coaching

I help visionary founders build companies that shape culture and dialogues at a national level. As the co-founder of proud & loud Asian food brand, Omsom, I know first-hand what it takes to grow a brand that incites change and leads movements.

This journey requires whole-person growth — and my approach to leadership coaching blends strategic guidance, conscious leadership, and mind-body resilience.

“Vanessa is an exceptional operator and strategist. But what truly sets her apart is a rare and unmistakable ability to develop and guide others. Her coaching balances unfiltered honesty with an almost spiritual sense of compassion and empathy. She brings not only remarkable foresight and strategic clarity—among the strongest of any founder or operator I know, in any vertical—but also a gift for helping others become higher-performing, more aligned versions of themselves. In a world of self-styled coaches, Vanessa is an actual weapon for founders and executives navigating an insane operating environment: intermittently a therapist, friend, peer, partner, and, to her credit, student—and often my first call on both the best and worst days of being a founder.”

— Kayden Horwitz, founder of Kana/Milo (acquired) and Quite Nice

I initially chose to work with Vanessa for support on my founder journey, but her approach turned out to be so versatile that it ended up helping me far beyond just business. From managing emotions to rebuilding self-trust, she’s helped me navigate the parts of life that inevitably shape how I show up as a founder.

I’ve received a lot of coaching before, but we still unlocked new levels of self-awareness and frameworks that really stuck. I feel lucky to have her during this pivotal stage of both personal growth and scaling my business.

— Mai Vo, founder of Podium

together, we’ll go deep
so you can go far

The journey to of building a startup tests you every single day — and in order to thrive on that journey, you’ll need to feel energized and supported, hold a clear set of values as your North Star, and continue to level up your mindset and skillsets at a rapid pace.

That’s where I come in. Together, we’ll clearly articulate your ambitious vision for the future, examine beliefs that are holding you back, and give you the tools to achieve your goals in work and in life.

Pulling from my experience scaling and selling a venture-backed startup, my coaching approach can also get tactical. As a strategic thought partner, we can work through the obstacles that are keeping you up at night in a safe and shame-free space.

I am here to empower you through the full range of your growth journey.