Where Top Executives Take Flight

Home for Executives and Leaders Reaching New Altitudes of Growth, Results, and Success for Over 35 Years

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35

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Years Of Experience
About Us

About Michael

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” ~ Peter Drucker

Michael Whatmore is the founder and owner of Executive Coaching San Francisco. A Business Services Consultancy based in San Francisco, California. You could say that Michael has lived the American Dream, Canadian-style.

He is highly successful at business, having held numerous chief officer positions across many industries. A hard worker with the Midas Touch, Michael bought his first house at age 17; at 21, he owned a real estate company.

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Client Testimonials

When You're With Us, You're in First Class

"Michael has an extraordinary skill set which he applies with good judgment. He is an Executive Coach with a strong corporate business background. I highly recommend Michael for his proficiency,...

Ron Means, Chair

Ron Means, Chair

Vistage International

"One of the strongest endorsements I can offer is that people I refer to Michael Whastmore consistently thank me afterward. Eric described Michael's coaching as a tremendous help to all...

Norma Lambert MacLeod, Esq.

Norma Lambert MacLeod, Esq.

Law and Mediation Office

"I will be forever grateful to Michael for his first-rate coaching and unwavering support. His guidance inspired me to achieve more than I thought possible. Thank you, Michael."

Sara Werner-Costa, Realtor

Sara Werner-Costa, Realtor

Luxury Real Estate Advisor

"Thanks for your excellent coaching and consulting. Your insights and practical guidance have helped me build a stronger, more successful business."

Tom Scripps, President

Tom Scripps, President

Canyon Pacific Management

"Working with Michael Whatmore as my business coach is a great privilege for me. While supporting me in my goals, he has been instrumental in my achieving three distinct areas...

Dr. Cindy Sholes, PhD., Founder

Dr. Cindy Sholes, PhD., Founder

Mind Wave Institute

Michael: "You sure got to see what happens as I venture into unfamiliar territory; your professionalism is appreciated. In retrospect, the whole coaching process was amazing for me and very...

Doug Barlow

Doug Barlow

Shining Star International

"Michael, Can't thank you enough for all of your help.  You are a great contribution to every aspect of my life as well as to our business growth."

Dr. Mitra Ray, CEO

Dr. Mitra Ray, CEO

rREST Inc.

"Working with Michael has transformed both my practice and my confidence. His insightful coaching improved my public speaking, strengthened client retention, and helped me build a thriving, sustainable business, and,...

Beth Schiffman B.A., L.AC, M.S., Founder

Beth Schiffman B.A., L.AC, M.S., Founder

Many Lives Chinese Medicine

"I have participated in many (some extensive) management training programs over the course of my career, many of which were excellent and assisted my development. Michael Whatmore provided my direct...

Michael Enxing, VP Sales

Michael Enxing, VP Sales

Vertos Medical Inc.

"Michael is an exceptional leadership coach and facilitator. The group training programs he developed generated outstanding participant feedback and demonstrated significant positive results for San Francisco West-Bay BNI. His ability...

Ed Craine, Executive Director

Ed Craine, Executive Director

San Francisco West-Bay BNI Region

"I absolutely love Michael's energy - - - so steady and penetrating - - - right to the point.  He is clearly present all the time.  I admire that ability...

Barbara Bessey, Administrative Director

Barbara Bessey, Administrative Director

Oregon State University

"Working with Michael has strengthened both our leadership team and our decision-making process. His coaching brings clarity, focus, and accountability, helping leaders work together more effectively. We greatly value his...

Dan Sowell, President

Dan Sowell, President

Midland Packaging & Crating

Michael – "Thank you so much for the wonderful training and mentoring at the recent RCC training.  Your caring for your students, your clients, and the coaching profession was unmistakable!  ...

R. ALAN SMITH, J.D.

R. ALAN SMITH, J.D.

BUILD MOMENTUM NOW!

"Michael provided valuable insight and guidance that helped us focus our marketing efforts in the right direction. His expertise and strategic perspective made a meaningful impact, and I highly recommend...

Deepak Patankar, AIA, LEED AP, Founder

Deepak Patankar, AIA, LEED AP, Founder

Evoco Architecture | Interiors

"Since working with Michael, both our business and our partnership have grown stronger than we ever imagined. His thoughtful questions, deep insights, and practical coaching helped us improve communication, overcome...

Eric Ibsen, President & CEO,

Eric Ibsen, President & CEO,

Studylog Systems Inc.

"Hi Michael, thank you SO MUCH! You are a business coach who has real knowledge, real experience and real success to draw from. I am skeptical about some business coaches,...

Jane Ransom, MA, C.Ht., M.Ht.

Jane Ransom, MA, C.Ht., M.Ht.

Hypnotherapy That Works

"Michael brings a unique combination of experience, wisdom, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed. His guidance provided valuable clarity and direction, and I greatly appreciate the time and attention...

Jennifer Jaynes, Esq.

Jennifer Jaynes, Esq.

The Law Office of Jennifer Jaynes

"Finding Executive Coaching San Francisco (ECSF) was a turning point for our organization. Through thoughtful coaching and practical guidance, our leaders developed stronger communication skills, worked through complex differences, and...

Jennifer Lightstone, Co-Owner

Jennifer Lightstone, Co-Owner

Psoas Massage + Bodywork, San Francisco

"Michael played a critical role in helping us through a very challenging situation. His experience, perspective, and leadership made all the difference. We couldn't have done it without him, and...

Mark Choey, Realtor

Mark Choey, Realtor

Top Producer, Climb Real Estate Group

"Michael combines exceptional character with deep executive coaching expertise. His ability to provide clear perspectives during complex leadership challenges helped our organization navigate a critical period successfully. He is collaborative,...

Bruce D. Shoup, President

Bruce D. Shoup, President

De La Salle High School, Concord CA

"Michael is a seasoned business leader who brings clarity, insight, and steady leadership to every situation. He is equally effective as a change agent, strategic advisor, and trusted sounding board....

Craig Ackerman, Founder, Ackerman Realty Group

Craig Ackerman, Founder, Ackerman Realty Group

Realtor® & Author

"I had the pleasure of meeting regularly with Michael when I was first taking on a new position as manager of a small team. Michael has a calm and clear-sighted...

Anna Vilborg Hartwig, PhD, Director of R&D

Anna Vilborg Hartwig, PhD, Director of R&D

Toma Biosciences

"I've had the pleasure of working with Michael and have seen firsthand his ability to help leaders break through barriers and reach new levels of success. His thoughtful guidance, deep...

Candice A. Katayama

Candice A. Katayama

Sales and Marketing Professional

"Michael's leadership abilities were essential in the creation and growth of GraceWorks. Michael kept us focused on shared goals and guided a collection of strong individuals into a team who...

Deborah Frangquist, Career Consultant

Deborah Frangquist, Career Consultant

Transformational Consulting & Executive Coaching

"Michael brings a rare combination of deep business expertise and strong intuition. His guidance has helped me stay focused, make better decisions, and achieve stronger results. He genuinely cares about...

Greg Corvi, Realtor

Greg Corvi, Realtor

Top Producer, Marin and San Francisco Markets

"Michael Whatmore helped me grow my business in many productive ways. He is an intuitive business coach with real-world business knowledge who listens thoughtfully and keeps me on track.  I...

Gwen O’Neill

Gwen O’Neill

Franchise Partner

"What Michael can do for you is help you unlock your full potential to take your business to the next level. His expertise, guidance, and ability to ask the right...

Jeffrey Hutchins

Jeffrey Hutchins

Commercial Realtor

"I initially engaged Michael to help me refine the focus of my marketing consultancy business. His coaching delivered far more value than I expected. Michael challenged me to think strategically,...

Michelle Salta, CEO

Michelle Salta, CEO

Creative Operations + All Things Video

"Michael combines deep business knowledge with the rare ability to truly listen and understand. His insight, encouragement, and practical guidance helped me overcome challenges and achieve meaningful growth. The positive...

Tara Griffith Baker, MFT, CEO & Founder

Tara Griffith Baker, MFT, CEO & Founder

Wellspace/The Connective

"Michael was consistently kind, patient, and resourceful throughout our work together. His coaching helped me clarify my vision for change and strengthen my commitment to achieving it. The impact of...

Sandra Possing, Life Coach

Sandra Possing, Life Coach

Create an Extraordinary Life You Love

You gave me back my life! My teams are achieving more than ever imagined and for the first time, I now have time for my family! I have worked with...

Sree Madadi, M.Eng.

Sree Madadi, M.Eng.

Global Executive Leadership, Innovative Analytical & AI Products & Services

"Michael, Your guidance was effective and supportive. What I did not know was that you would also help me with employee relations, and insightful reflections concerning the way my own...

Robin Crawford, Esq.

Robin Crawford, Esq.

Law Offices of Robin Crawford

"I have been working with Michael for roughly one year. Michael has helped me tremendously become a better leader in many ways. My CEO thought that if I could work with...

Christopher Vercelli, GTM

Christopher Vercelli, GTM

Sales Leader/Board Advisor

I started working with Michael Whatmore to break away from the daily administrative tasks and headaches of running a professional business. My goal was to put 100% of my focus...

Albert G. Stoll Jr.

Albert G. Stoll Jr.

Founder, Stoll Law Corporation

Michael is an excellent communicator with a unique ability to listen and draw the best out of participants. I will take this training again as I know there is more...

Ken Nangle, CEO

Ken Nangle, CEO

Ken Nangle Consulting

The feedback from the AAA Associate Neutrals was overwhelmingly positive. Following Michael's presentation, five additional Associate Neutrals reached out requesting the dial-in information so they could listen to the recording.

Serena K. Lee, Esq.

Serena K. Lee, Esq.

Vice President, American Arbitration Association

The 4 Elements of Flight

The best professionals are aware of their strengths and weaknesses, but there is more to the story. Find out what you might be missing. Watch the video and request your Flight Plan review today.

Are you Soaring or Stalling?

The best leaders have harnessed the 4 Elements of Flight, while others are grounded—whether they know it or not. We’ve used our decades of experience in executive development to create a powerful tool that can help you find out. Download, and try it now!

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Preparing For Take-off

Incorporating the 4 elements of flight—lift, weight, thrust, and drag, into your Strategic plans will help you achieve your goals faster, and with less stress.

When you focus on lift, you identify key factors to help your business rise above the competition.

By focusing on lift, you can identify the key factors that will help your business rise above the competition.

Streamline your operations, considering weights helps eliminate unnecessary burdens.

Thrust will propel your business forward, identifying the sources of momentum helps keep you on track.

Drag causes resistance, slows you down, identify and address all obstacles holding you back.

Unlock Spectacular Leadership

A strength of Michael’s management style is his confidence in the incredible value of applying the principles of “The Freedom Scale.” This simple management tool makes scaling exponential growth possible.

It effectively sets and preserves the lines of responsibility in your company, while freeing the boss to focus on oversight and growth. It’s brilliant!

Discover how fast things can move when your team is empowered to focus on problem-solving.

Allow your team to stretch their imaginations, they will discover creative solutions to their own problems, this management tactic produces more satisfaction than you ever imagined!

Shifting your management and communications style is worth every scrap of your energy.

I teach managers how using the Freedom Scale improves productivity, creates greater job satisfaction, and drives a more successful organization.

Recognize Achievement

Take steps to remove blocks that keep you from your full potential. Create a culture of innovation, learning and growth, recognize individual and team achievements. Consider this, “what gets recognized gets repeated.”

Your results can be better, with less oversight, while improving team self-sufficiency. Cultivate a culture of employee appreciation, recognition programs clearly improve morale.

Regular check-ins, open communication, and clear performance metrics are simple tactics to keep your team engaged and enthusiastic, even during challenges or setbacks.

Ensure such a program is geared towards everyone in your organization.

Organize an over-site committee which includes a cross-section of your workforce to recommend outstanding performance.

Celebrate Bigger Wins

Innovative leadership converts to more successes. Beyond just reaching your goals, celebrate your wins. Create openings for greater comradery to build morale and motivate your people to achieve even more.

Employing ways and means to celebrate wins communicates the importance and value of your mission. Birthday and anniversary cards demonstrate you care about your people.

The key is to align your company culture and values with your employees, together on a common vision of purpose and success. Plan celebrations that truly resonate with your team. These will have a positive impact on your workplace.

An annual outing or party provides an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the dedication of individuals and teams with awards.

Reject Limiting Beliefs

Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. Keep your motivation in perspective; “For the sake of what, does your company exist?” How does it plan to achieve its goals, and what the business becomes? Sharp vision, mission, and purpose statements provide your company with direction and focus.

Vision describes the desired future state of your company. An inspiring goal of overarching optimism, with an emotionally driven long term destination. It motivates you and your team.

A mission statement identifies precisely what the organization does, and who it will serve. It speaks about the performance of the business, its products, and services and to what end.

A Purpose Statement is an explanation of your company’s motivations, reasons for being, and why it works the way it does. Purpose-driven businesses outperform competitors and attract enthusiastic employees and customers.

Why Choose Us

It's Time To Get Back to The Basics That Build Strong Leaders...

Executive Coaching

Don’t make the same mistakes leaders have been making for years! Skip the line to success and seize every opportunity your business gets

Executive Assessment

Measuring key metrics in clever ways to uncover new paths forward and discover your businesses best direction

Leadership Programs

Providing Managers & Business executives fresh perspectives on solving today's pressing challenges in a quickly evolving landscape

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Services

Our Services

CEO & Executive Business Coaching
Executive Training
Executive Assessment Tools and Tests
Executive Coaching
Explore Our Resources

Explore Our Resources

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So You’ve Been Told You Need A Coach. Now What?

“I think it’s time for you to consider getting a professional coach.” Hearing these words from a colleague, friend, or senior executive in your business can feel like the floor dropped from beneath your feet.

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I Can’t Afford A Coach,” And Other Excuses

”I can’t afford to hire a coach. I don’t have time to sit around and talk for an hour. An outsider won’t really understand my situation.” Those who can, do; those who can’t, coach. People are good at making excuses.

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When Organizations Should Revisit Their Vision Statements

Marks and Spencer, one of the UK’s largest retailers, was founded in 1895 with the simple vision of being “The standard against which all others are measured.” This vision has carried M&S through over a century.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Over three decades, ECSF has worked with hundreds of business owners and CEOs across North America. Every engagement is a personal journey and reflects the goals of our client. Simply put, your needs and aspirations are paramount.

Executive coaching is a high-impact developmental partnership between coach and business leader (client), where both engage in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires and challenges the client to maximize personal and professional potential. Executive coaches are often thought of as thought partners, accountability partners, advisors, sounding boards, advocates, and people who challenge you all at once.

Foremost, for me, is to identify and help clarify your goals, your timeframe and intended outcomes. My role is to help you define a vision, mission, and purpose that produces a personal legacy for you in business.

Career Coaching is best for persons who are dissatisfied with current progress and who require greater clarity to identify career possibilities, develop strengths, skills, and values through a personality assessment such as an Everything DiSC profile.

Performance Coaching is targeted on the performance of either an individual, a team, or executive performance. The objective is to help leaders prepare psychologically, physically, emotionally, and professionally, to face challenging situations in the business world.

Leadership Coaching follows the sole purpose of developing and enhancing leadership skills in executives and their teams. The coach helps the individual to discover ways and means to encourage delegation, develop an authentic trust in teamwork, and being mindful of valued leadership skills that include kindness, selflessness, confidence, and genuine self-awareness.

Organizational or Business Coaching concentrates on improving the overall performance of the business organization. The coach acts as a confidential sounding board, who asks questions and listens for clues as to who this person is being. The executive receives feedback from the coach to help with improving communications. Open discussions lead to gaining insights, and to clarify questions, enabling the person to solve problems of their own accord.

A life coach works on personal matters, by helping a client create and align their life objectives. Coaching creativity for a life in alignment and equilibrium with personal goals and values.

Mentoring, usually provided by a person of experience, sharing knowledge, who is intended to guide another for professional development.

Training,such sessions are usually conducted in a classroom setting. A trainer teaches clients about the best practices and imparts knowledge and wisdom.

Consulting,Consulting is providing specialized expertise, and knowledge, to identify problems and appropriate solutions.

Managementis the authority to act in a direct manner to oversee employees making progress to attain a certain outcome.

Therapyhas a focus on identifying a past event that stops a person from moving forward. It is intended as a healing process. Executive coaching is forward looking and focuses on attaining a certain future outcome.

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businesses we have worked with

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Blog

Our Blog

The Only Shortcut Worth Taking

Becoming an Insightful Leader

Executive Coaching San Francisco Helps Build Better Results Through Better Leadership

Take Flight With Us Now

businesses we have worked with

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