ICF ACC Certified | Brown University Trained Coach

Unlock Your Leadership Potential

Helping you discover your best self to achieve what matters most to you

Executive coaching for leaders ready to develop their people, navigate complex stakeholders, manage conflict, and drive meaningful change.

25+
Years Executive Experience
3
Continents Led Teams
100+
Coaching Hours
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Ashok Kalyanswamy - Executive Leadership Coach
About Me

Executive Leader Turned Coach

Bringing decades of C-suite experience to help you navigate your leadership journey

Whether you're a first-time manager or individual contributor finding your voice, a senior leader navigating complex stakeholders, or an executive in transition—I work with leaders at every stage of their journey.

A Unique Perspective from the C-Suite

As a senior executive with over two decades of experience leading global teams, I understand the unique challenges facing today's leaders. I've walked in your shoes—navigating complex stakeholder dynamics, managing conflicts, developing high-performing leaders across cultures, and driving meaningful change across people, process, and technology.

My journey has taught me that true leadership is fundamentally about people. It requires emotional intelligence, the courage to have difficult conversations, and the ability to inspire others to achieve extraordinary results together.

Global Leadership Experience
Stakeholder & Conflict Navigation
ICF ACC | Brown & ACT Certified
Cross-Cultural Expertise
2019 Finalist
CIO of the Year — Nordics
2019 Finalist
CIO of the Year — Denmark
2019 Finalist
CIO of the Year — Europe
SME, Diversity & Innovation
My Story

Forged Through Experience

I started my career as an introverted programmer. The C-suite was never the plan — but persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from my mistakes got me there.

Along the way, I've faced moments that tested everything: I was in the building on 9/11 when the plane hit. I navigated the chaos of the Lehman Brothers collapse. But the quieter battles shaped me just as much—imposter syndrome, worrying about job security while supporting my family, biding my time waiting for the next promotion, owning high-stakes programs that failed, and pushing through passive-aggressive resistance to change across different cultures and companies.

Each of these experiences forged who I am today: an empathetic leader with the ability to see situations through different lenses. Resilience isn't about avoiding adversity—it's about growing through it.

"I've walked in your shoes — and I can help you walk further in yours."

I've built high-performing teams across cultures, presented to boards, worked in regulated industries and founder-led companies, and managed more conflicts than I can count. My journey from programmer to C-suite executive taught me that leadership isn't about titles — it's about who you become along the way.

9/11 Survivor Lehman Brothers Collapse Introvert to C-Suite Global Team Builder Board Presenter Regulated Industries Founder-Led Companies
Credentials

World-Class Coaching Education

Trained by leading institutions with ICF-accredited programs

Brown University LPCC

Leadership and Performance Coaching Certification from Brown University School of Professional Studies. An 8-month intensive program grounded in developmental psychology and neuroscience.

ICF Level 1 Accredited

ACT Next Level Program

Advanced coaching program focusing on transformational concepts and deeper client impact. Synthesizes coaching skills into higher levels of professionalism and effectiveness.

ICF Level 2 Pathway

ICF ACC Credential

Associate Certified Coach credential from the International Coaching Federation, demonstrating commitment to the highest ethical standards and professional competence.

Certified
Services

How I Can Help You

Tailored coaching solutions for executives and emerging leaders

Leadership Coaching

One-on-one coaching for professionals at all stages—from aspiring leaders to C-Suite—navigating complex challenges and transitions.

  • Strategic leadership development
  • Conflict navigation & resolution
  • Stakeholder influence & alignment

Leadership Team Development

Build cohesive, high-performing leadership teams that drive organizational success across borders.

  • Developing emerging leaders
  • Team dynamics & conflict resolution
  • Cross-cultural collaboration

Transition Coaching

Navigate critical career transitions with confidence—from new role success to organizational change leadership.

  • First 90 days strategy
  • Change management support
  • Career trajectory planning
My Approach

How I Coach

A partnership built on trust, discovery, and transformation

"I help leaders build awareness of their impact, so they can make intentional choices that lead to real transformation."

Safe Space

A foundation of trust where you can talk openly and confidentially. You will not be judged. I'm humble and down to earth—I don't profess to have all the answers.

Co-Creation

We work together through a discovery process, co-creating solutions that lead to new insights and awareness. The answers emerge from within you.

Transformation

Through awareness and intentional choices, you'll experience real transformation—becoming the leader you're meant to be.

A Typical Session

1

Your Topic

You bring what's current and unresolved—or we continue from where we left off

→
2

Discovery

We explore together, uncovering insights and new perspectives

→
3

Reflection

We recap key points for you to reflect on or take action

Why Work With Me

The Difference Experience Makes

Real executive experience combined with world-class coaching training

I've Been Where You Are

Unlike coaches who only study leadership, I've lived it. From developing leaders and navigating complex stakeholder relationships to managing conflicts and driving organizational change across continents, I bring real-world executive experience to every coaching conversation.

  • 1

    C-Suite Perspective

    Understand board dynamics, stakeholder management, and the isolation of executive leadership firsthand.

  • 2

    Global Experience

    Led teams across US, Europe, and Asia—bringing cross-cultural intelligence to leadership challenges.

  • 3

    Conflict & Stakeholder Mastery

    Navigate difficult conversations and complex stakeholder dynamics to drive alignment and results.

  • 4

    Change Leadership

    Proven track record of driving organizational change across people, process, and technology at scale.

"Ashok is the best CIO I have worked with in my career. His genuine technical depth, his understanding of modern ways of working, and his humane nature and humour have made working with him a pleasure. I've learned so much on this stage of my career journey spent with him."

SR

Simon Rohrer

Senior Director, Global Head of Enterprise Architecture

Testimonials

What Colleagues Say

Insights from leaders who have worked alongside me

"Ashok is a visionary leader who successfully led our technology transformation, focusing on digital, cloud, and API-first strategies. His ability to scale technology and foster an agile work environment is remarkable. He mentored me as both a leader and individual, always approachable, strategic in his thinking, and genuinely collaborative in nature."

MS

Mads Syska Hasling

Worked together at Saxo Bank

Leadership & Mentorship

"Ashok is one of those Leaders you would want to work with again and again. His technical knowledge combined with his passion for people and teamwork is exceptional. What stands out most is his humility, respect, and supportive inclusive approach. He has a coach-like leadership style that truly empowers others to reach their full potential."

LM

Liliia Malysh PCC, CPCC

Professional Coach & Colleague

Coach-Like Leadership

"Working with Ashok helped me scale my influence as a technology leader and navigate complex stakeholder relationships with greater clarity and confidence. His coaching style is distinctive—rather than prescribing answers, he guides you to discover the right path based on your own strengths. That approach helped me secure support for a critical business initiative and sharpen my voice as a thought leader in TBM."

CF

Clerin Fernandez

Technology COO • Coaching Client

Executive Influence

"Ashok is an exceptional senior technology executive. He is adept at assembling and developing teams of gifted technologists. Ashok is quick to give credit to his team members and fosters a culture of accountability and ownership. He partners with senior business managers and manages his team to meet their needs. I worked with Ashok for many years and saw him steadily take more senior roles—he excelled in each of them."

EA

Eric Anderson

Managing Director, CIO Corporate & Investment Banking

Developing Leaders

"Ashok's coaching was the anchor I needed during my recent move from one hedge fund to the next. Thanks to his deep wisdom and steady guidance, I didn't just 'join' a new company—I successfully established a position of influence. His approach helped me navigate the nuances of a new culture so effectively that I was bumped up a level shortly after my start date. For anyone looking to accelerate their career trajectory and lead with confidence, I cannot recommend Ashok highly enough."

JN

Jeni Nikolova

Director, Technology Program Management • Coaching Client

Career Transition

From Internal Uncertainty to Absolute Conviction

"Working with Ashok goes far beyond traditional coaching. He has a remarkable gift for helping you navigate your 'inner world' to find the core values that allow you to lead with genuine calmness and clarity. Through our sessions, I learned to recognize the different internal voices we all carry. By leaning into the one that speaks from a place of truth, I moved from a state of uncertainty to absolute clarity on the non-negotiables for my future growth. This alignment has made me far more purposeful in my decision-making, ensuring that the next steps in my career are taken entirely on my own terms. Ultimately, Ashok's coaching has provided me with a profound sense of conviction."

JC

Jimmy Casey

Strategic Program Leader • Coaching Client

Inner Clarity

Ready to Elevate Your Leadership?

Book a complimentary discovery call to explore how executive coaching can accelerate your leadership journey, or schedule your next coaching session.

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Get In Touch

Let's Start a Conversation

Take the first step toward transforming your leadership

Connect With Me

I'd love to hear about your leadership challenges and goals. Reach out to schedule a complimentary discovery session.