Executive Coaching Testimonials
What a few people who Jeff has been privileged to work with are saying:"I initially didn’t understand or comprehend the need for an executive coach. But as the old adage goes, "you don’t know what you don’t know". Jeff Wolf gave me a different point of view. With his help, I was able to recognize where I could improve myself. I found balance in my work and home life. During my time with Jeff, I was required to make a very difficult decision on my career and family. With his help, it became the easiest transition I have ever had in my career. My only regret is, I wish I had found Jeff earlier in my career."
Edgar Tu, President, Home Entertainment of America, Sony Electronics, Inc.
"I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for all your work with Mary. As we both know, she is extremely bright and very focused on doing what is best for the company. She took many of the skills you helped her develop and clearly is trying to practice them every day. While I have been reinforcing the right behavior/skills every opportunity I can and coaching where they were not appropriate, under your guidance she has made huge progress.
Today Mary is a more flexible leader, empowering her team and ultimately getting more from her team with this modified approach. She has also improved in her communication style and interaction with her peers and the client base across the organization. There are occasional flare ups here and there but 'WOW' what a difference. She is now catching herself before she goes down the wrong path, reminding herself to slow down and let everyone else catch up. I can't thank you enough for the work you have done.
Know that you make a difference!"
Donna Kaptain | Senior Vice President, Human Resources | Sony Electronics, Inc.
"Jeff Wolf gets my highest recommendation as an executive coach and mentor. His unique ability to recognize, understand, and explain complex business relationships has revolutionized my thinking, and most importantly, my actions. Along the way there have been surprising (and sometimes painful) personal realizations, but Jeff’s mentoring continues to make me a better person every day, both at work and at home. Jeff did not hesitate to tactfully, but directly point out areas that needed to be considered a different way, and proved to be right 100% of the time with his observations, opinions, and suggestions. I name Jeff as one of the top contributors to the success that I enjoy as a business professional today."
Gary Fuller, VP Business Products, Christie Digital Systems, USA
"Jeff’s coaching was invaluable. I learned to identify the barriers and key performance issues that have been holding me back. Jeff was incredibly skilled at asking the tough questions that helped me see things from different perspectives, and he then held me accountable for achieving my goals. Jeff is not only challenging and insightful, but also patient and understanding, with remarkable instincts and knowledge. He brings a rare combination of seasoned business executive and coach, with unique perspectives and listening skills. His coaching style is a perfect fit for any business leader who wants to perform at a higher level. The skills and concepts I learned will be invaluable for the rest of my career. I’m a much better listener, handle myself more effectively in meetings and provide much sharper responses."
Mike Liciardello, Head of Equity Products Group, Newedge USA, LLC
"Jeff Wolf has become our resource in assisting leaders to not only identify but correct and grow key development issues. The coaching he has provided on an individual basis has given valuable insight and helped our staff gain perspective in terms of managing relationships, prioritizing, strategic thinking, and confidence. He is the utmost in professionalism whether he is helping with business or personal issues. Jeff is THE person to go to when you need assistance in growing your management team."
Conny Smith-Jones, Human Resource Manager, TransWorld Media/Division Time Warner
"Jeff Wolf of Wolf Management Consultants continues to be an excellent resource identifying core development issues in star performers. The individual assessments have provided valuable insight and helped our staff gain perspective in terms of managing relationships, thinking strategically, and establishing clear, measurable goals for themselves. The key to success of Jeff's team is ensuring the right match between the consultant and client, and the flexibility of a program designed to meet the specific needs of the client. Jeff is the first person we call when looking for coaching."
Mary Lou Finn, SVP, Human Resources Relationship Manager, Ketchum Worldwide
"One is always hesitant to write a testimonial touting the work of a company or individual. That is not the case with Jeff Wolf! He has engaged our company 110% and has turned around many of our key leaders with his unique style and coaching ability. Jeff has the capacity to quickly assess an individual, using their strengths to help guide them in the right direction. He helps his clients create a vision, think strategically, hold people accountable and execute their initiatives. When our company taps into the executive coaching arena again, Jeff Wolf will be the first person I call!"
Michael B. Smith, President, Islands Restaurants
"Jeff Wolf allowed me to take an honest non-defensive view of myself through the eyes and perceptions of others within the organization. While some of the 360 comments and perceptions where critical of my communication & management style, Jeff was compassionate in his approach to help me focus on change and self improvement. This allowed me to take an honest assessment of myself and put my goals and aspirations into context for the future. Jeff helped me to become more aware of the elements of communication and management situations that I could control and change for the better. The end result was amazing in the fact that I was able to change my communication and management style for the better as well as the perceptions of my subordinates and peers across the organization. My self-awareness has grown and allowed me to become a much more effective executive, leader, coach and mentor."
Marc Rullo, Director Channel and Event Marketing, Sony Electronics
"Jeff was hired to coach and support our leadership team through a complicated organizational change. His upbeat candor, willingness to listen, and sensible style helped us develop better working relationships, focus on team goals, improve customer focus, restore balance, and deliver results. Jeff’s practical analysis and sound advice helped me embrace a new role within our team that requires clear focus, innovation and leadership that is essential for organizational effectiveness, sustainability and business results."
Kaye Shipley, National Director, State Government Affairs, Abbott Laboratories
"As a coach, Jeff Wolf will forever have a positive impact on my approach to leadership. I found his perspectives thoughtful and insightful, and his communication style was balanced with candor and professionalism. My engagement with Jeff began at a time when I found myself in a newly expanded leadership role managing several disciplines that were previously unfamiliar to me. Jeff’s experience and viewpoints were extremely helpful to me in strengthening:
- Focus and commitment to delivering a consistent vision for my business unit;
- Drive growth through people;
- Provide an environment to encourage risk taking and accountability
Brian Siegel, Vice President, Consumer Direct Sales, Sony Electronics
"Having an executive management coach can benefit most people but letting them change your behavior can be difficult. Through insightful questions and the use of real life examples, Jeff Wolf helped me understand how to be a better organizational leader. I came away from every coaching session with a clearer understanding of how people might respond to my actions and how I could improve my skills. My new self awareness then allowed me to improve my leadership style, which ultimately benefited my organization as a whole. A better leader leads to a stronger organization. I have become a believer in the benefits of having an executive coach and Jeff Wolf excels in this role."
Eric Rosenthal, Senior Vice President, Arc Worldwide
"I had no understanding of what to expect when I entered into a relationship with Jeff Wolf as my Executive Coach and was not sure how this would enhance my skills in my new role as a Senior Vice President. I had interviewed several coaches before deciding that Jeff would be the best choice.
As I reflect on the months we have worked together, I can honestly say that the experience and value of having Jeff as my coach, has been a critical element to integrating with our Senior Management team. The ability to discuss confidential and specific situations with a trusted third party and to receive relevant, solid feedback has been invaluable to me. Jeff's guidance and direction, based upon his real world experience, was also an important resource for me.
The experience was very valuable in allowing me to navigate the transition from Manager to Senior Vice President. What to let go, where to focus, how to create a vision for my team; these are all ways in which Jeff assisted me in staying ahead of the curve and on the fast track that my position requires."
Stephen Tate, Senior Vice President Strategic Sales Planning Consumer Sales, Sony Electronics
"Jeff Wolf has been an unbiased, down-to-earth and objective resource for me while we chart the next steps of our company’s evolution. His ability to ask the right questions then go deeper has been extremely helpful in uncovering root causes of key issues. Jeff doesn’t just give advice but rather enables others to come up with answers themselves. I would highly recommend him to others."
Dave Mullarkey, Vice President, Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences
"Words cannot describe the difference Jeff's coaching has made in my life. Prior to his guidance, my personal career "batteries" were at an all time low. I had always loved my job and had pursued it with bravado. However, for the first time in my thirty year career, I found myself completely apathetic. I had no desire to come to work; much less to pursue the tasks assigned me. At first I was skeptical about the coaching process, and expected this effort would merely prove to be another task on an ever lengthening "to-do" list. Was I ever wrong! Jeff's counsel allowed me to gain a proper perspective on the challenges I faced and to formulate realistic goals for their accomplishment. My life and career have once again become enjoyable."
Scott Shald, Vice President, BERNARDS Builders/Management Services
“Working with Jeff over the last three years has been very enjoyable and a great learning experience. Jeff has brought his real life experiences to me and helped me through most of the challenges I have faced in my role. To coin a phrase Jeff has used with me over and over, “Work on the business not in the Business”. This single phrase has really helped me with my business perspective and in my role as president.”
Ken Egidi, President, Pepper Construction Group
"Jeff Wolf provided invaluable assistance to us during a critical growth phase of our organization. The healthcare environment had been up and down (for consulting) over the past few years and Jeff was able to assist us in addressing these times with cash flow projections, marketing to the right entities and staffing issues. Jeff also helped me achieve personal growth during a difficult time in my life. I cannot say enough positive things about Jeff."
Nancy Allcroft, President, Financial HealthSource, LLC
"The operating framework developed and implemented while working with Jeff Wolf, has enabled us to focus and operate in a manner that supports growth, delivers value and consistently overcomes barriers. Jeff has helped us with the finishing touches, the little things that make an organization truly professional. The strategies learned will continue to benefit our organization in numerous positive ways!"
David Mallin, CEO & COO, Claims Pro, Inc.
"Jeff Wolf's coaching has made a significant impact on me both personally and professionally.
He has helped me understand our issues from different perspectives, challenged me on the areas I needed to address, and counseled me to get beyond the barriers that were holding me back. He has the insight to ask probing questions and get at the heart of the problem, at the same time maintaining the right balance of encouraging, listening, and understanding. As a result, he created in me change rather than resistance.
Our work together has enabled me to be more effective as a leader, a manager, and a co-worker. I now have the personal and professional tools to influence and lead change management across many functions.
When looking for professional development, I highly recommend Jeff Wolf as your coach."
Shirley Leath, Director, Compensation, Sony Electronics
"Jeff allowed for a focused 360 degree review of my personal management styles, strengths and weaknesses. From this perspective we developed plans to capitalize on those strengths and address weaknesses head-on. Over the course of several months, with focused one-on-one discussions, coaching, working through practical daily challenges and creating a mechanism for projects and follow-up on specific tasks, Jeff helped to bring out the faith and confidence in my own abilities. Jeff's coaching emphasized that value is added to any organization through senior managers drawing on their experiences for problem solving, presenting honest feedback and well developed solutions to other members of the senior team. We covered a lot of ground in a short time span but the experience will have much longer lasting results."
Lewis Jackson, Vice President of Real Estate & Development, Islands Restaurants, LP
"I have been working with Jeff Wolf for over three years now and what we have accomplished together is amazing. He reads my mind and has been able to give prudent, efficient advice to help me lead my team through a difficult period in the economy. We have been able to share just not business issues but personal issues on how I can better balance my life and achieve the same success at work and at home. I chose to work with Jeff because he has no real life experience in the field of business I am in, (I wanted an outsider) but his skills as a leader can translate into any business environment. He has proven this time and time again."
Jim Gould, Executive Director, General Manager, Sofitel Hotel
"A management Coach. At first I had no idea what this would entail. In the construction industry, you are brought up thru the ranks with coaching that is focused on how to organize / orchestrate all the physical elements that it takes to construct a project. There is little focus or coaching on how to interact and manage the multitude of people that it takes to build projects successfully. Having Jeff Wolf in your corner as a management coach opened my eyes to how important this subject is. The initial 360 degree evaluation that was performed gave Jeff the necessary insight to where my strengths and weaknesses existed. Jeff’s straightforward, honest discussions and motivation were rewarding and highly beneficial towards improving my professional career. Thanks Jeff!"
Thomas P. Wertanen, Senior Project Manager, Bernards Builders/Management Services
“I have been working with Jeff Wolf for close to a year and together we have changed my approach to business, management development, leadership, and life. His candor, directness, and compassion have been exactly what I needed to succeed. Jeff takes you on a journey that results in developing your organizational talents, improving your approach to developing the people in your organization, and increasing accountability at all levels. Jeff’s vast resources, and background as a CEO, can help any business leader improve. I can guarantee that I will be using what I learned from Jeff Wolf throughout the rest of my career.”
Jeff Brackey, Director of Operations - Islands Restaurants
"Jeff Wolf coached me through two dramatic career transitions: through a job search and in stepping up to a demanding new leadership role. Throughout both, Jeff’s counsel was invaluable. He helped me see my "blind spots"—those traits or habits that I didn’t even realize I had. During my job search, his compassionate yet no-nonsense approach kept me focused on the daily work habits that would lead to a new job. If I thought an offer looked imminent, he reminded me to keep pushing harder, because a job prospect could unravel at any time. It turned out to be wise advice. And in my new leadership role, he broke me of the "to-do list" mentality of a manager and instilled the leadership mentality of an executive. He emphasized the importance of truly getting to know my team members both personally and professionally so that I could better understand their motivations and win their trust while keeping people accountable. I am now a far more effective executive than I would have been without Jeff."
Mike Aabram, Senior Vice President, Edelman Public Relations
"Jeff Wolf has enabled me to become a better manager and person. At the same time, he has made an impact on me both personally and professionally. Through our work together, I came away with both a better understanding of how people might perceive my actions as well as how I could improve my skills. He helped me to better manage my relationships while showing me how I could establish clear, measureable goals for my staff. Furthermore, he has helped me to understand issues from different perspectives. Jeff challenged me in the areas I needed to address, guiding me to move and grow beyond those issues. His ability to ask insightful questions and get at the heart of problems allows you to grow quickly. He is always upbeat and willing to listen and guide you towards a more positive direction. Through one of the most challenging times in my career, he has been an important resource for me. I would highly recommend Jeff Wolf as a coach."
Robert Cavecche, Project Executive, Bernards
"Jeff Wolf has helped me become more professional and articulate. He gave me the confidence and poise I needed to articulately deliver my ideas and truly shine in my new leadership position. His techniques are easy to follow and implement – and they work. Jeff isn’t just a coach or a motivator. He's a strategic partner and friend that I trust and respect. I’m so thankful for the skills I learned while working with Jeff and I know I'll use them throughout my career. I can’t thank him enough!"
Alison Lanham, Executive Director, Ketchum Worldwide
"I have worked with Jeff Wolf for the past two years. His advice, coaching, and support have become invaluable assets to me on both a professional and personal level. Professionally, he helped me accentuate and build upon my strengths to increase the effectiveness of both myself and my department. He was also instrumental in helping me identify areas for improvement, and assisting in developing a strategy to focus on those areas. What I value most though, has been Jeff’s friendship, motivation, and support during what was a personally challenging period in my life and career. I can’t say enough wonderful things about Jeff, and I look forward to learning more from him in the future."
Steve Kelley, Director of Finance, TransWorld Media / Division of the Bonnier Corp.
"Jeff Wolf’s coaching has been instrumental in helping me to:
- Strengthen my effectiveness as a leader
- Build a strong team and positive work environment
- Address challenging management issues
Brian Griffin, Executive Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Delnor-Community Hospital
"Jeff, your consistent coaching skills, professional experience, ideas, and suggestions helped my career considerably. In the last year I went from the newest producer on the team to the top salesperson for the year. I often refer to the ideas, suggestions, and discussions we had last year to stay motivated and keep my marketing program consistent. I will value the professional skills I gained through our work and will value it as a premier experience in training for my career. I appreciate the skills I learned working with you and believe they will ensure my professional success throughout my career."
Cathy Bonfield, CBIZ Insurance
"I was really rusty at the job search game when I came to Jeff Wolf for his help in finding a new position. After 23 years not needing a new job, I had to reintroduce myself to pretty much all aspects of the process. But that was the easier part of the experience. I have to thank Jeff for his help and direction in coaching me through the mental part of the process, in creating a sense of urgency, crafting an organizational approach, and in developing a pattern of persistence that began to generate real leads and several offers that gave me a real choice. My new position has all the key elements that I looked for, and I have to give just about all the credit to Jeff and his skill at not only providing effective direction, but a level of motivation that sustained me throughout this difficult process."
Nathan Clark, Ph.D., Strategic Planning, Carol H. Williams Advertising
"As a trial lawyer who has taken over forty (40) civil and criminal juries to verdict, I was skeptical when I was told that Jeff Wolf could help me with my presentation skills. I have frequently spoken at legal seminars and at client presentations and always received good reviews. Boy, was I wrong. He took many of the principles I use in the courtroom and taught me how to modify them for my presentations. Jeff's approach and teaching methods are highly effective. He can help anyone from the most senior partner to a new associate to improve the skills necessary to make an effective and convincing presentation needed to win a potential client. His training is a must for any attorney seeking to hone his or her presentation skills."
Steven Puiszis, Attorney at Law, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
"I have worked with Jeff Wolf for the last 8 months. I have been successful in my role as a Director, but always had those "few things" that plagued me my entire career. Jeff helped me not only identify the issues, but set a strategy to change some old habits that were keeping me from moving forward. I feel more in control of my own destiny, I am accomplishing more, and I have more time to focus on the development of my direct reports. My results are improving and Jeff has been an integral part of that process."
Ray Nosse, Vice President of Operations – Islands Restaurants
"Having heard many business development consultants speak in the past, I was somewhat skeptical about working with another one. But Jeff's one-on-one coaching sessions changed my mind. He's very personable and easy to talk to. He was a great resource and sounding board, helping me come up with business development ideas that hadn't occurred to me before and to refine and improve on many of the things I had already been doing. Jeff's coaching was definitely valuable to me and I am confident that my business development skills have improved (and will continue to improve) as a result of my time with him."
Quentin D. Vaughan, Attorney at Law, Lewis and Roca LLP
"I feel like I have gone through a real adventure with you. You came into my life at a real low point-when I was really struggling at my job. You worked me through the difficult process of leaving that job, and the daunting –what’s next. You helped me get myself focused and ready for what possibilities were out there.
In our time together, I left a job, survived a fairly acrimonious separation period, interviewed for several different types of jobs (in a variety of fields), got my dream job—bought and sold a house and relocated my family to a part of the country we never dreamed of living in. It often felt that every time we talked I was in the middle of some other seismic shift-but you kept me steady and on course.
You certainly were very important to helping me land the job I am currently in. But the most important thing to me was that you were there for so many things beyond business-family issues, financial and emotional. I am very proud of how I handled myself during this difficult but exciting period. I am also very aware that I would not have been half as successful without your strong support and guidance.
Thank you for everything you did-please let me know when you need some advice on your book."
Mary McCarthy, Director of Merchandising, Ingram Books
"Jeff's coaching helped me cultivate a variety of creative--yet common sense--approaches to business development. Jeff met me where I was at on the business development ladder and worked hard to give me a leg up to the next rung. I was particularly pleased with Jeff's ability to arm me with ideas and strategies that motivated me to expand my comfort zone to reach out to existing and potential clients, while simultaneously being sensitive to my personality and the need to "keep it real." Most important, Jeff helped me see how I could engage in good business development practices without unduly infringing on the many other personal and professional activities that are constantly vying for my time."
Dave Garner, Attorney at Law, Lewis and Roca LLP
“Jeff Wolf’s coaching helped grow my knowledge of myself and impact on others exponentially in a new leadership role. Our strategic planning and people development sessions expanded my ability to be prepared for future challenges. Jeff’s direct approach and partnership style allowed my growth to bring immediate impact to my job. Jeff, I appreciate what you taught me and look forward to staying in touch.”
Jason Gleaton, Director of Operations, Islands Restaurants
"Jeff provided me with the resources and skills I needed to increase my efficiency. As a result of our work together, I feel more confident and productive. Thanks for all your help and continuing support."
Jason Furedy, Attorney at Law, Lewis & Roca LLP
"Jeff Wolf has impressive insights and instincts in the areas of marketing and motivation. He gives terrific and interesting advice about reaching targets efficiently and effectively. Jeff is not merely a consultant -- he's a coach, a mentor, and a guiding hand for any law firm that wants to improve how it gets and does business."
Hillard Sterling, Attorney at Law, Freeborn and Peters
"I have worked with three different law firms for over 20 years. Before meeting Jeff, I had always had a very cynical view of business development coaching. After meeting with and then working with Jeff over the course of several months, I gained a genuine appreciation for the insights he can bring to the table that we as practitioners become blinded to because we fail to take a step back and look at what we are doing and what we should be doing for our clients."
Joe Fogel, Attorney at Law, Freeborn & Peters
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