Debbi McCullough, Master Certified Coach
Debbi McCullough is a Master Certified Coach and executive communications specialist who works with senior leaders at organizations such as Google, BlackRock, and Deloitte. Through more than 9,000 coaching sessions, she has guided rising executives and C-suite leaders in strengthening their personal brand, overcoming communication challenges, and achieving career advancement. Known for her practical frameworks in storytelling, visibility, and leadership presence, she helps professionals communicate with clarity and confidence across global corporate environments.
Before transitioning fully into coaching, Debbi built a respected career in journalism, reporting on social trends and business issues for prominent publications including The Economist and The Guardian. She later moved into academia, lecturing in business communications and journalism at universities such as University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. These experiences shaped her holistic approach to leadership development, blending analytical thinking with empathy, mindfulness, and active listening.
A New Zealander who has spent decades in the United States, Debbi brings a multicultural perspective to her work as a coach, writer, and workshop facilitator. Certified at the highest level by the International Coaching Federation, she also trains leaders in mental fitness and personal reinvention. Beyond corporate coaching, she supports immigrant families and students pursuing ambitious educational paths, including applications to institutions such as Harvard University. Through her writing, podcasting, and live training programs, she continues to empower individuals to communicate with purpose and lead meaningful, values-driven careers.
• Master Certified Coach
• Professional Certified Coach
• Sales Rocket Fuel: How to Crush Quota Almost Every Year
• Certified Positive Intelligence Coach
• The Science of Well-Being
• University of California, Berkeley- Master's
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• CANTERBURY UNIVERSITY Christchurch- Bachelor's
• Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University to attend 10-year anniversary in Qatar
• International Coaching Federation (ICF)
• ICF Wisconsin Chapter
• ICF Chicago Chapter
• UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism Alumni
• Harvard Crimson Football Mothers Club
• Hanging Rock, LLC
• Muskego Warriors Varsity Football
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being honest and open in my interactions, showing respect for others, and maintaining a strong eagerness to keep learning and improving. Outside of my work, my dedication to fitness — including weight training, cardio, and yoga — helps me stay disciplined, focused, and energized.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be yourself, never feel intimidated by others, and stay curious by asking questions, because that is how you truly learn and grow.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be a supportive team player and bring positivity to those around you, because the encouragement and energy you give will often come back to you in meaningful ways.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The coaching industry is in an interesting and turbulent time right now. There's been more disruption than many of us anticipated through AI coaching, which has created challenges for traditional coaching practices. Additionally, when clients have sponsored coaching from their corporation, that source of sponsorship has gone down compared to before, with layoffs and rehires affecting the funding. My clients work in tech, finance, and manufacturing, and I've had to navigate a significant downturn - I was down 90% in my business up until about three weeks ago. But I've now turned things around and I'm on the upswing, having won 30 new clients in just the last two weeks. The challenge of reaching out to many others so I can help navigate through their concerns and lead them back to a clear, positive new beginning remains important to me.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are being a strong mentor to others, leading by example, committing to lifelong learning, and striving to make a meaningful difference every day.