From STEM Expert to High-Impact Leader
Your technical skills got you here—
now it’s time to lead at the highest level
Through executive coaching, I help senior leaders in technology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and engineering to evolve from technical experts into confident, commanding leaders.
Technical Excellence Isn’t Enough
Leadership Demands More
Problem-solving, analytical skills, and subject-matter expertise make STEM leaders invaluable—but leadership requires more. Influence, executive presence, and strategic communication are essential for success. Through executive coaching, I help STEM leaders develop the confidence, clarity, and strategic vision to lead with impact.
Joel is able to quickly pinpoint the exact area that will help accelerate my progress and break down my barriers, and does it in a constructive and supportive manner. Coaching sessions with Joel leave me invigorated and feeling empowered.
Robert Martin – Chief Information Security Officer
Brilliant but Overlooked
Why STEM Leaders Struggle to Lead
Even the most brilliant technical minds can fall short in leadership without key skills. When STEM leaders aren’t fully equipped to lead, they face challenges that stall their careers and limit their impact:
What STEM Leaders Gain From Executive Coaching
Joel’s executive coaching program helps technology, engineering, and biotech leaders overcome unique leadership challenges. Here’s what we’ll work on:
With the right coaching, STEM leaders transform from technical experts into powerful, influential leaders who drive results at the highest levels.
You’ve Mastered the Technical—Now Master Leadership
STEM leaders face unique challenges. Let’s unlock their leadership potential and drive success.
Compelling Statistics
Why STEM Leaders Need Executive Coaching
professionals (McKinsey)
Executive coaching helps STEM leaders communicate effectively, drive innovation, and prepare them for senior roles. Whether they need to lead with influence to gain stakeholder buy-in, develop future leaders while transitioning into people management, or navigate a promotion with confidence, coaching equips them with the strategies to excel at the highest levels.
Why Top STEM Companies Trust Joel Garfinkle to Transform Their Leaders
With 25+ years of experience coaching 1,000+ STEM leaders, I help technical professionals, especially introverted leaders, evolve from subject-matter experts to high-impact executives. Whether coaching technology leaders, scientists, engineers, or biotech experts, my approach builds the confidence, presence, and influence needed to thrive in leadership roles.
Elevate Your STEM Leaders
Invest in Their Growth Today
Contact Joel to begin the executive coaching journey.
My work with Joel focused on two key areas: effective communication and managing organizational perceptions of me. With his guidance, I significantly improved my communication with both my team and senior leaders. These enhanced skills enabled me to actively manage my organizational equity, positioning me to contribute at higher levels.
Tim Zima Director – Integrated Health-Managed Healthcare Services
The Missing Piece for STEM Leaders
Why Executive Presence Matters
Technical expertise got you here, but at the executive level, how you show up as a leader matters just as much as what you know. Executive presence transforms STEM professionals into influential leaders— helping them articulate ideas with confidence, gain stakeholder buy-in, and earn trust.
Having coached over 2,500+ leaders—many in technology, engineering, and biotech—I’ve seen how executive presence shapes careers. Without it, even brilliant minds risk being overlooked for key decisions and leadership roles.
Two Resources to Help Introverts Develop Executive Presence
1. Executive Presence Book
Step Into Your Power, Convey Confidence, & Lead with Conviction
Executive Presence is the defining factor that sets great leaders apart—and this book shows you how to build it. It’s not just about intelligence or experience— this book, considered among the best books about leadership and management, equips you with the skills needed to show up, speak, and lead with confidence. If you struggle to command a room, influence decisions, or convey authority, this book provides proven strategies to strengthen your presence and maximize your leadership impact.
- Radiate Gravitas: Be confident, commanding, and charismatic.
- Act with Authority: Be decisive, bold, and influential.
- Express Yourself Fully: Speak with clarity, conviction, and power.
2. Executive Presence Coaching
I help STEM leaders refine their executive presence so they can command a room, communicate technical insights clearly, and gain credibility in high-stakes discussions. My coaching provides the tools to lead with influence, strengthen leadership presence, and accelerate career growth.
Do You Have Executive Presence?
Take the Assessment to Find Out
Executive presence is what sets great leaders apart. Take this quick self-assessment to evaluate your strengths across the nine core competencies of executive presence and identify opportunities to grow.
Over 500 Leadership Articles
Actionable Advice to Elevate Your Leadership
Explore expert insights from executive coach Joel Garfinkle, covering leadership, executive presence, and communication. These articles offer practical strategies to help drive your career forward.
Coaching Success Stories
From Technical Expert to Trusted Senior Leader
From Overwhelming Details to Concise, Impactful Messaging
Your Success Starts Here
These leaders took their careers to the next level with Joel’s coaching. Want to see what coaching can do for you? Reach out and start your leadership transformation today.