What if the key to unlocking your next level of growth wasn’t a course, a credential, or a job title—but a relationship? In this episode of LeaderSHOP, we sit down with John Koelliker, co-founder and CEO of Leland, a fast-growing coaching marketplace built on the radical idea that world-class guidance should be accessible to everyone. From career advancement and executive leadership to mental wellness and military transition, Leland connects users with vetted coaches who believe in their potential—and help them act on it.

John’s story is not just about entrepreneurship; it’s about access, persistence, and the power of relationships. He explains how Leland is redefining coaching by combining high-quality human expertise with scalable technology—while preserving the humanity that drives real transformation. Along the way, John offers candid insights on leadership development, career pivots, storytelling, AI’s role in coaching, and why the most successful people in the world never try to go it alone.

* Access to Expertise Changes Lives

The right coach—or even one meaningful relationship—can dramatically alter someone’s career, education, or personal trajectory.

* Entrepreneurship Is Nonlinear by Nature

Building a company isn’t a straight line; success often comes from persistence through repeated walls and breakthrough moments.

* Coaching Is About Transformation, Not AdviceTrue coaching is active, relational, and outcome-driven—far more than transactional tips you could find online.

* Map Your Mentors

Identify one person whose guidance could meaningfully accelerate your growth—and take one step this week to connect.

* Invest in Yourself

Evaluate one skill, credential, or coaching relationship that could deliver a high return on investment in the next 12 months.

* Leverage Both AI and Humanity

Identify one way AI can improve your productivity—and one area where human coaching or accountability would make the biggest difference.

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