“Coaching is about moving your life forward. I'll work with you to achieve real results – identifying tangible actions you can take now. My approach is focused on solutions that are rooted in your values and authentic self.”
WHAT I DO
I’m a trained life and leadership coach who works with clients one-on-one and through organizations.
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I help clients decide what they want and how to get it.
My approach is client-driven and tailored to you. I rely on deep listening, and then focus on reaching practical goals and moving forward in every session.
My individual clients are often at a crossroads. You may be ready to make some changes, take some chances or simply get un-stuck. We work together to find and center you in what matters most. We set and meet important goals. And importantly, we look beneath the surface to explore your underlying thoughts and shift them to work for you. Coaching is like having a personal trainer for your brain. It's an incredible investment in yourself.
My organizational clients are often in the social sector where I spent decades in leadership positions. I’ll help you strengthen your work relationships (up, down and sideways), anticipate, manage and learn from challenging situations, explore and integrate management best practices, and position yourself and your organization for growth. Here's more information about my professional experience and a list of organizational clients.
WHAT I BELIEVE
MEET STEPHEN
I am a native New Yorker who has lived in Los Angeles since 1992. After Harvard College, I worked for 30+ years leading nonprofit community-based, cultural and social-change organizations. I am a gay man raising a teenage son adopted from the child welfare system. I am a committed anti-racist, engaged in local organizing projects and fairly obsessed with the world my son will inherit. I am also a cat dad, Broadway enthusiast, and succulent gardener.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
“Stephen is the real deal; not only has he real world leadership experience, but he has an amazing talent to help you stay focused by helping you gather your thoughts to what is critical for you at any given time. He has helped me become a better leader, a better person and given me the confidence to try a totally different path than I had originally imagined, and for that I will be always grateful.”
JEANNINE
JONATHAN
“I so deeply value the coaching I received from Stephen. I came to our first session with a clear goal and career change in mind. By our last session, I achieved that goal! But more importantly, I learned so much about myself, what I value, and how I process change and challenge. Stephen was flexible with what I needed, deeply listened, and challenged me at just the right moments. I'm so thankful for our work together.”
“I couldn't have asked for a better introduction and experience of life-coaching. Stephen asked all the right questions inviting me to balance the needs of the individuals, organizations, and communities for whom I feel responsible with my own desire for personal development, new challenges, and self-care. He focused our sessions on the decisions that I needed to make to move forward.”
MARSHALL
“The work we have done together has been invaluable for me. You guided me with intelligence, grace, humor, and a talent for leading me to understand my possibilities entirely in positive terms. Along the way, we reached some milestone moments in integrating the professional and personal for me.”
ADRIENNE
Stephen Gutwillig Coaching
To arrange a no-cost introductory conversation, get in touch via email here or 323.697.6530. I look forward to hearing from you.