״I help executives, founders, and investors navigate the intersection of business growth and human performance. With a background as a leader in tech, media, and entertainment — and advanced training in executive coaching and leadership at Columbia University — I bring a dual lens of strategic advisory and leadership development to every engagement..״
- Amy Mbagwu-Bagolini, Founder | Strategic Advisor | Executive Coach
About Amy
Drawing from over two decades leading innovation, transformation, and scaling businesses at Amazon, Time Inc., and AOL, I partner with executives, founders, and investors to align business strategy, leadership growth, and organizational culture — helping them scale ventures and teams with strategic clarity and purpose-driven leadership.
As a Columbia University–trained Executive Coach and industry leader, I bring a neuroscience-informed, evidence-based approach to leadership growth—helping clients bridge the gap between business strategy and human behavior to achieve lasting impact.
I work with clients in tech, media, and entertainment, as well as across industries ranging from financial services and education to healthcare, nonprofits, and government. My experience enables me to tailor insights that meet leaders where they are—whether building new ventures, leading transformation, or navigating complex organizational dynamics.
My coaching philosophy is grounded in a holistic approach, considering the whole person, their unique experiences, and aspirations. Effective coaching acknowledges how each individual experiences the world and leverages that awareness to chart a path toward clarity, confidence, and authentic leadership.
Client Feedback
"Amy has been a guiding light in my journey towards self-discovery and professional growth. Her compassionate approach and expertise has truly made a difference in my career development."
Linda A.
"I am grateful for Amy's support and guidance during a challenging professional transition. Her guidance and approach has made the difference in the acceleration of my career."
Jennifer M.
"Amy's coaching sessions have provided me with a safe space to explore my thoughts and identify solutions to problems. I highly recommend her services for anyone seeking professional and personal growth."
Louis B.
Services
Strategic Advisory
I partner with founders and venture investors to shape go-to-market strategies, brand positioning, innovation & idea incubation, and scalable growth models. My approach blends creative storytelling, business rigor, and leadership alignment to help early and growth-stage companies navigate complexity and scale with purpose.
Advisory Services Examples:
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Go-to-market & brand growth strategy
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Investor and fundraising storytelling
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Partnership & monetization strategy
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Leadership advisory for founders and VC partners
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Building advisory boards or operating systems for scaling
Executive Coaching
My coaching practice complements my strategic advisory work—helping founders, executives, and investors build clarity, confidence, and resilience to lead in fast-changing environments.
Grounded in neuroscience and informed by Columbia University’s evidence-based coaching methodology, my approach integrates behavioral science, cognitive psychology, and organizational dynamics to unlock lasting growth. I create a judgment-free space to think boldly, test new strategies, and lead with authenticity.
Focus areas include influence, organizational dynamics, imposter syndrome, and navigating U.S. workplace culture as a first- or second-generation leader or expat.
I work primarily with leaders in tech, media, and entertainment, as well as across finance, healthcare, education, and the public sector.
Leadership Assessments
Unlock deep insights into leadership strengths, blind spots, and growth opportunities through evidence-based assessments and diagnostics. Tools like the Neethling Brain Instruments (NBI®) and 360 Feedback reveal cognitive preferences, behavioral patterns, and actionable pathways for development. Ideal for both individual coaching and team workshops.
My Approach
My approach integrates strategic advisory and executive coaching—helping clients connect business growth with human performance. Whether working with senior executives, founders, or investors, I create a trusted space to think boldly, make smarter decisions, and strengthen leadership capacity for sustainable success.
This dual perspective is grounded in my training as a participant in Columbia University's prestigious Coaching Certification Program (3CP) and the 3CP framework developed by Dr. Terrence E. Maltbia, Program Director. The 3CP program of Teachers College is in partnership with the Executive Education Division of the Columbia Business School, Learn more about the 3CP framework here.
Context
What's Up? - Explore your story -- who you are, your worldview & values and the influences that have shaped you along the way. Focus and gain clarity on your goals for the coaching journey and how I can support you in getting there.
Content
What Matters? - Dive deeper into what is meaningful to you. I will help facilitate your process of exploring and considering options and possibilities, ultimately allowing us to co-create a plan in support of achieving your goals.
Conduct
What's Next? - With you in the driver's seat of the coaching journey throughout, we will apply new approaches, test & learn and incorporate new skills and insights to help you unlock your full potential.
Book an Appointment
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a complimentary 60-minute coaching consultation today to learn more.
Video, Blog, Podcast and Articles Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is executive coaching and strategic advisory?
Executive coaching is a personalized, results-driven process designed to help individuals maximize their leadership potential, overcome challenges, and achieve professional and personal growth.
Strategic advisory complements this by focusing on the business side of leadership—helping founders, executives, and investors make high-impact strategic decisions, scale teams, and drive organizational growth.
Many engagements combine both, integrating leadership development with strategic clarity and execution.
Who can benefit from coaching or advisory?
I work with executives, founders, and investors across tech, media, entertainment, and other industries such as financial services, education, healthcare, and nonprofits.
Whether you’re scaling a startup, leading a large organization, or navigating a career inflection point, these services help you strengthen your leadership capacity, make better decisions, and accelerate growth.
What types of challenges can we address together?
Coaching can address a wide range of challenges, including:
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Building leadership confidence and executive presence
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Aligning strategy, team, and culture during growth
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Navigating organizational dynamics and change
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Scaling startups and new ventures
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Managing investor, board, or stakeholder relationships
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Career transitions and onboarding to new roles
How do I know if coaching or advisory is right for me?
If you’re seeking clarity, growth, or support in navigating leadership and strategic challenges, we’ll explore what approach best fits your needs. During a complimentary consultation, we can discuss whether strategic advisory, executive coaching, or a hybrid engagement makes the most sense.
How long does an engagement last?
Engagements are tailored to your goals. Some clients benefit from short-term advisory or targeted coaching over a few months; others prefer ongoing partnership over six months to a year or more.
Are our sessions confidential?
Absolutely. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of my practice and is upheld according to Columbia University’s Coaching Certification Program and ICF professional standards, with all applicable privacy laws observed.
Can the cost of coaching or advisory be covered by my employer or organization?
Many organizations fund leadership development and may cover coaching or advisory services as part of their professional development or innovation budgets. I can provide documentation or proposals to support your request.