When you’re in a rough patch at work, asking for help is the smartest move. But then you start looking, and the options are confusing. Two titles keep popping up – executive coach and business coach. They sound interchangeable, but one is designed to fix what’s broken in your business, and the other is meant to level you up as a leader.
So which one should you go for?
Focus on the company health
A business coach looks at the entire machine. They study your sales, your marketing, your operations, and your team structure. They ask how money flows through the business. Their goal is to fix broken systems and build profitable processes.
Focus on the person
An executive coach puts the spotlight on you. They watch how you lead meetings, how you communicate, and how you handle stress. They help you become a stronger leader so your team wants to follow you.
The kinds of problems solved
A business coach solves external problems. The team is not hitting targets. The new product launch is slow. The cash flow is tight. These are tangible issues.
An executive coach solves internal problems. You feel burned out. Your team does not trust you. You struggle to delegate. You are a great manager, but a poor leader. These are human issues.
Who they work with
A business coach often works with owners and founders. These are the people who built the company. An executive coach typically works with senior leaders, like Vice Presidents or Directors, who run large teams inside an existing organization.
How they measure success
A business coach celebrates when your profit margins grow or when you open a new location. An executive coach celebrates when you get a promotion, when your team engagement scores rise, or when you handle a difficult conversation with grace.
When you need which one
If you wake up worried about your sales numbers and your marketing plan, you need a Business Coach. If you wake up worried about a conflict with your partner or why your team seems unmotivated, you need an executive coach. Sometimes, you might need both at different times. Know what you need before you start looking.
