High IQ Got You This Far

EQ and Influence

Determine What Happens Next

For senior technical leaders who've outgrown their expertise advantage

I'm John Hawkins - Executive Coach and Strategic Advisor for VPs and SVPs in complex organizations.
My clients are the smartest people in many rooms. They solve problems others can't. They were promoted on expertise.But at this level, being right isn't enough. They lead with expertise when the room needs leadership.

The gap isn't intelligence - it's how that intelligence shows up.
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You're not stuck because you're not capable.
You're stuck because of how you're being experienced.
That's where the Executive Performance Optimization System™ comes in.
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Why the Usual Options
Fall Short

Technical Leadership coaches

Give you deep domain knowledge - but may lack senior operating experience in the rooms where influence actually matters.
Generic executive coaches

Work on general leadership concepts - but often miss the specific IQ→EQ transition that technical leaders face.
Management consultants

Analyze your business and deliver decks - but don't develop you as the leader who has to execute the strategy, influence stakeholders, and own the decisions.
I sit in a different seat.

Former CSO at Dataline (led through successful sale).
Former SVP at CardWorks ($100M+ division).
25+ years in senior executive roles.
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I bring fresh operator experience, not old war stories.

Aware. Intentional. Accountable.

We focus on seeing clearly, acting deliberately, and following through until how you're experienced actually changes.
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AI ENABLED SUPPORT - TRIWISE FORCE MULTIPLIER™

Human judgment first. AI as a force multiplier. You get a private GPT built on my frameworks and your context. That means you get:
  • Thought partnership between sessions
  • Faster prep for critical conversations and high-stakes meetings
  • 24/7 access to key frameworks
Not a generic bot. A personalized copilot reinforcing our work.

Two Types of Leaders Call Me

SMART BUT STUCK (70%)
You're the smartest person in many rooms. You solve hard problems. You're the one everyone relies on.

And you're sensing what got you here isn't enough for what's next.

You might be hearing "be more strategic" (even though you ARE strategic.)

You might be watching less capable peers get promoted.

You're aware something needs to change.

You're just not sure what.
THE REFERRED (30%)
Someone who cares about you suggested we talk.

You have a strong track record, but others are starting to see gaps.

Your expertise isn't compensating for leadership friction anymore.

A new CEO or strategic senior leader, doesn't see you the way previous leadership did.

You'd rather address it now than wait for it to become a problem.
Either way, you're ready to see what you can't see about how your intelligence is landing.
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WHO I'VE HELPED

What Clients Say

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"John Hawkins played a pivotal role in transforming both me and my company.

At a time when I had reached my limits as a leader, John helped me grow from VP to COO and ultimately to CEO.

He guided us through a complex leadership transition and helped position Dataline for a successful sale.

His coaching was absolutely critical to the outcome we achieved."

Darren York

Former CEO, Dataline Systems
Five yellow stars arranged in a horizontal row representing a five-star rating.
"John is an out of the box thinker with an IQ that is off the charts. More importantly his EQ is equally off the charts.

It is his ability translate somewhat abstract data points and translate them into something actionable that moves people and teams in a positive direction.

If instead you want to build your team, see measurable growth, and move to the next level, then John  is your guy!"

Paul DeSmet

President, Technical Micronics Control
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"John helped develop leadership skills across our team of both senior and emerging executives in an ever changing fast pace work environment.

John can read people really well and help them in the right direction. .

Our team has grown significantly working with John"

Rosa Pizzuto

Senior Director, Global Partner Process Improvement, Stryker
What Happens Next?

Start with the Executive Blind Spot Assessment,
then a focused conversation about your role,
stakeholders, and what's actually in the way.

No sales pitch.

Just perspective you can't get from inside your own head.