Sofia Balderson

Working with Adam has been a game-changer for me as an Executive Director (ED). The ability to get 1:1 support on urgent challenges has been invaluable, especially in a role where tough decisions and unexpected issues come up all the time.

Adam brings a wealth of management experience, which is crucial because leadership and team management are some of the biggest challenges EDs face. Through our sessions, I’ve gained a much clearer understanding of what my role entails, what I should focus on, and how to support my team effectively.

One of the things I appreciate most is how well Adam tailors each session to my needs—balancing immediate problem-solving with long-term skill development. He is incredibly receptive to feedback and adjusts his approach right away, making the coaching process feel truly personalized.

Beyond strategy and leadership, Adam also understands the psychological challenges of this role. He has helped me navigate the mental load of being an ED, avoid unproductive thought patterns, and maintain a healthier approach to my work. His encouragement has been a huge help during difficult moments, and his recommendations on managing stress and mindset have been spot on.

It also makes a huge difference that Adam truly understands the movement and the unique challenges of running a charity with a limited budget. He gets the trade-offs, the fundraising pressures, and the reality of making an impact with constrained resources. This understanding makes his advice even more practical and relevant.

The impact of working with Adam has been incredible. I feel significantly more confident in my role, I support my team better, and the work feels much more doable. Thanks to his advice, we’ve made strong hiring decisions, and our team dynamics have improved—people are giving each other (and me) more feedback, which is strengthening our organization in ways that will last. I also know that Adam can support me if we decide to scale our work as he had experience with that.

If you're an ED looking for a coach who truly understands the challenges of the role, adapts to your needs, and actively helps you grow both strategically and mentally—while also understanding the realities of running a nonprofit—I highly recommend Adam.