Why do I even need a coach

Why Even the Best Leaders Need a Coach

Top performers often ask this question:

"Why do I even need a coach? I know it all. I’m already at the peak. I’m already a leader. I’ve already hit the market ceiling."

But here’s the truth — just being good is not good enough anymore.
The difference between staying at the top and slowly losing ground often comes down to one thing: continuous growth.

Even Champions Need Coaches

Let’s look at some real examples:

Usain Bolt – Widely considered the greatest sprinter of all time, he didn’t train alone. His coach, Glen Mills, helped fine-tune his technique and mental preparation even after Bolt was already breaking records. Without guidance, small inefficiencies could have cost him milliseconds — and his legacy.

Serena Williams – She worked with multiple coaches throughout her career, not because she lacked skill, but because the right guidance helped her adapt her game, recover from setbacks, and maintain her dominance for decades.

Michael Jordan – Even as an NBA legend, Jordan credited coach Phil Jackson for helping him transform from a talented player into a true team leader who could deliver championships.

The Same Applies in the Corporate World

Many global business leaders openly acknowledge their coaches:

Bill Gates once said: “Everyone needs a coach. We all need people to give us feedback. That’s how we improve.”

Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, admitted he initially resisted the idea of coaching but later called it the best advice he ever got. His coach helped him navigate complex leadership challenges and manage relationships at the highest level.

Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, worked with executive coaches to help her manage the demands of leading a global brand while maintaining her personal values and authenticity.

Why Leaders Benefit from a Coach

1. Blind Spot Awareness – A coach helps you see what you don’t see.

   Example: A top-performing sales director may not notice that her leadership style is causing burnout in her team.

2. Breaking Plateaus – When you’ve hit the market ceiling, a coach helps you find the next growth opportunity.

   Example: A CEO dominating the local market discovers international expansion strategies through coaching.

3. Accountability at the Top – Leaders often have no one to challenge them honestly.

   Example: A business owner delaying tough decisions finally takes action because the coach holds them accountable.

4. Transition Mastery – Moving from operational excellence to strategic leadership requires a mindset shift.

   Example: A COO promoted to CEO learns how to inspire vision rather than just manage processes.

Self-Assessment: Do You Need a Coach?

If you answer YES to 3 or more of these, coaching could unlock your next level.

• I have achieved a lot, but I feel I’m not growing as fast as I used to.

• My team depends on me for answers, and I rarely get challenged in return.

• I feel like I’m firefighting instead of thinking strategically.

• I’ve reached a plateau in my role, but I’m unsure of my next big move.

• My decisions are increasingly shaped by fear of failure or market volatility.

• I want to transition from “managing” to truly “leading.”

• I feel successful but not fulfilled.

Final Thought

You do not need a coach to reach at top but to stay there and expand.

If Usain Bolt, Serena Williams, and Bill Gates — all at the top of their game — valued having a coach, it’s worth asking:
What could a coach unlock for you?

Book a free discovery session with your coach - https://calendly.com/abukkam/30min

Abhijit Bukkam
Business & Leadership Coach