Is Executive Coaching a Waste of Time and Money? (CEO Magazine)
Published July, 2025
Dr. Carylynn Kemp Larson examines the growing scrutiny around executive coaching as organizations face tighter budgets and increased pressure to demonstrate return on investment. While coaching is often seen as an optional expense, she argues that, when done effectively, it is a powerful driver of performance, retention, and workplace well-being.
She highlights how executive coaching helps leaders uncover and develop underutilized strengths, strengthen critical leadership skills, and navigate the increasing complexity of today’s workplace. By investing in leaders, organizations can directly influence team engagement, productivity, and long-term success.
Beyond performance, Dr. Larson emphasizes the significant impact leaders have on employee mental health—and how coaching can help reduce stress, combat isolation, and build resilience at the leadership level. These benefits extend beyond the individual, shaping healthier and more effective teams.
Supported by research and measurable outcomes, she demonstrates that coaching delivers tangible business results, from improved communication and efficiency to increased profitability and retention. Ultimately, Dr. Larson positions executive coaching not as a luxury, but as a strategic investment that strengthens both leaders and the organizations they lead.
Key Takeaways
Executive coaching is often questioned—but the data supports its value.
When done well, coaching delivers measurable improvements in performance, retention, and well-being.Leaders are a critical driver of organizational success.
Investing in their development has a direct impact on team engagement, productivity, and culture.Coaching turns talent into strength.
By helping leaders recognize and develop underutilized abilities, coaching unlocks greater effectiveness and impact.Strong leadership improves mental health across teams.
Leaders significantly influence employee well-being, and coaching helps them build resilience, presence, and emotional intelligence.Coaching addresses leadership isolation.
It provides leaders with a trusted space for reflection, challenge, and growth—something many lack in high-level roles.The benefits of coaching extend beyond the individual.
Improvements in leadership ripple outward, strengthening communication, engagement, and team performance.ROI from coaching is both measurable and meaningful.
Organizations see gains in productivity, retention, efficiency, and profitability when coaching is implemented effectively.Coaching is a strategic investment—not a luxury.
In a rapidly changing workplace, it equips leaders with the skills needed to navigate complexity and drive long-term success.
Authored by Carylynn Kemp Larson,