Dr. James Sartain’s executive coaching approach blends cognitive-behavioral science with strategic insight, helping leaders unlock their full potential and multiply their impact. The focus is to transform leadership effectiveness through self-reflection and a robust evaluation of core skills, challenges, blind spots, and intention.

At the core of his method is the Connected Leadership Framework™, which emphasizes a clear, confident leader identity and four essential capabilities: self-examination, strategic exploration, vision enlistment, and disciplined execution. Leaders emerge from this process more self-aware, aligned, and ready to drive change that matters.

Dr. Sartain employs a Cognitive-Behavioral Coaching methodology—a research-backed, results-driven approach that examines the connection between thoughts, behaviors, and performance. The process increases emotional intelligence, addresses thinking distortions, and equips leaders to make better decisions, manage relationships effectively, and sustain personal growth.

This is not passive coaching. It is structured, honest, and built for those ready to engage deeply and change meaningfully.

Each engagement follows a multi-phase process:

• Pre-Coaching Discovery: Confidential interviews with the participant and their supervisor to clarify strengths, goals, and expectations
• Assessment: Use of targeted tools (e.g., MBTI®, DISC®, 360° feedback) to understand interpersonal style, cultural fit, and leadership effectiveness
• Coaching Action Plan: A developmental roadmap anchored in strategic business outcomes and the leader’s growth goals
• Regular Coaching Sessions: Thought-partnership, role-playing, and scenario planning to rehearse, reflect, and refine behavior
• Closure & Sustainability: End-of-engagement planning and post-coaching follow-up to support long-term change

Participants are also provided a personalized Connected Leadership Journal to support reflection and self-coaching beyond the formal engagement.

• New or transitioning executives
• High-potential leaders preparing for a broader scope
• Teams seeking to improve alignment, communication, and decision-making
• Organizations pursuing cultural or strategic transformation