10 Most Inspiring Career Coaches of 2025 | Stephanie Renk
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STEPHANIE RENK
STEVE
CAROL PARKER WALSH 46
Stephanie Renk
Listening Before Leading
Inthe saturated world of career advice, where motivational quotes abound and one-size-fits-all solutions flood social media feeds, Stephanie Renk stands apart. Not because she's louder, but because she listens more closely. She listens to the woman who's returning to work after caring for an aging parent. She listens to the mid-level manager who feels invisible in meetings. She listens to the burnedout professional quietly wondering, “Is this it?”
And in that silence, Stephanie does something radical: she helps people not just find the next job—but rediscover their voice.
That instinct to listen, to guide rather than prescribe, is what laid the foundation for her coaching journey. Long before launching a national career brand, Stephanie's passion for helping others navigate transitions was already taking shape. Her first formal steps came through her work with Veterans Upward Bound at Boise State University, a federally funded program that supports veterans as they transition from active duty to college. There, she witnessed the emotional complexity and identity challenges that come with professional reinvention.
After a stint in Boston, where she found herself informally mentoring colleagues, Stephanie returned to Idaho to pursue her MBAat Northwest Nazarene University. It was during her capstone project that a deeper vision crystallized—one that would eventually evolve into a full-time mission.
ASIMPLE MISSION
In 2018, Stephanie launched Idaho Next Steps Coaching with a simple but powerful vision: to help people move forward in their careers with clarity and confidence. It wasn't born from corporate ambition or a templated business plan—it was born from observation and empathy.
Stephanie noticed how many professionals were stuck at critical crossroads, unsure how to market their strengths, navigate transitions, or even recognize their own value. The internet offered no shortage of job search advice—but much of it was outdated, impersonal, and ineffective.
“There was a better way,” Stephanie believed.And she was determined to build it.
What began as a local coaching service in Boise has since evolved into Next Step Career Services, a national brand that supports professionals across the entire career spectrum—from recent graduates and emerging leaders to Csuite executives charting their next move. But while the reach has expanded, the core philosophy remains unchanged: Stephanie's work is about honoring the human behind the résumé.
Today, her coaching goes far beyond getting clients “unstuck.” It's about empowering them to move forward with resilience, clarity, and strategic intent. Whether guiding a parent returning to the workforce after a health setback or helping a senior leader prepare for a long-overdue promotion, Stephanie's process always centers on the individual journey.At its heart, her mission is to meet clients where they are—and help them take that next step with courage and conviction.
“Career development is rarely just about the documents, It’s about the person behind them.”
A Shift in The Coaching Landscape
Over the past few years, career coaching has evolved rapidly—driven byAI tools, a volatile job market, and changing expectations from both employers and employees. Stephanie has kept pace not by chasing trends, but by staying grounded in what matters most: human connection.
“Staying relevant in coaching means staying human, even in anAI-driven world,” she says. That ethos drives her innovation. From building custom workflows for job searches to preparing clients for hybrid interviews, she ensures her services are not only up-to-date but deeply personalized.
As an active leader with the ProfessionalAssociation of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC), Stephanie collaborates with peers across industries and career levels to stay ahead of the curve. These collaborations grant her unique visibility into what's working—from executive job searches to early-career pivots—and how coaching can continually adapt to serve real-world needs.
“Innovation doesn't always mean inventing something new,” she notes. “Sometimes, it means asking better questions.”
That philosophy underscores her entire coaching practice. Whether she's guiding a client through the nuances of hybrid interviews or helping them align their personal brand with their evolving goals, Stephanie approaches each career as a singular story—never a template.
WHERE STRATEGY MEETS
SOUL: BALANCING RÉSUMÉSAND REALLIFE
For Stephanie Renk, career development has never been just about perfecting résumés or prepping for interviews—it's about helping people feel seen, grounded, and confident in their worth. She knows that professional progress can't happen in isolation from personal growth.And while she's a Certified Professional Résumé Writer and a respected facilitator with the ProfessionalAssociation of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC), Stephanie's process begins long before any document is drafted.
“Career development is rarely just about the documents,” she says. “It's about the person behind them.”
Many of her clients find her during life's uncertain seasons—after a layoff, in the wake of burnout, or while navigating a return to the workforce following caregiving or illness. These moments are as emotional as they are logistical, and Stephanie recognizes that tools like résumés and LinkedIn profiles only become effective when built on a strong foundation of self-trust and clarity
That's where her approach stands apart. She creates space for clients to process their transitions, reframe limiting beliefs, and rebuild a career narrative that feels both authentic and empowering. “Once we align their mindset with their message,” she explains, “the technical pieces flow more naturally and more effectively.”
Her résumé strategy, though technically sophisticated, remains rooted in simplicity and storytelling. She believes a résumé should not simply chronicle job duties but tell a clear, compelling story—one that positions the candidate as the solution to a hiring manager's problem.
“In today's job market, recruiters don't have time to guess,” she explains. “Astrong résumé highlights value, results, and alignment with the target role.”
That means quantifying achievements, using powerful language, and tailoring content for both applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human readers. Clarity always takes precedence over clutter. “Buzzwords won't cut it,” she emphasizes. “What matters is how the candidate made a difference.”
Stephanie pushes her clients to go beyond the surface. What did they lead? Improve? Solve? Save? These are the questions that reveal professional impact—and when paired with an aligned mindset, they create job applications that don't just get noticed, but remembered.
In Stephanie's world, the résumé isn't just a ticket to an interview—it's an expression of identity, confidence, and direction. It's a reflection of a person who is not just applying for a role, but ready to step into it.
UNPACKING THE PERSON BEYOND THE RÉSUMÉ
Having worked with professionals across the country—from entry-level job seekers to executive leaders—Stephanie Renk has identified two universal hurdles that consistently hold people back: clarity and confidence. In today's hyper-competitive job market, even the most qualified individuals often find themselves struggling not with skill gaps, but with how to frame and communicate their stories.
“There's often a gap between how people see themselves and how they communicate their value to employers,” Stephanie explains.And in
a digital landscape overflowing with templated advice and algorithm-driven job boards, that gap can grow wider without the right guidance.
Whether coaching a recent graduate seeking direction, a mid-career professional exploring a pivot, or a seasoned executive navigating reinvention, Stephanie meets each client with a strategic blend of reflection, storytelling, and forward-thinking positioning. She helps them dig into their past roles, surface their transferable skills, and shape a message that aligns with where they want to go—not just where they've been.
But beyond strategy, Stephanie is acutely attuned to the emotional weight of the job search. “It can feel deeply personal and, at times, defeating,” she says. That's why her coaching process isn't just about checking boxes—it's about rebuilding belief.
She reminds her clients that they are more than their résumés, more than their titles, and more than their last setback. Through encouragement and intentional coaching, she helps them reclaim ownership of their narrative and career trajectory—step by purposeful step.
THE POWER OFTHE PIVOT: STARTING FROM EXPERIENCE
When asked to give advice to people who are pivoting careers in 2025 and feeling overwhelmed with the change, Stephanie Renk reminds them of something vital: you are not alone, and you are not behind.
“Feeling overwhelmed doesn't mean you're unqualified,” she says. “It means you're human.”
In a landscape where career changes are more common than ever, Stephanie offers a grounded and reassuring perspective. Her approach to navigating a pivot is refreshingly simple: start small and stay curious. Rather than becoming paralyzed by the enormity of reinvention, she urges clients to focus on the next right step—whether that's identifying transferable skills, engaging in one meaningful networking
conversation, or updating a LinkedIn profile to reflect future ambitions.
But perhaps her most transformative advice is also the most freeing: give yourself permission to evolve.
“You are not the same person you were five or ten years ago—and that's a good thing,” Stephanie emphasizes. She reframes the pivot not as a loss or a restart, but as a progression rooted in growth. “You're not starting over. You're starting from experience.”
Through this mindset, her clients begin to see change not as a sign of instability, but as a signal of selfawareness. Stephanie helps them shift from fear to opportunity, empowering them to move forward with clarity, not confusion. In her world, a pivot isn't a detour—it's a powerful redirection toward something better aligned, more fulfilling, and uniquely their own.
LOOKINGAHEAD: COACHING FOR THE CAREERS OFTODAY
As Stephanie Renk looks toward the future, her vision for 2025 is rooted in one powerful idea: relevance through empathy. Her focus isn't on what worked five years ago, but on what professionals need right now—in this rapidly shifting world of work.
“In 2025, it's all about meeting my clients where they are,” Stephanie explains. “The world of work has changed, and so have job seekers' needs.”
To meet those evolving demands, Stephanie is expanding the scope of Next Step Career Services with an emphasis on personalization, agility, and real-life career moments. She's rolling out customized coaching packages designed for modern transitions—like returning to work
after burnout, stepping into leadership for the first time, or navigating a bold mid-career pivot. Each program is built to not only address strategy but to support mindset, resilience, and clarity during times of change.
She's also integrating modern tools and digital workflows that streamline the job search process while allowing space for individuality—proving once again that technology can serve a human-first mission when guided with purpose.
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Ironically,gettingcastin Beauty and the Beast wasn'tthedestination,it wasthedetour.Istillplaygigsin localpubs,andI'mstillwriting songs.Songwritingislikesolvinga puzzle.Justlikecoaching.
What's the irst thing you help clients focus on when they come to you feeling stuck in their careers?
We'reconditionedtobelievethat ourcareersareunfoldingasthey should—thatalltheworkwe'veput inmusthaveledsomewhere meaningful.Sowhenpeoplefeel stuck,theyoftenhesitateto questiontherolethey'rein.There's aquietpressuretostaypositive, staygrateful,orjustkeep going—withoutasking, Is this still what I want?
For Dianna Anderson, leadership has been an integral part of her life since her early years. Reflecting on her upbringing, she shares, "Growing up, gymnastics and leadership were intertwined for me. As long as I can remember, I was obsessed withgymnastics."
Despite the lack of competitive gymnastics programs in her area, Dianna's passion for the sport drove her to seek opportunities wherever she could find them. As Dianna recalls, "At fourteen, I became the head coach for the after-school children's gymnastics program for our city where I led a small team of fellow gymnasts from my high school to teach kids the basics of thesportweloved."
Dianna would go on to coach her high school gymnastics team afterthecoachleft,whilealsocoachingherselftomultipleyears ofprovincial-levelsuccess.Thisearlyformativeexperiencedeeply influenced her approach to leadership, and instilled in her a passionforhelpingothersrealizetheirpotential.
FROM EARLY CAREER TO COACHING PIONEER
Dianna's professional journey into coaching began with a serendipitous discovery in 1994. She recalls, "I opened the newspaper in Houston and read one of the first articles written about this new thing called professional coaching. I knew immediately I wanted to do that." This revelation led her to become one of the first graduates of Coach University and a founding member of the International Coaching
Federation (ICF), making her part of the early wave of professional coaches who shaped the profession. She recalls conversations at the first ICF conference where participants pondered whether coaching would take off or not; “We weren't sure!”
As she began her coaching practice, Dianna noticed a recurring theme: her clients were most successful when they adopted a coaching approach to leadership. "When people got curious about how
others viewed situations, asked questions instead of pushing answers, and focused on finding common ground, they were able to resolve differences, build stronger relationships, and get things done." This realization was a turning point, leading her to develop an "in the moment" coaching approach that could be integrated into everyday conversations. She did this at a time when it was widely held that coaching could only be done by expensive, professionally trained coaches in hour-long sessions.
Coaching cultures realized.™
THE BIRTH OF CYLIENT AND THE COACHING CULTURE
By 2005 Dianna could see the transformative potential of “in the moment” coaching as the foundation of organizational culture. After co-authoring the first textbook on the ROI of coaching, Dianna and her partner joined their respective companies together to focus on creating coaching cultures. They eventually renamed the company Cylient, which Dianna explains is “a derivative of the word consilience that means unity of knowledge where different fields connect through shared truth.”
At the heart of Cylient's philosophy is the concept of a "Safe and Seen" coaching culture. Dianna describes this culture as one where traditional leadership, focused on controlling processes, is balanced with a coaching-based approach that emphasizes realizing human potential. "The intention of a coaching culture is to wire up a new shared worldview of leadership that empowers the organization to navigate complex change more effectively by intertwining these leadership styles in a balance that is appropriate to their industry and values.”
TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT ON ORGANIZATIONS
Cylient's “Coaching in the Moment" workshop has made a significant impact globally, with over 55,000 participants. The shared language and approach fostered by Cylient's methods have led to profound organizational changes. Dianna shared that, “One of our clients that did pre and post measurement through their enterprise-wide engagement survey saw improvements of as much as 9 percent in all areas where individuals rated their experiences with their supervisors. Another client demonstrated significant positive impacts on team retention, employee satisfaction, and engagement.”
Dianna highlights the practical benefits of establishing a coaching culture, noting that, “Our clients consistently report leaving our workshops with the confidence to engage in conversations they previously avoided. And those are consistently the conversations that get things done ” In a recent implementation with midlevel managers 98 percent of participants reported being able to use their new skills immediately. As one client put it, “Coaching in the Moment is positive, practical and intuitive It has helped me get to underlying behaviors that were influencing poor performance. The entire concept of Untying the Knot is useful to me not only as a manager, but also to help other managers untie knots and get to the heart of issues.”
THE FUTURE OF COACHING IN ORGANIZATIONS
Looking ahead, Dianna is passionate about the future of coaching in leadership. She hopes that "within the next decade what we now call insight-based coaching will be ingrained as the globally preferred leadership style " However, she also expresses concern that the current emphasis on everyone having access to a professional coach might overshadow the drive to instill coaching as a leadership style. "It gives the impression that the responsibility to offer coaching lies with the professional coaches, rather than with the leaders of an organization," she explains, emphasizing the need for leaders—and all people—to integrate "in the moment" coaching into their daily interactions.
"The ROI lies in balancing these two approaches," she asserts, highlighting the need for coaching to efficiently deliver value to avoid being viewed as too expensive to be scalable, which caused the demise of some early attempts to build coaching cultures. Dianna offered the analogy that “teaching leaders “in the moment” coaching skills is like providing them with home repair toolkits that enable them to handle more challenging conversations by themselves, in the flow of work. Professional coaching services will still be needed to support people through more complex challenges, just like calling in professionals to do more
complex home repairs.” Dianna observers that, “The better leaders are at using their “in the moment” coaching skills, the higher the ROI of a coaching culture will be ”
REWARDING MOMENTS AND VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Throughout her career, Dianna has been deeply moved by the stories of those who have used Cylient's methods to overcome challenges and build stronger relationships. "Some of the most rewarding moments in my career have come when teams or even an entire division of a company used Untying the Knot as a shared language that united people to take on challenges that eluded them previously" These experiences continue to fuel her belief in the power of coaching to bring about meaningful change, increasingly, at scale
Looking to the future, Dianna is excited about her upcoming book, which she believes has the potential to guide organizations –and even the world—toward a more sustainable future. "I'm currently working on a book that shares my vision of how wiring up Untying the Knot as a leadership style and globally shared language of change has the power to put the world on a path to a more sustaining and sustainable future." She sees the evolution of “in the moment” coaching as essential to addressing the complexities of today's world, and her book invites readers to join this journey to co-create a brighter future.
Conclusion
Dianna Anderson's journey from a passionate gymnast to a pioneering force in the world of coaching reflects her unwavering commitment to leadership, learning, and the realization of human potential. Through Cylient, she has created a legacy that continues to transform organizations and inspire leaders worldwide. Her work not only shapes the future of leadership but also embodies her belief that meaningful change is only possible through meaningful conversations that inspire people to take courageous action, together.
Can you please introduce yourself, your business, and your specialization as a coach.
Inmyjourneyfrombeingan attorneytoachampionathleteto becomingahigh-performance coach,I'vefoundmytruecalling: helping individuals unlock their full potential.
Withtrainingfromworld-leading coachinginstitutionsand certi icationsasbothan
ForCarolParkerWalsh,leadershipisn't about ittingintoamold,it'sabout helpingothersbreakoutofone.Witha backgroundspanninglaw,HR,academia,and coaching,shebringsunmatcheddepthtoher workasastrategist,speaker,andfounderof Carol Parker Walsh Consulting
Hercareerbeganintraditionalspaces,buther purposewasalwaysbigger:toguidehighachievingwomentowardcareersalignedwith whotheytrulyare.Today,sheempowersher clientstoleadwithauthenticity,clarity,and con idence—whetherthey'renavigatingmidlife transitions,launchingsomethingnew,or rede iningsuccessontheirownterms.
Throughsignatureprogramslikethe Career Rebel Academy and Career Rebel Incubator, Carolhelpswomenreconnectwiththeirvoice andstepintocareers—andlives—thatre lect theirfullbrilliance.Herapproachispractical, deeplypersonal,androotedinabeliefshelives everyday:transformationstartsfromwithin.
What according to you makes one a dynamic leader? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?
myorganizationandcreateroles andresponsibilitiesthatwill enabletheirstrengthsandgiftsto bespectacularlyutilized.By focusingonwhattheyneed,itlets melearn,growanddevelopasa leader.Theirsuccessthenbecomes are lectionofmyown.
What led to the formation of Carol Parker Walsh Consulting? As a Chief Career Strategist, what role do you play in the day-to-day proceedings of the company?
How AI is Redesigning Business and the Workforce—and What to Do About It
by Lukasz Sowinski & Damian Dziedzic, authors of
“AI in Business and Corporations”
THE DUALIMPACT OF AI: JOB DISPLACEMENT AND CREATION
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a present-day reality reshaping industries, redefining job roles, and revolutionizing business operations.As organizations integrateAI into their core strategies, the workforce faces unprecedented changes that demand adaptability, continuous learning, and strategic foresight.
The integration ofAI into business processes has led to significant workforce restructuring. For instance, in 2024, Dell Technologies embarked on a substantial
reorganization of its sales division, emphasizingAI-driven operations. This shift resulted in the elimination of numerous managerial positions, with the company's workforce projected to decrease from approximately 120,000 to under 100,000 employees. The restructuring aimed to streamline management layers and introduceAI tools to enhance efficiency and customer experience. (1)
WhileAI's automation capabilities can displace certain job roles, they simultaneously create new opportunities. According to PwC's 2024 GlobalAI Jobs Barometer, sectors heavily exposed toAI
are experiencing nearly fivefold increases in labor productivity Moreover, jobs requiringAI specialist skills command significant wage premiums—up to 25% on average in the United States, with certain roles, such as database designers and administrators, seeing premiums as high as 53%. (2)
These examples reflect two realities ofAI adoption: it displaces roles dependent on repetition and simultaneously elevates those grounded in adaptation, creativity, and technical fluency The challenge for individuals and businesses isn't just about deploying AI—it's about aligning skills and strategy to stay relevant.
Sowinski & Damian Dziedzic
Lukasz
ADAPTING TO THEAIENHANCED WORKPLACE
The evolving landscape necessitates a proactive approach to career development. Professionals must focus on acquiring skills that complementAI technologies, such as data analysis, machine learning, and strategic decision-making. Organizations, in turn, should invest in upskilling their workforce to harness the full potential ofAI, ensuring employees can work alongside intelligent systems effectively.
Furthermore, the rise ofAI underscores the importance of soft skills—creativity, emotional intelligence, and adaptability—which remain uniquely human and are less susceptible to automation. By fostering these competencies, individuals can enhance their value in anAI-augmented workplace.
STRATEGIC
IMPLEMENTATION OFAI IN BUSINESS
For businesses, the strategic implementation ofAI involves more than just adopting new technologies; it requires a comprehensive transformation of operations, culture, and leadership. Companies must assess which processes can benefit most fromAI, develop clear integration plans, and ensure ethical considerations are addressed.
Leaders play a crucial role in guiding their organizations through this transition. They must communicate the benefits and challenges ofAI adoption transparently, involve employees in the transformation process, and provide continuous support and training.
CONCLUSION
The advent ofAI presents both challenges and opportunities within the corporate landscape. While automation may render certain roles obsolete, it also paves the way for new positions that require advanced skills and offer higher compensation.
AUTHOR BIO
Lukasz Sowinski & Damian Dziedzic, also known asAI Gang Publishing, are the authors of AI in Business and Corporations They are professionals with extensive experience in artificial intelligence, data analysis, and automation. Having collaborated with multinational
This is precisely the focus of the book AI in Business and Corporations, co-authored by our team of practitioners and technologists. While the book offers a broad overview ofAI's impact across sectors, its core aim is to equip professionals with the context and tools needed to navigate this shift—from understanding howAI works to applying it in practical, career-oriented ways.
In a world where technological fluency is no longer optional, the conversation aroundAI must go beyond hype and fear. It must become a conversation about adaptability, lifelong learning, and the future of human contribution in AI-augmented environments.
By embracing lifelong learning and adaptability, professionals can navigate theAI-driven transformation successfully. Organizations that strategically implementAI and invest in their workforce will be better positioned to thrive in this new era.
organizations, they bring practical insights into howAI is transforming industries. Their work focuses on bridging the gap between AI theory and real-world application, empowering professionals and businesses to navigate the evolving digital landscape.
