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Executive Coach for High Stakes Career Transitions

Top Pro

$297/session
Estimated price


Responds in about 2 hours


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About
[Quick note: if budget is tight, please scroll down to get a clear feel for the level of financial investment that my clients make. The return on this investment is high, but this is not a great financial fit for someone who is looking for entry level coaching.] I work with accomplished professionals and leaders navigating high-stakes transitions — career pivots, expanded responsibility, or crossroads where the next move requires more than surface-level advice. Using my proprietary Sovereign Leadership Method™which includes my highly acclaimed Interview Ninja technique, I help clients develop both strategic clarity and the often-overlooked inner mastery required to execute under pressure. This includes identifying aligned opportunities, making confident decisions, and leading themselves effectively through uncertainty and change. Unlike coaching that focuses only on tactics or accountability, my work integrates executive strategy with the internal skills that allow leaders to implement those strategies consistently — regardless of circumstances. Clients often describe the result as EPIC leadership: empowered, purpose-driven, innovative, and collaborative. This work is best suited for experienced professionals who are ready for enduring depth, accountability, and meaningful momentum — not quick fixes or entry-level coaching. Some of My Credentials & Recognition: Featured 40+ times on Forbes Coaches Council (2023–2024)
• Named one of Creative Click Media's Successful Women (2019)
• Recognized by Influence Digest as a Top 15 Coach in Tampa (2022)
• Author of 2 books on leadership, resilience, and personal mastery plus 13 books in the My Friend the Boulder children’s book series. Numerous podcast, global media appearances as well as host of How to Choose to Live Podcast. What Clients Say: I'm honored to have earned 86+ five-star reviews on the Thumbtack platform from professionals who've experienced meaningful transformation through this work. Clients frequently describe breakthroughs in confidence, clarity, and career momentum — often within just a few sessions. You can read their full stories in the reviews below. How I Work: My approach integrates executive strategy with inner leadership mastery — helping clients move forward decisively when the next step feels unclear, risky, or high-stakes. Clients work with me on outcomes such as: --Gaining clarity when they feel professionally "stuck" or at a crossroads --Strengthening executive presence, communication mastery and confidence in interviews and critical conversations --Navigating career transitions with focus, resilience, and self-command --Translating leadership concepts into lived behavior under pressure This work goes beyond surface-level tactics. Leadership skills are most effective when they are embodied — not just understood — and that embodiment is where meaningful momentum begins. Many clients come to me for strategy — and stay because they experience who they become while implementing it. Investment & Approach: My work is engagement-based, not hourly. Most clients invest between $1,300–$8,000 for a complete engagement, depending on scope and timeline. The investment for my limited annual coaching enrollments is typically paid monthly beginning at $1500 per month. Clients who desire only coaching on my Interview Ninja Technique should plan to budget a minimum of $597 for 3 sessions (includes role play/ mock interview questions). The hourly rate displayed is a platform requirement and doesn't reflect how we'll structure your work together. During our discovery call, we'll design the right approach for your specific situation. Why this level of investment? Most of my clients are navigating $150K+ career decisions or leadership transitions that will define the next decade. The investment in strategic clarity at this level typically returns 10-50x within the first year — through salary increases, promotions, avoided costly missteps, or reclaimed time and energy. Ready to Explore if This Is the Right Fit? Request a complimentary 20-minute discovery session. We'll discuss your specific transition, clarify your goals, and determine if my approach aligns with where you're headed. No pressure, just clarity.
Overview

Current Top Pro

Hired 253 times

Serves Tampa, FL

Background checked

2 employees

10 years in business

Business hours

SunClosedMon9:00 am - 8:00 pm

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

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2025

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2024

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2023

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2022

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2021

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2020

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2019

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2018

Services offered
Coaching topic
Subject age

26 - 44 years old

45 - 64 years old

65 or older

Work location

I work remotely (phone or internet)

Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.

Exceptional 5.0

101 reviews

5

97%

4

3%

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Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
Kristi B.

Apr 6, 2026

Hired on Thumbtack

i worked with Meridith on interview coaching. She was fabulous! She helped build my confidence for my interview. She prepared me by helping me frame my responses. I would recommend Meridith to anyone looking for a job. I enjoyed our experience geatly.
Executive Coach for High Stakes Career Transitions's reply
Kristi, you did an exceptional job of absorbing the strategy and making it your own. Your responses became so compelling and authentic, while still conveying your expertise and leadership. It's no wonder they loved you! I can't wait to work together again!
Life Coaching
pro avatar
Ali I.

Jun 9, 2025

From Google

Working with Meredith over the course of several months for career coaching epically changed my life. She didn't give me the answers, but pointing to me and directions and asked me questions. Questions I had not thought about. I would take an idea she had and then I would run with it. That's the true definition of a great coach. A coach will not do the work for you, but inspire you and motivate you to take action yourself.I was at a really interesting shift in my life and didn't know where I wanted to go. She really helped me frame that in such a beautiful way and now I can't believe my life is where it is today... So beautiful, bold, and motivational to me. Meredith was the key to the first step in my journey to success.
Executive Coach for High Stakes Career Transitions's reply
OMG, Ali! Watching you blossom has been such a joy! And yes, sometimes the "answers" are begging us to see them. We simply have other blind spots that get in our way. Helping you clarify not only "what" you want, but who you want to show up being each day in the process was an absolute joy! You're a perfect role model of how allowing someone to help you find the missing pieces of clarity, courage and commitment can transform not only what you create in your life, but how you experience your life as you create that "story". So excited to see where you have already taken this! Look out world -- this is a woman who just gets better and better and who without question is destined to make such a positive impact on the world.
pro avatar
Crystal D.

3 days ago

Hired on Thumbtack

Life Coaching
pro avatar
Nibras I.

5 days ago

From Google

GRIT Academy and specifically Meridith is truly exceptional, professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive. She helped me overcome a major obstacle that I never believed I would be able to overcome on my own. Her guidance, encouragement, and expertise made all the difference in my journey.I am deeply grateful for her help and highly recommend her to anyone seeking success and positive change in their life. Working with her has been a transformative experience, and I cannot thank her enough for the impact she has had on my personal and professional growth.
Executive Coach for High Stakes Career Transitions's reply
Nibras, it has been SUCH a pleasure working with you! Seeing you evolve from unsure and self-conscious into a confident, impactful leader is a perfect example of why I love what I do! I know that this was initially a leap of faith (and a bit of a stretch), but you dove into the action strategies 1000%. You studied and applied the implementation examples until they became second nature to you. You proved that when you open yourself to guidance and apply what you are learning, you can break through boundaries and blind spots that previously have been holding you back. Congrats on your big win and getting the offer that was your "stretch goal." You have earned it and I have no doubt that they will absolutely love what you will be bringing to their table! Congrats!
pro avatar
Rebecca C.

Feb 26, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

I had the pleasure of inviting Meredith as a guest speaker for my marketing team’s all-hands meeting, and I couldn’t be more impressed. From the very start, she was incredibly responsive, which made the planning process seamless. What truly stood out was her adaptability. She took the time to understand our team’s specific needs and tailored her session accordingly. Her ability to listen and incorporate our feedback ensured the content was both relevant and practical. Her insights were clear, actionable, and motivating, making even complex concepts easy to grasp. It’s evident that Meredith has a deep understanding of personal development, and her engaging style fostered an atmosphere of growth and inspiration. The session was not only impactful but also enjoyable, leaving us with valuable takeaways. If you’re looking for a career coach who is adaptable, listens closely, and delivers real value, I highly recommend Meredith!
Executive Coach for High Stakes Career Transitions's reply
Rebecca, it was truly a JOY to see all of those faces on Zoom and to be able to share a couple of ways that your team can immediately begin unleveling their own performance (as well as their own joy in the process). Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to work with you all! I look forward to the potential of doing some collaborations again in the future!
Life Coaching
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Meridith Hankenson

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