Top 27 Business Coaches to Follow for Your Professional Development

Business coaching has become an increasingly popular and effective way for entrepreneurs, executives, and leaders to improve their performance and achieve greater success. A good business coach can provide guidance, support, and expert advice to help you overcome challenges, develop new skills, and reach your full potential as an entrepreneur.

While there are many well-known business coaches who have made a significant impact on the industry, there are other talented and experienced coaches who may not be as famous but are worth keeping an eye on. In this article, we will be exploring a mix of the top business coaches in the world, including some who are household names and others who are lesser-known but equally skilled.

Here’s our selection of the 27 top business coaches to offer insight, help you achieve your goals, and take your business to the next level.

The Most Famous Business Coaches

Marshall Goldsmith, Leadership Coach and Author

Marshall Goldsmith is a highly-regarded executive coach who has worked with some of the world’s top CEOs and corporate leaders at companies like IBM and General Electric. He was named one of the top 10 business thinkers in the world by The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes.

He is also a bestselling author, a professor of management practice, and a frequent speaker on leadership development. His coaching focuses on helping executives improve their communication skills, build high-performing teams, and develop winning business strategies.

Tony Robbins, Business and Life Coach

Tony Robbins is a business and life coach, speaker, and author who has coached millions of people worldwide. He has worked with celebrities like Serena Williams, politicians like Bill Clinton, and top executives from companies like Microsoft and Nike. He focuses on mindset mastery and peak performance, helping individuals break through mental barriers and achieve bold objectives.

His company, Robbins Research International, has been featured in Time, Forbes, and Fortune magazines, as well as the Netflix documentary “I am not your guru.” From working as a janitor and a grocery clerk to becoming one of the most famous motivational coaches in the world, his journey continues to inspire people all around the world.

Brian Tracy, Business Coach and Author

Brian Tracy is a business coach, speaker, and author who has written over 80 books and trained millions of people worldwide. He has worked with executives from top organizations, including IBM, Ford, and Xerox, and has spoken in front of audiences in more than 100 countries. He has been named one of the “Top 10 Online Marketing Experts” in Forbes Magazine.

Tracy is the founder and CEO of Brian Tracy International, a training and consulting company that offers programs on leadership, sales, and personal development. You may also know him as the author of the famous bestsellers Eat That Frog! and No Excuses!: The Power of Self-Discipline.

Robin Sharma, Leadership and Business Coach

Robin Sharma is a leadership and business coach, speaker, and author who has sold over 15 million books in 96 countries. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies and the United Nations, and was named one of the “Top 5 Leadership Experts” in Forbes Magazine.

He is the founder of Sharma Leadership International Inc., a leadership development firm that has trained executives from top organizations around the world. He is also the author of several bestselling books, including The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and The Leader Who Had No Title. Additionally, you might know him from the Mindvalley program called “Hero Genius Legend” where he teaches productivity and peak performance.

John C. Maxwell, Leadership Coach and Speaker

John C. Maxwell is a leadership coach, speaker, and author who has sold over 33 million books in 50 languages. He has trained leaders at numerous Fortune 500 companies as well as the United States Military Academy.

He is the author of several bestselling books, including The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and Developing the Leader Within You, and has been named one of the “Top 50 Leadership and Management Experts” in Inc. Magazine.

Jay Abraham, Marketing and Business Strategist

Jay Abraham is a marketing and business strategist who has worked with over 10,000 clients in more than 400 industries. He is the founder and CEO of The Abraham Group, a marketing consulting firm that helps businesses of all sizes achieve explosive growth.

He is the author of the bestsellers Getting Everything You Can Out of All You’ve Got and The Sticking Point Solution. He is considered one of the top marketing experts in the world and has been named one of Forbes’ “Top 5 Executive Coaches.”

Top Female Business Coaches

Mel Robbins, Motivational Speaker and Author

Mel Robbins is a motivational speaker, author, and life coach who has inspired millions of people worldwide. She has worked with executives from top organizations like Johnson & Johnson and AT&T, and her TEDx Talk called How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over has been viewed over 27 million times.

Robbins is the author of several bestselling books, including The 5 Second Rule and Take Control of Your Life. She was named one of the “Top 30 Global Gurus” in Leadership as well as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Fortune 500” by Forbes.

Marie Forleo, Business Coach and Online Entrepreneur

Marie Forleo is a business coach, motivational speaker, and online entrepreneur who has helped thousands of people start and grow their own businesses. She is the creator of B-School, an online business training program, and has been featured in publications like Oprah Magazine and Inc. Magazine.

She is the author of the bestselling book Everything is Figureoutable and hosts the award-winning show MarieTV, where she interviews successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders. She has been named one of the “Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs” by Inc. Magazine and her platform was selected as one of the “Top 100 Websites for Entrepreneurs” by Forbes.

Amy Porterfield, Online Marketing Expert and Entrepreneur

Amy Porterfield is an online marketing expert, entrepreneur, and author who has helped thousands of people build and grow their online businesses. She is the creator of several online marketing programs and has been featured in publications like Entrepreneur and Forbes.

She is the author of several books, including Digital Course Academy and List Builders Society, and hosts the popular podcast “Online Marketing Made Easy.” She has been named one of the “Top 50 Online Marketing Influencers to Watch” by Entrepreneur and one of the “Top 50 Social Media Power Influencers” by Forbes.

Tara Gentile, Business Strategist and Coach

Tara Gentile is a business strategist, coach, and author who helps entrepreneurs build successful businesses on their own terms. She is the creator of Quiet Power Strategy, a business training program, and has been featured in publications like Forbes and The Huffington Post.

Gentile is the author of several books and hosts the popular podcast “Profit. Power. Pursuit.” where she interviews top entrepreneurs. She has been named one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Small Business Experts on Twitter” by Forbes and one of the “Top 40 Millennial Influencers” by The Next Web.

Susan Sly, Executive Business Coach and Author

Susan Sly is a successful entrepreneur and business coach who has worked with numerous clients, including Fortune 500 companies and top executives. She is the founder and CEO of Step Into Your Power Inc., a coaching and consulting company that offers programs on leadership, sales, and personal development.

With over 30 years of experience in coaching and business consulting, Sly has been featured in major media outlets such as CNN, CNBC, and Fox Business. Her coaching focuses on helping individuals and organizations increase their productivity, performance, and profitability. Additionally, she is a bestselling author and a sought-after speaker, having spoken on stages with some of the world’s top thought leaders.

Top Small Business Coaches

Diane Helbig, Business Coach and Author

Diane Helbig is a successful business coach, author, and podcast host who specializes in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs achieve their goals. She has been recognized as one of the “Top Sales Influencers” by OpenView Partners and is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council.

With over 20 years of experience as a sales expert, Diane brings a wealth of knowledge to her clients. She is passionate about helping them achieve success by providing practical advice and strategies that can be implemented immediately. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, and Sales World Magazine.

Melinda Emerson, Small Business Coach and Consultant

Melinda Emerson, also known as the “Small Biz Lady,” is a business coach and consultant who specializes in helping small businesses grow and thrive. She is the author of several bestselling books, including Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months and Fix Your Business.

Melinda is also a highly sought-after speaker and the host of #SmallBizChat on Twitter. She has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal and has appeared on MSNBC and Fox News.

Ali Brown, Entrepreneurial Business Coach and Speaker

Ali Brown is an entrepreneur coach and mentor who has been named one of Forbes’ “Women to Watch.” She is the founder and CEO of Ali International, a coaching and consulting company that has helped thousands of women entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. She is also the host of the popular podcast, Glambition Radio.

With over 20 years of experience in coaching and business consulting, Brown has been featured in major media outlets such as CNN, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Her coaching focuses on helping women entrepreneurs increase their income and impact while creating more freedom and fulfillment in their lives.

Barry Moltz, Small Business Coach and Speaker

Barry Moltz is a small business coach, speaker, and author who has founded and run several small businesses. He is a regular contributor to the American Express OPEN Forum and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, and CNN.

Barry is also the author of seven books on SMEs, including Small Business Hacks and How to Get Unstuck. He is a member of the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame, and he’s a former adjunct professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology teaching entrepreneurship.

Susan Solovic, Small Business Expert

Susan Solovic is a small business expert, entrepreneur, and author who has been featured in numerous media outlets, including CNBC, Fox Business, and The New York Times. She is the founder and CEO of Small Business Television and is known for her practical advice and insights on small business management and growth.

Ramon Ray, Entrepreneur and Small Business Expert

Ramon Ray is an entrepreneur, speaker, and small business expert who has founded several successful companies, including Smart Hustle Magazine and Small Biz Technology. He has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, Inc. Magazine, and MSNBC. He is also the author of several books, including The Celebrity CEO and Facebook Guide for Small Business Owners.

Top Coaches For Startups

Ian Paul Graham, Startup Coach and Advisor

Ian Paul Graham is a startup coach and business consultant with over 20 years of experience helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful companies. He has worked with numerous startups in the technology and healthcare sectors, helping them navigate the challenges of building and growing a business.

He is known for his expertise in fundraising, team building, and product development. Graham has been featured in publications like Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc. and is a regular speaker at startup events and conferences. His mission is to help early-stage companies achieve their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.

Amy Jo Kim, Startup Coach and Game Designer

Amy Jo Kim is a startup coach and game designer who has worked with companies like Electronic Arts, Netflix, and eBay. She is known for her expertise in user engagement and product design, helping startups create products that users love.

She is the author of Game Thinking, a book that outlines her approach to building successful products. Kim has been featured in publications like Fast Company, Wired, and The New York Times and is a sought-after speaker at conferences and events around the world.

Neil Patel, Startup Advisor and Marketer

Neil Patel is a startup coach, digital marketing expert, and entrepreneur who has founded several successful companies, including Crazy Egg and Kissmetrics. He is mostly known for his expertise in search engine optimization, content marketing, and conversion rate optimization.

Neil has worked with startups in a variety of industries, helping them grow their businesses through digital marketing strategies. He has been featured in publications like Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc. and is a popular speaker at marketing and entrepreneurship events.

Laura Roeder, Startup Coach and Serial Entrepreneur

Laura Roeder is a startup coach and social media expert who has helped thousands of entrepreneurs build successful businesses online. She is the founder of MeetEdgar, Paperbell, and CoachCompare, a free directory of coaches in all specializations (more on this nifty tool in a bit).

Laura’s work has been featured in publications like Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur, and is a regular speaker at marketing and entrepreneurship events. Her expertise lies in helping entrepreneurs and startups grow their businesses through effective social media strategies and streamlined business processes. Her commitment to innovation in entrepreneurship has earned her a reputation as a thought leader in the startup community.

Rand Fishkin, Startup Advisor and Founder

Rand Fishkin is a startup coach and entrepreneur who has founded several successful companies, including Moz and SparkToro. He is known for his expertise in search engine optimization and content marketing and has helped startups in various industries grow their businesses through these strategies.

He is also a well-known author and speaker and has been featured in publications like Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. His mission is to help entrepreneurs build successful businesses that make a positive impact on the world.

Our Pick Of The Top Business Coaches On CoachCompare

Lauren Ashley Carter, Business and Executive Coach

Lauren Ashley Carter is a highly accomplished business coach and consultant, with more than 20 years of experience as a Wall Street professional managing over $1 billion in assets and contributing to almost a quarter of a billion in revenue. With her extensive experience in leading strategic initiatives and developing teams for 50 clients, Lauren has a proven track record of driving results and helping businesses reach their full potential.

As a business coach, Lauren is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve their goals and create lasting success. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her coaching, working closely with her clients to identify their strengths, overcome challenges, and develop effective strategies for growth. With her deep understanding of finance and business operations, Lauren is uniquely equipped to help her clients navigate the complex world of business and build thriving, sustainable organizations.

Ciara Ungar, Business Coach and Author

Ciara Ungar is a renowned business coach and author based in New York, specializing in leadership and startup advising. With over 17 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, high-potential startups, top global agencies, and Angel Investors, Ciara brings a wealth of expertise to her coaching and consulting work.

She is also a Startup Judge, Mentor, and Advisor with three top accelerators, sits on the Forbes Coaches Council and serves as the Interim President of the TechShift Alliance Board of Directors. In addition, Ciara is the Founder & CEO of several companies. She offers a strategic approach to funding, launching, and growing startups while promoting personal and professional balance.

Michelle Vitale, Holistic Business Coach

Michelle Vitale is a holistic business coach who specializes in supporting women entrepreneurs in creating emotionally sustainable businesses. Her one-on-one coaching approach focuses on cultivating a compassionate space to help clients release perceived obstacles and reconnect with their natural inner resources.

In addition to her coaching work, Michelle brings her expertise as a licensed mental health counselor and certified yoga teacher to her coaching practice. She helps clients develop a more emotionally sustainable approach to their businesses, allowing them to cultivate balance and resilience while achieving their professional goals.

Sarah Olsen, Mindset and Business Coach

Sarah Olsen is a certified Mindset, Business, and Life Coach who helps ambitious women and men transform their mindset and reconnect with their true identity. With her extensive experience as a business owner and mumpreneur spanning over 15 years, Sarah helps people achieve their dream business and financial goals. Her signature coaching programs and resources support neurodivergent clients in navigating the business world.

Sarah also runs a holiday rental business and has grown startups to six-figure turnovers across various sectors. As a Certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming Coach, she provides full accountability and support in whatever way her clients need to help them take action and see results.

Cheryl Thornton, Female Business Coach

Cheryl Thornton is a business coach who specializes in supporting new women leaders in their first 3 months as a new leader. With over 20 years of experience in various HR roles, Cheryl’s passion is setting her clients up for success and helping them be the brilliant leaders they were born to be. She provides her clients the tools to go from feeling overwhelmed and unclear to being focused and impactful.

Cheryl creates a safe and judgment-free space for her clients to talk about anything. As a coach, she asks thought-provoking questions, challenges limiting beliefs, identifies values, sets goals, and cheers her clients on throughout their coaching journey.

How To Find A Great Business Coach?

CoachCompare is a diverse, free directory of coaches where you can select from a wide range of vetted profiles. Clicking on tags such as “business coach” or “executive coach,” you can easily filter the list down to the exact type of coaches you’re looking for. You can also type in a few keywords in the search bar that are relevant to the kind of expertise you’re looking for in order to narrow down your search even further.
Try CoachCompare now and find the perfect business coach for you.

top business coaches