About Brian
Who is Brian Underhill?
Brian Underhill, Ph.D., PCC, is the Founder and CEO of CoachSource, recognized as the world's largest executive coaching firm. With a global network of over 1,100 coaches operating in more than 100 countries, Dr. Underhill has established CoachSource as a leader in designing and managing enterprise-wide executive coaching services. He is renowned for his innovative approach to executive coaching, focusing on delivering measurable, long-term positive change in leadership behavior.
His work extends beyond individual coaching to encompass the development of comprehensive leadership competencies and 360-degree inventories for major organizations. Dr. Underhill has personally coached hundreds of leaders across diverse industries, contributing significantly to their professional growth and organizational success. He is also a pioneer in utilizing "mini-surveys" as a unique measurement tool to track and impact behavioral change over time, ensuring the effectiveness and accountability of coaching interventions.
What is Brian Underhill known for?
Dr. Underhill is primarily known for his pioneering work in executive coaching and leadership development. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology and is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credentialed by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). His expertise lies in behavioral change measurement, leveraging tools like mini-surveys to ensure coaching programs yield tangible results.
He is the co-author of the influential book, "Executive Coaching for Results: The Definitive Guide to Developing Organizational Leaders" (Berrett-Koehler, 2007), a foundational text in the executive coaching industry. Beyond his written contributions, Dr. Underhill is an internationally sought-after keynote speaker, having presented on six continents on topics related to executive coaching and leadership. His work with prominent organizations such as Dell, Microsoft, Genentech, and the State of California, along with his role in managing one of the largest databases of executive coaches, solidifies his reputation in the field.
In recognition of his significant contributions, Dr. Underhill was awarded Fellow status from the American Psychological Association / Division 13 in 2021 for his pioneering work in coaching.
What is Brian Underhill's background and experience?
Dr. Brian Underhill's extensive career is marked by a deep commitment to organizational effectiveness and leadership excellence. He earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology, providing a strong academic foundation for his practical work in the field. Prior to founding CoachSource, he managed executive coaching operations for Marshall Goldsmith for a decade, gaining invaluable experience in the intricacies of leadership development and coaching program management.
His entrepreneurial spirit is also evident through his involvement with start-ups for over 15 years as an Expert EOS Implementer. In this capacity, he has focused on helping entrepreneurs and leadership teams solve root problems and gain Traction® through the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), which emphasizes vision, traction, and building healthy teams. This diverse experience has equipped him with a holistic understanding of organizational dynamics and the challenges leaders face.
What topics does Brian Underhill speak and write about?
Brian Underhill's contributions to the field of leadership and organizational development are evidenced by his extensive speaking engagements and publications. He co-authored "Executive Coaching for Results: The Definitive Guide to Developing Organizational Leaders" (2007) and has also served as co-editor for two other notable works: "Coach Me! Your Personal Board of Directors" (2022) and "Mastering Executive Coaching" (2019).
He frequently discusses executive coaching, leadership development, organizational psychology, and behavioral change measurement. His presentations often delve into topics such as designing leadership competencies, utilizing 360-degree inventories, and implementing scalable executive coaching models. He has appeared on podcasts discussing the operations of CoachSource, the essence of executive coaching, emotional intelligence in leadership, and navigating challenging workplace dynamics.
How does Brian Underhill contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
Brian Underhill has been a valuable contributor to the Best Practice Institute (BPI) by sharing his expertise through various webinars and resources. He has presented on critical topics such as "Executive Coaching for Results: The Definitive Guide to Developing Organizational Leaders," where he provided insights into maximizing the impact of executive coaching. His webinar "Endurance Leadership: Leading for Turbulent Times" addressed effective leadership approaches during periods of significant change and uncertainty.
Furthermore, Dr. Underhill provided a look into the realities of executive coaching in "What Really Happens in Coaching: Executives Tell All," drawing from his extensive experience and research. His contributions align with BPI's focus areas, including Organization Development & Change, Learning & Development, Leadership Development, Employee Engagement, Assessments & Evaluations, and Coaching, making him a key expert in driving best practices in these domains.