Top 10 Personal Development Coaches (2026)
Discover the top 10 Personal Development Coaches and Mentors in 2026. Expert coaches with proven success in helping people become their best self.
Posted January 10, 2026
Table of Contents
In a noisy world of quick tips and generic advice, the right coach can help you become the person you want to be. This curated list features ten standout personal development coaches with proven track records across leadership, life pivots, resilience, mindfulness, and holistic well-being. Their backgrounds vary from consultants to military service members, offering a breadth of experience so you can find the coach who fits your goals. See all personal development coaches here.
Matthew M.
Experience: A global strategist with 13+ years across private, public, and social sectors, Matthew has navigated multiple career pivots, going from a career at BCG to now leading social impact organizations. He studied at Oxford and lived across nine countries, translating international experience into human-centered coaching.
Specialties:
- Global mindset and cross-cultural leadership
- Career pivots
- Professional development and performance
- International careers and mobility
- Clarity and confidence building
If you’re expanding your horizons, Matthew helps you think globally while staying grounded in what matters. His “us vs. them” mindset-shift principle is powerful for anyone who wants to build universal capability and thrive. Expect thoughtful guidance rooted in diverse sectors and a pay-it-forward ethos.
"I am incredibly grateful for Matthew’s unwavering support and guidance throughout my journey. He didn’t just help me refine my CV or prepare for interviews, he helped me clarify my professional goals, understand what truly drives me and build a thoughtful, actionable plan to move forward. What sets Matthew apart is how deeply he cares and listens. He went beyond surface-level advice and tailored his approach through genuine, personal conversations to reflect a true understanding of my professional aspirations. Matthew is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also remarkably sincere. If you are fortunate enough to work with him, know that you are gaining not just a mentor but a partner who will go above and beyond to always support your success."
- Andrew A., Coached by Matthew
→ Book a free intro call with Matthew
Logan T.
Experience: Logan blends psychology (Harvard M.Ed.), business (Vanderbilt MBA), and McKinsey strategy experience with a 2-year residency at a meditation center. He has designed and delivered leadership programs for individuals and audiences up to 3,000, and now runs a coaching practice focused on professional growth with mindfulness at its core.
Specialties:
- Mindfulness and burnout prevention
- Leadership development
- Career transitions and motivation
- Head–heart decision-making
For high performers seeking clarity with calm, Logan integrates evidence-informed psychology with practical business chops. He’s ideal for leaders and rising professionals who want to balance ambition with well-being.
"Connecting with Logan has been a life-changing experience. His calmness, level-headedness, and insight on business, education, and psychology made a perfect trifecta that helped reduce my anxiety and helplessness during the Grad School admissions process. Logan’s ability to listen, connect, and relate throughout our sessions helped instill confidence and empower me to feel that I had control in times of uncertainty."
- Coached by Logan
→ Book a free intro call with Logan
Lindsay S.
Experience: A Certified Professional Coach with 14 years at Google, Lindsay brings a rare blend of psychology and hands-on career strategy. She helps clients move from confusion to clarity with tailored frameworks and compassionate accountability.
Specialties:
- Career direction
- Interview preparation and storytelling
- Career transitions and confidence building
- Life coaching and goal execution
Lindsay is a steady, warm partner for professionals who want actionable next steps and real momentum. If you’re feeling stuck, her structured yet human approach turns self-knowledge into a plan you can own to balance complex lives and careers.
"I had the privilege of working with Lindsay for a period of 4 months. I was blown away by Lindsay's ability to communicate and connect across such a broad range of issues. Her passion for supporting others with career or personal goals is obvious from the first session and she goes above and beyond to dedicate effort and time to meticulously sharing notes, resources, followups and whatever it may be that helps you on your journey. I felt stimulated and focused after every session. Thank you Lindsay :)"
- Coached by Lindsay
→ Book a free intro call with Lindsay
Kira D.
Experience: An ex-Disney recruiter turned career strategist with 10+ years coaching undergrads, specialized master’s, MBAs, and working professionals, Kira has guided countless career pivots, instilling a sense of clear direction.
Specialties:
- Major career pivots
- Veterans moving into civilian roles or MBAs
- Neurodiversity-informed productivity and systems
- Networking strategy and behavioral interview coaching
Kira is the “sanity check” and straight-shooting thought partner you want when the stakes are high. She helps you articulate your story, set expectations, and build traction fast, especially if you’re pivoting.
"I started working with Kira in March during one of the most difficult points in my job search. I felt discouraged and uncertain about my direction, but from the very first session, Kira brought a rare combination of compassion, insight, and strategy that made all the difference. She took the time to deeply understand my career history and long-term goals, then helped me identify gaps and blind spots that I couldn’t see on my own. Kira guided me to set realistic 3–6 month expectations, and her strategic thinking gave me a renewed sense of clarity and control. One of the most impactful parts of our work together was the resume audit. Kira went through my resume line by line, offering expert-level feedback and thoughtful edits that truly elevated how I presented myself on paper. She also helped me sharpen my storytelling for networking conversations and coffee chats, which directly led to interview opportunities. When I landed an interview with Amazon, Kira was right there with me—helping me prepare thoughtfully and strategically for every round. Her encouragement and sharp coaching played a critical role in helping me land the job. Kira is attentive, passionate, and genuinely committed to helping others succeed. I’m so grateful to have worked with her—and I can honestly say I wouldn’t have made it to Amazon without her support. She’s the real deal."
- Coached by Kira, landed a role at Amazon
→ Book a free intro call with Kira
Baris K.
Experience: A Stanford MBA and three-time CEO who spent a decade as an engineer and another as a venture capitalist, Baris has seen every side of the leadership table.
Specialties:
- Leadership growth
- Moving from technical roles into management
- Founder and operator mindset development
- Navigating career inflection points
If you’re ready for a leap, Baris offers seasoned, candid guidance grounded in real-world leadership. His perspective is invaluable for ambitious professionals seeking the next rung and the mindset to handle evolution.
"I’ve had the privilege of working with Baris as both a life and business coach, and the experience has been truly transformative. From our very first session, he created a space that felt both empowering and deeply supportive. Baris has a unique ability to listen with intention, ask the right questions, and challenge me to grow in ways I never expected. Professionally, he helped me gain clarity on my goals, align my business strategies with my values, and take actionable steps toward sustainable success. Personally, I’ve gained more confidence, a better work-life balance, and a renewed sense of purpose. I can’t recommend Baris highly enough."
- Paige O., Coached by Baris and landed a role at Apple
→ Book a free intro call with Baris
Rosie M.
Experience: Founder of Perkies, Rosie scaled a mission-driven brand from a university class project to retail distribution, a patent, and a broadened product mission serving women impacted by breast cancer. She pairs founder grit with years of mentorship to students and early-career professionals.
Specialties:
- Early-career clarity and confidence
- Entrepreneurship and founder mindset
- Life transitions and resilience
- Goal-setting and execution
- Personal storytelling and direction
Rosie coaches from the trenches, ideal for emerging leaders and founders who want practical insight rooted in real stakes. Her supportive, action-oriented style helps you find direction and keep moving forward when the path isn’t linear.
"Rosie has been one of the most impactful people in my journey as a new founder. She consistently brings women together hosting events, building community, and creating spaces for honest conversations about entrepreneurship. Her generosity, leadership, and ability to uplift those around her are unmatched. Rosie leads by example, and anyone would be lucky to have her as a coach."
- Arielle L., Coached by Rosie
→ Book a free intro call with Rosie
Annie W.
Experience: A PwC consultant, podcast host, and holistic growth coach, Annie has coached peers at Michigan Ross, supported under-resourced transfer applicants, and developed resources that help students and young adults thrive.
Specialties:
- Holistic well-being and habit design
- Admissions, internships, and early-career strategy
- Networking and leadership
- Interview prep (behavioral and case exposure)
Annie is a powerful guide for ambitious students and early-career professionals seeking a whole-life approach. If you want results without burnout, her wellness-focused methods and practical playbooks help you align goals with values.
"Working with Annie has been a transformative experience for my professional development. Her approach as a coach is distinct because she goes beyond setting benchmarks; she fosters deep reflection, ensuring my achievements align with my personal values and long-term aspirations. Annie possesses a rare talent for challenging me in the most constructive manner, encouraging me to steer my career in harmony with my fundamental beliefs. Additionally, her guidance goes beyond traditional mentorship that I’ve experienced in the past, offering a partnership that motivates me to pursue bold strides towards my ideal future. This ensures that my professional endeavors are not only successful but also meaningful and rewarding along the way. I wholeheartedly endorse Annie's exceptional coaching, which has significantly enriched both my career and personal growth."
- Coached by Annie
→ Book a free intro call with Annie
Debonné N.
Experience: With advanced degrees in Public Health and Social Work, Debonné has led citywide, trauma-informed initiatives supporting 3,000+ employees, crafted executive communications for civic leaders, and partnered with community organizations to create better environments.
Specialties:
- Emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- Boundaries, balance, and stress decompression
- Trauma-informed leadership and resilience
- Intentional routines and environment design
- Executive communications presence
Debonné blends compassionate insight with systems-level impact, making her ideal for professionals who want sustainable success without sacrificing well-being. If you’re juggling leadership, life, and identity in high-pressure spaces, she’ll help you turn mountains into pebbles with intention and clarity.
"Deb helped me see my team from a different perspective. Her team-building skills drove my team to be more collaborative and dependable. She helped us recognize each other's strengths and challenges. As a team lead and executive, she taught me how to advocate for my team, manage projects, and know when to manage upward or push my team laterally in the industry. She helped me be more consistent and conscious of my choices. I worked with her over the course of three months through more than twelve sessions. The skills are transferable to any industry and are an important part of my life. Thanks, Deb!"
- Ryan T., Coached by Debonné
→ Book a free intro call with Debonné
Gregg S.
Experience: Founder of Warrior Mind Coaching with 20+ years in mental strength, leadership, sales performance, communication, and well-being. Gregg is certified in hypnotherapy and fitness training, and has coached individuals and teams across industries, including Fortune 500 companies.
Specialties:
- Mental strength and performance coaching
- Leadership and strategic decision-making
- Sales mindset, strategy, and team training
- High-stakes communication and presence
- Stress management and holistic well-being
For professionals seeking measurable growth, Gregg’s integrated approach fosters resilience and ensures consistent execution. He’s a strong match for anyone aiming to break through plateaus and sustain peak performance with balanced habits.
"About ten years ago, I relocated with my family from New Jersey to Budapest, Hungary. The move was a complete culture shock for me, and I struggled to adjust and find my footing. Despite my experience in the United States, finding a new job in Budapest proved more challenging than I had anticipated. As time passed, I began to lose hope and wondered if I would ever truly make it here. It was during this difficult period that I discovered Gregg Swanson's Warrior Mind coaching podcast. I started listening to his episodes every night while walking the dog, and they quickly became a source of strength and guidance. Gregg’s coaching not only restored my confidence but also gave me a clear mindset and strategy to tackle the challenges I faced. Thanks to Gregg Swanson’s Warrior Mind podcasts — and the unwavering support of my wife — I was able to secure a suitable position. Today, my family and I are still living in Budapest, and we’re thriving. Gregg Swanson’s straightforward, step-by-step coaching style played a significant role in my success. I wholeheartedly vouch for Gregg as an exceptional coach."
- Zsolt B., Coached by Gregg
→ Book a free intro call with Gregg
Benjamin T.
Experience: A former Navy SEAL Officer with 12 years of global operational leadership and an MBA from Wharton, Benjamin led in combat, then transitioned to senior roles in tech and advanced manufacturing.
Specialties:
- Resilience under pressure and adversity
- Leadership development and team dynamics
- Transitions from military to the private sector
- Operations leadership and strategic execution
- Emotional intelligence and balance
Benjamin’s coaching blends hard-won resilience with deep empathy. If you’re navigating high-stress environments or major career shifts, he’ll help you build strength and purpose, translating elite standards into a sustainable, meaningful path.
"Ben served as a key mentor and coach during my transition from the military to a private sector career. His guidance was invaluable, offering practical advice and personalized support that helped me navigate new challenges and develop the skills necessary to succeed in a corporate environment. Ben’s experience and commitment made a real impact on my professional growth."
- Coached by Benjamin
→ Book a free intro call with Benjamin
Find the Best Coach for Your Personal Development Journey
Your growth accelerates with the right guide, someone who understands your goals and the challenges ahead. Explore the coach profiles above and book a free 15-minute intro call to find your fit, or browse all coaches here.
Not sure where to start? Schedule a free strategy and coach-matching call with the Leland team, and we’ll help you choose the best partner for your personal development goals. Find the right coach and start building your marketing career today.
Read More:
- How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset for Career Success
- The Role of Mentors: How Guiding Relationships Can Shape Your Career
- How to Break the Cycle of Performance Anxiety
- 10 Job-Ready Career Skills That Will Set You Apart
Top Personal Development Coaches – FAQs
How do I know which personal development coach is right for me?
- Empower yourself by choosing the best coach for you, someone who aligns with your goals and current challenges. If you’re navigating a career pivot, you may want someone who specializes in transitions and storytelling. If you want to balance ambition with mindfulness, look for a coach with experience in that area. Start by clarifying what you need most and then book a free intro call to see if the coach’s style resonates with you.
Can personal development coaching really help with issues like stress, burnout, or confidence?
- Yes. Many top coaches focus specifically on resilience, boundaries, and well-being. Coaches provide practical tools like structured routines and mindset reframes to reduce burnout and rebuild confidence. The combination of external guidance and internal reflection accelerates results.
What’s the difference between working with a personal development coach and just reading self-help books?
- Books provide information, but coaching provides transformation. A coach tailors advice to your unique situation, asks the right questions to uncover blind spots, and holds you accountable for following through. This personalized approach ensures that the advice you receive is not generic, but interactive and adaptive, making you feel understood and catered to.
Browse hundreds of expert coaches
Leland coaches have helped thousands of people achieve their goals. A dedicated mentor can make all the difference.
