The ROI of Coaching: A Story That Might Sound Familiar

When “It Feels Intangible” Becomes the Wall Between You and Your Next Breakthrough

A few weeks ago, I received a heartfelt email from a senior leader. Let’s call him Rohit.

He’s a Vice President at a mid-sized global IT firm, backed by two decades of experience—much of it in the US. Sharp. Strategic. Deeply respected in his industry. And compensated well over ₹1.5 Cr annually.

We had just wrapped up a meaningful discovery conversation around coaching.

He had clarity on what he wanted to work on:

• Managing emotional triggers in high-stakes situations

• Navigating power dynamics with grace

• Developing executive presence that inspires confidence

• Creating space for calm decision-making rather than reactive firefighting

I walked him through my 6-month, 24-session coaching engagement—a journey that integrates:

✅ Psychometric assessments to uncover leadership blind spots

✅ Clearly defined coaching goals aligned to desired outcomes

✅ Structured sessions grounded in real-world context and reflection

His response was honest:

“I really liked the agreement—it made me reflect deeply. But I honestly didn’t anticipate the investment being this high. While I truly respect the value you bring, it’s hard for me to justify this cost right now. It just feels... intangible.”

Why That Word—“Intangible”—Matters More Than We Realize

That single word lingered with me. And not because it was new—I've heard it from several high-performing professionals before.

The hesitation isn’t about a lack of clarity. It’s about the lack of tangibility.

We’re all wired to place value on things we can see, touch, or display:

• A leadership certificate 📜

• A luxury gadget 📱

• An upgraded title on LinkedIn 🔼

But coaching? It operates in a subtler space—

🌱 where self-awareness grows silently.

🧠 Where beliefs begin to shift.

🗣️ Where habits are recalibrated.

The ROI of coaching isn’t always seen in the mirror. It’s felt in moments like:

• Saying “no” without guilt

• Handling a high-stakes conversation without being triggered

• Being the calmest person in a stormy boardroom

• Inspiring followership without trying too hard

Over time, these intangible shifts lead to:

🚀 Career acceleration

🤝 Deeper relationships with teams

🧭 More strategic decisions

🛡️ Better health and peace of mind

“Can I Just Start Small and Scale Up Later?”

Rohit’s follow-up was sincere and respectful:

“If we could do a few sessions at a lower fee for the next few months, I can experience it first-hand and then increase the pace and investment. It gives me space to gauge my commitment and comfort.”

This is a sentiment I completely understand—and yet, here’s what I told him:

“Coaching isn’t a pilot project. It’s a partnership. It’s not about ‘trying a few sessions’—it’s about committing to real, sustained change. The value of coaching doesn’t come in the session. It comes between the sessions—when insight meets action.”

I had to be honest, as I am with every client:

“Coaching works only when both of us are fully invested. Part-time investment rarely yields full-time transformation.”

What This Means for Leaders Sitting on the Fence

If you’re a senior professional who’s been considering coaching but holding back because it feels hard to quantify, this is for you.

Ask yourself:

🔍 What’s the cost of staying the same?

⏳ What decisions are you postponing because you’re still waiting for perfect clarity?

💭 What patterns have been repeating month after month, year after year?

And most importantly:

What if coaching is exactly the thing that would help you shift—but you’ll only know once you step in fully?

In Summary

The most successful leaders I’ve worked with don’t approach coaching as an expense to be justified.

They view it as a strategic decision—a growth multiplier.

Because they understand something most others miss:

“Tangible results are born from intangible shifts.”

So, if you’ve been contemplating coaching, let this be your nudge.

Don’t wait for certainty. Create it—with the right support, the right partnership, and a coach who can hold the mirror to your potential.

🧭 About Me

I’m an Executive Coach and the Founder of Nirvedha Executive Coaching Solutions, based out of Hyderabad. With over 30 years of professional experience and 8+ years as a full-time coach, I’ve had the privilege of working with CXOs, senior leaders, and high-potential professionals across IT, Pharma, Manufacturing, and BFSI.

Certified in globally recognized tools like Transactional Analysis, Emotional Quotient, and Change Temperament Psychometrics, I specialize in helping leaders navigate complexity, build emotional resilience, and achieve powerful inner shifts that translate into real-world impact.

If this article resonated with you and you're ready to explore what coaching could unlock for you, my inbox is always open. Let’s have a conversation that could change the trajectory of your growth.

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