In an era where social feeds are flooded with advice and anyone can add “coach” to their bio, the word itself has lost clarity—and credibility. But for leaders navigating high-stakes transitions, pivotal decisions, or bold next chapters, real coaching remains one of the most underutilized tools for accelerating growth. 

But what is real coaching?

Real coaching is not about handing you the answers—it’s about equipping you to ask sharper questions. It doesn’t rely on generic templates. It adapts to the specifics of your challenge, your ambition, your moment. 

And most importantly, it’s proactive—not reactive. As Sheila Bangalore, former public company Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel, Venture Partner, and multi-board director, puts it, “it’s an investment in your career health.” Just as we schedule regular checkups to care for our physical health, we need structured, strategic space to reflect, recalibrate, and move forward in our careers. Coaching provides that. It’s not remedial—it’s catalytic. It’s how high-performing leaders stay sharp, centered, and future-ready.

When she began her corporate boardroom journey a few years ago, she knew that the corporate board interview process was different. She immediately enlisted an experienced board Strategist to work through her strategy. After two in-depth sessions, she was ready. What stood out wasn’t the structure alone—it was the specificity coming from someone who had been where she was. “It was tailored advice from an experienced board director —practical, specific, and based on what I needed at that stage in my career,” she recalls. Ultimately, she joined the board and began her board journey.  

Now, as an Expert Strategist herself, Sheila sees the transformation that occurs when coaching is approached with focus and intent. “These are leaders with rich experiences. When they show up with clarity – and are direct, specific and vulnerable – the outcomes are incredible.” They land the job faster; they are no longer interrupted or overlooked in high-stakes meetings; they speed up decision making; they negotiate higher compensation.

Sheila puts it plainly: “Women often question the ROI of coaching. Finding the right coach can help you understand your own value and move with confidence toward what’s next.” 

Unfortunately, despite the proven impact (over 50% of women in senior positions say that coaching was a critical factor in winning their last promotion), many women still hesitate. Budget concerns, time constraints, or skepticism about coaching’s legitimacy often get in the way. 

That’s why Athena’s coaching philosophy is built around intentionality and personalization. Our Expert Strategists, backed with decades of powerful business and coaching experience, meet members where they are—and help them get where they want to go. Whether you’re preparing for board service, leveling up in your current role, or plotting a major pivot, coaching can accelerate your path forward—strategically and sustainably.

As Sheila says, “If you’re focused and come prepared, the session is going to be powerful. You’ll walk away energized and ready to act.”

The question isn’t whether coaching is worth it. The question is: What’s the cost of not investing in your career health?