning
- Interview prep and recruiting strategy
- Negotiation and offer strategy
- Personal branding and confidence building
Lee helps you move smarter, not harder. If you’re feeling underutilized or misaligned, his executive perspective reframes your story and focuses your energy where it counts. He’s an excellent fit for ambitious candidates aiming to stand out in competitive processes.
"Working with Lee through the 'Career Mastery' package was a transformative experience that exceeded all my expectations. His results-driven approach not only refined my resume and LinkedIn profile but also provided me with invaluable insights into the nuances of career development. Lee's hands-on guidance in crafting a compelling personal brand narrative and his expertise in interview preparation specifically tailored to technology startups have been instrumental in my professional growth. What sets Lee apart is his exceptional flexibility and availability. He went above and beyond in terms of time investment, ensuring that I received full value from our sessions together. Lee's communication skills are outstanding; whether it was through phone calls, texts, or emails, he was always responsive and accommodating to my schedule, making the entire coaching process seamless and effective. His approach is both strategic and hands-on, ensuring a well-rounded and personalized coaching experience. Lee is not just a coach; he's a mentor who genuinely invests in your success. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to make significant strides in their career, especially in the tech startup domain."
- Devon V., Coached by Lee
→ Book a free intro call with Lee
Asha T.
Experience: Harvard Business School graduate with 12 years across investment banking, venture capital, and private equity, including Senior Associate at Apax Partners. Has coached 185+ candidates into top schools, banks, and funds, and ranked #1 coach on Leland last year overall.
Specialties:
- Private equity and investment banking recruiting
- MBA applications (with focus on HBS)
- VC recruiting and networking strategy
- Resume, interview, and case prep for top-tier processes
If you want premium, ultra-tailored preparation for PE/IB, VC, or HBS applications, Asha brings rare depth and access. She knows the headhunters, the culture in NY and London, and what it takes to ace resumes, interviews, and case studies. Expect high-touch, highly prepared sessions designed to put you in the top 1% of applicants.
"I've got to give a huge shoutout to Asha – she's the real MVP! Her expertise in nailing interviews and breaking down LBO models was a game-changer, landing me not one, but three fantastic job offers. Asha's commitment to my growth was obvious – she didn't just give advice; she offered personalized feedback and shared insights that I don’t think I could have gotten anywhere else. Her support went beyond our scheduled sessions and she was always responsive and cheering me on and making sure I was ready for every step of the job hunt. If you're on the lookout for a coach who brings both strategy and technical know-how, Asha's your person. My success story is proof that her coaching is top-notch. Big thanks to Asha for making this journey not just successful but downright awesome! 🚀"
- Coached by Asha and landed offers at KKR, EQT, and Advent International
→ Book a free intro call with Asha
Logan T.
Experience: McKinsey-trained coach with an MBA and a Harvard master’s in Human Development and Psychology. Built and delivered leadership programs for Fortune 1000 clients and coached hundreds from ICs to the C-suite.
Specialties:
- Executive and leadership coaching
- Career transitions and growth planning
- Burnout, wellness, and sustainable performance
- Managing up/down and team effectiveness
Logan combines business acumen with psychological insight and mindfulness. If you need clarity through transition or practical tools to lead with impact, his approach creates space for insight and delivers momentum.
"Logan’s candor was incredibly helpful as I reflected on my gaps and the steps I needed to close them. My session with him was packed with practical, actionable feedback that I was able to apply immediately. He’s a fantastic coach!"
- Coached by Logan for Career Coaching, landed a role at McKinsey
→ Book a free intro call with Logan
Chrix U.
Experience: Visionary design leader with 20+ years driving high-impact design strategy, UX excellence, and cross-functional product outcomes across multiple industries. Known for blending strategic insight with hands-on execution.
Specialties:
- Design leadership and team dynamics
- Product design strategy and execution
- Innovation programs and UX impact
- Cross-functional collaboration with product/engineering
For designers and product leaders, Chrix offers pragmatic, real-world coaching grounded in the realities of building, shipping, and scaling. If you need to elevate influence, sharpen strategic design thinking, or align teams around outcomes, you’ll benefit from a no-theory, applied approach that consistently delivers results.
→ Book a free intro call with Chrix
Kevin A.
Experience: Certified executive coach and former product management executive with 20+ years across engineering, consulting, product marketing, and product management. Led at Bill.com, Intuit, LinkedIn, and PayPal, helped scale revenue 10x to >$1B ARR.
Specialties:
- Leadership development for product and tech
- Promotions and role readiness
- Product strategy, influence, and org alignment
- Career transitions into/executive roles
Kevin’s been in the seat building teams, driving strategy, and scaling outcomes, so his coaching is precise and immediately applicable. Expect clear frameworks, seasoned perspective, and a champion for your next breakthrough.
"I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Kevin as a coach/mentor and product leader for some time now, and I can confidently say that his leadership has been a game-changer for both me and the entire team. His coaching is about empowering others to think strategically, make data-driven decisions, and always keep the bigger picture in mind. He has played a pivotal role in honing my understanding of product strategy, offering guidance that goes well beyond just tactical advice. What truly sets Kevin apart is his genuine investment in developing others. He has been an invaluable source of support and guidance, always taking the time to provide thoughtful feedback and challenge us to push our boundaries. It's rare to find a leader who is not only incredibly skilled in product management, product strategy but also committed to helping others grow and succeed. Another trait that stands out most is how collaborative Kevin is. He has a unique ability to bring cross-functional teams together, aligning everyone around a shared vision. This has been key in helping us drive successful product strategies and achieve challenging goals. Whether we’re brainstorming or problem-solving, Kevin ensures that every voice is heard and that we work as one cohesive team. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have Kevin's guidance and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a coach and/or product leader."
- Savinay S., Coached by Kevin landed roles at Intuit and Adobe
→ Book a free intro call with Kevin
Find the Best Coach for Your Career Journey
Expert guidance tailored to your goals makes the difference, especially in competitive fields and complex transitions. Explore these coach profiles and book a free 15-minute intro call to find your fit, or browse all coaches here.
Not sure where to start? Hop on a free strategy and coach‑matching call with the Leland team and get a personalized recommendation. Find the right coach and start building your career today.
Read More:
- 10 Career Development Questions to Ask Your Boss
- 10 Thought-Provoking Questions to Ask a Career Coach
- 10 Job-Ready Career Skills That Will Set You Apart
- How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset for Career Success
Top Career Mentors – FAQs
How do I choose the right career mentor for me?
- The best fit depends on your career stage, goals, and industry. Look for mentors who have expertise in the areas you're targeting. A free intro call is a great way to assess alignment.
What should I expect from career coaching sessions?
- A mentor will typically help clarify your goals, provide tailored strategies, and keep you accountable with actionable next steps. Sessions are usually a mix of coaching conversations, practical exercises, and honest feedback.
How quickly will I see results from working with a career mentor?
- It varies by person and goal. Some clients land interviews or promotions within weeks, while others see gradual but steady progress in confidence, clarity, and long-term strategy. The key is consistent effort between sessions and applying your mentor’s feedback.
