Faculty for 25+ years, her coach program won HMS Inaugural Award for Culture of Excellence in Mentoring.
Marshall Goldsmith named Carol the #1 Leadership Coach in the World
Thinkers 50 judges chose Carol to be on their shortlist of 8 of the top coaches in the world.
Invited to be a visiting professor at Henley Business School
Awarded $2,000,000 to raise the field of coaching through research and education by the Harnisch Foundation

Watch Marshall Goldsmith's interviews with Carol.

Interviews, more resources, and an excerpt of Real-Time Leadership are available in Carol’s private library.

The world needs great leaders.

David Noble and Carol Kauffman have spent years pulling together all they know to help you become a better leader and coach. Take a look at Real-Time Leadership: How to Find Your Winning Moves When the Stakes are High.

Published by Harvard Business Review Press, Feb. 2023

Podcasts & Speaking

Success in High-Stakes Situations

Newsweek

Find Your Winning Moves When the Stakes Are High

Harvard Business Review

Find Your Winning Moves When the Stakes Are High

HRLeaders

Leadership Coaching

As a leadership coach, I’ve been told that I’m a lateral thinker who pushes the edges, engages with a sense of humor and can disrupt someone out of their comfort zone. Wherever you are on your path, having someone alongside you as supporter or sparring partner who shines the light where you may not want to look is an invaluable asset. 

Speaking

I am a born teacher and leadership coach and I love bringing you information that can change how you see yourself and the world. What I do best is pinpoint the intersection of thought and action – eg to translate what you know into what you can do, every day.

Thinking

So why was I so surprised when it bit me? I’d love to challenge and support your thinking. The blog is whimsical but has powerful lessons on leadership. I’ve also curated videos and articles for you to learn more about what it takes to be a great coach or leader. 

What people are saying

My favorite compliments have a theme, and mean a lot to me. All are about the impact I’ve had through deep relationships.

My purpose is to discover things that ignite excellence with people who can matter to the world. What wake trails behind you? What do you want it to be?

“Dude, you saved my ass!”

She went from actual Rock Star to a top star in marketing. CMO of a Unicorn you’d know. Her brilliance, high creativity and energy sometimes led to battles she learned to avoid.

“I see the world in a whole new way!”

Rising CEO in global high end retail, but the board required a year of coaching. She was not happy. Her first question? How much time is this going this take? The answer? You get to decide. She got the job.

“We flipped the spiral, down to up”

This science leader’s boss didn’t see his value. Soon it was blazingly clear. He went up and up and up and is in charge of billions now.

“You’re the only one I can laugh with.”

COO Global FMCG. That very hour 80,000 were announcing they might strike. Why are you talking to me?! I asked. Carol, you’re the only one I can laugh with. When we’re done, I’ll be rejuvenated and have the energy for this.

“You have changed my entire life”

She’d hit the wall. Couldn’t jump over it. Then learned how to read “the writing on the wall.” The obstacle was actually her friend. Now she is doing what she truly wants with her life.

“I’m the left brain of this organization and you’re the right.”

Owner-Chair of a global company, the most profitable of its type. I coached one of his CEOs, which led him to invite me in as trusted advisor. The most innovative disrupter I’ve had the pleasure to know.

“You’ve been my life line. I couldn’t have made it without you”

SVP Head of sales, 60B in her division. She had some major challenges and life choices. She found her dream and it has gone well

"You are as dangerous as a rogue wave!"

Chair of multiple companies. When I laughingly told him – You cannot order your top leaders to jump into collaborative leadership he asked if I could be his coach. One change led to another. He went from CEO of one company to more, and eventually to the Chair of many. Now a major philanthropist as well.

My favorite compliments have a theme, and mean a lot to me.

All are about the impact I’ve had through deep relationships. My purpose is to discover things that ignite excellence with people who can matter to the world. What wake trails behind you? What do you want it to be?

My approach to leadership

Navigating a sandstorm

Carol talks about the challenges of leading today—it’s like navigation through a sandstorm.

Set the tone for trust

Carol shares some insights with Harvard Business Review.

Approaches in excellence

Carol introduces how to harness the energy of positive psychology in a healthcare setting—or the board room.

Ignite your excellence