1:1 Executive Coaching
Hello! I'm Yue Zhao, a CPO & CTO turned executive coach. I help women and minority leaders accelerate their careers and reach the C-suite.
Since 2016, I have coached hundreds of clients through successful promotions, landing step-up roles at their target companies, and growing their leadership capacity and skillset.
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Coaching Approach
I combine an integral coaching methodology with tactical skill-based coaching drawn from 15+ years of operating experience as a product & technology executive in Silicon Valley.
The integral approach draws from the wisdom of the head, heart, and body to reframe situations and shift your mindset.
The skill-based coaching draws from my unique background as an entrepreneur, operator, investor, and a woman and minority in the C-suite in Silicon Valley.
1300+
Hours coaching & teaching
300+
Clients served
6-9
Avg. months to promotion
50% - 300%
Increase in total compensation
94%
Renewal & Upgrade rate
Common Coaching Topics
Career Strategy
I take on more but don't see change. How do I put myself on a different path and position myself for growth over the next 3-5 years?
Team Performance
My team is constantly spinning due to conflicts and debates. How do I better anticipate and resolve conflict instead of jumping from fire to fire?
Building a Narrative
I want to be perceived as a leader and rising star at my company. Currently, I'm viewed only as a strong executor. How do I change how others perceive me?
Mental Health & Resilience
I have too many priorities on my plate and I am feeling overwhelmed and overworked daily. How do I get my work into a manageable load?
Strategy & Leadership
I don't have the buy-in of senior leaders at my company. My decisions don't stick. My ideas aren't heard. How do I manage up to my leadership?
Combating Bias
I am not viewed as leadership material. Others take credit for my work. Mistakes are blown out of proportion. What is the best way to manage these biases?
To work with Yue, start with a free 30 min intro call to assess mutual fit.
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What To Expect
Free Intro Call
Free 30 min call with Yue to determine fit and chemistry. I only accept clients where I am confident I can deliver outsized value.
Scheduling & Payment
One hour sessions monthly or biweekly. 6-month minimum commitment. Full payment required upfront.
Intake
Includes comprehensive feedback review, leadership assessments, 360 conversations with managers & peers.
Ongoing Coaching
Live coaching sessions are recorded upon request. There will be practices and resources between sessions.
Async Support
Async support available through email and text. Also includes access to Yue's Coaching Corner Community.
5 Star Reviews
Yue was invaluable to me in thinking through and facilitating my move to VP, and then coaching me through the challenges I faced. She helped me better understand how I was limiting myself and my opportunities, and how to adjust it to reach my full potential. I've always appreciated Yue's honesty and 'realness' above all else; it is refreshing and balanced, and I always leave our sessions feeling a renewed sense of clarity and direction.
Director of Product, FAANG
Yue is on my speed dial. I was recently promoted to manage formerly my peers and I had a bad case of fright and imposter syndrome. Yue helped me think through what type of manager I want to be before jumping into a plan or even reading resources.
She really cares for people and is a solid visionary and executor!
Staff Product Manager (IC7), Amazon
I wanted to thank you for the wonderful coaching sessions you gave me this year.
Those lessons have helped me up-level, not only as a PM but also as a person seeking clarity in his personal journey.
* On the professional side, I found your "managing up" and "written communication" strategies to be particularly helpful. Those helped me communicate at scale in an increasingly complex org.
* On the personal side, your encouragement nudged me over to starting a startup. Recently, I got a term sheet from a VC.
So, thank you.
Founder & CEO
Yue has been instrumental in guiding my transition into product management from previous roles in product and operations. In just two sessions, Yue skillfully navigated through my short-term aspirations and long-term objectives, offering invaluable insights to craft a clear path forward. What truly sets Yue apart is her ability to foster a nonjudgmental environment where she genuinely delves into who we are, understanding our unique interests and motivations, and tailoring her guidance accordingly. Prior to working with Yue, I had never engaged with a career coach, but her blend of coaching prowess and extensive PM expertise proved to be an absolute game-changer and a wise investment. I wholeheartedly recommend Yue to anyone seeking to embark on a journey into product management.
Head of Growth, PE Portfolio Co
Yue was a phenomenal mentor and coach. She dug deep into my motivations and shared how I could validate these interests through my ongoing work. She also shed light on the different career trajectories to consider based on my passions and skillsets, which was so valuable for me to understand and think about the long-term direction. As we established a monthly meeting, Yue was never short of spot-on questions, and honest feedback and genuinely cared for my growth and well-being. All in all, I can't say enough about Yue's wisdom, knowledge, and support for my career development, and would highly recommend working with her!
VP of Operations, ClimateTech
Yue is an amazing coach! Yue gave me a way to think about what I wanted long term and worked with me through how to negotiate the transition in terms of levels and comp. She was vital in every step of the process, from creating a vision of where I wanted to be to the tactical compensation negotiations. Highly recommend!
Director of Engineering, CPG
I reached out to Yue when I was at the crossroads of my career. She helped me level up my thinking and made a tremendous impact on accelerating my promotion timelines. Yue gave me a framework and exercises to help me think through different scenarios. We then put those scenarios to practice: I worked with her on various topics, such as leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and managing up.
Product Management Lead, LinkedIn (L7→L8)
Our convos have really helped me the past few weeks; becoming a new mom has been challenging and workshopping things with you, hearing about your own experience, and learning to shift my mindset has been clarifying. Looking forward to future discussions and thanks for everything so far!
Head of Product, FinTech Series E
I was struggling with executive presence and public speaking. Yue provided specific, actionable techniques that dramatically improved my confidence and effectiveness. Her coaching made a tangible difference in how I present myself to stakeholders.
VP Engineering, AI HealthTech Series C
Confidentiality
All interactions which take place in the setting of executive coaching are private and confidential. This includes requests by telephone, all interactions with me, and any progress notes that I take during your sessions. I will not verify that you are a client or use your name or situation publicly in any identifiable way.
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