An Interview With Chad Silverstein
Emotional Imagination — The brain drives logic, but emotion drives decisions. A coaching moment that stands out involved a client navigating a major life decision. They were logical and analytical, yet there was an emotional block preventing them from moving forward. We worked on identifying the emotions tied to this decision — using them not as obstacles, but as guides. By interpreting the emotions as navigational tools, they found the courage to make a decision that felt right in their heart, not just their head.
The world of coaching is undergoing a seismic shift, with emerging trends set to redefine its boundaries and possibilities. From digital transformation and the integration of artificial intelligence to the growing emphasis on mental health and the global rise of coaching cultures within organizations, these developments are reshaping the landscape of personal and professional growth. As we navigate through these changes, understanding the forces that drive the future of coaching becomes paramount. I had the pleasure of interviewing David Frank Gomes.
David Frank Gomes doesn’t follow the usual coaching script. For over two decades, he’s been working with C-suite leaders and entrepreneurs, not to give them quick answers, but to help them find the courage to ask the right questions. His coaching is a blend of high-impact action and mindful reflection, guiding clients to lead with a quiet confidence, rooted in their values. It’s not about ticking boxes or chasing arbitrary goals — David’s focus is on helping leaders craft a life and career that’s truly their own, grounded in authenticity, resilience, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Thank you for joining us. To start, could you share your “origin story” with our readers? How did you begin your coaching journey, and what challenges did you face in the early days?
I began my coaching practice many years ago, when personal coaching was in its infancy. When I told people I was a coach, they would look at me with a black stare.
I had a mortgage and a big question. Will this work? Can I succeed at this?
The first two years were very challenging, financially end emotionally. But I believed in what I was doing, and kept going, even when it seemed hopeless. Eventually my perseverance paid off and things began to improve.
I have that same resolve for every person I work with. I never give up on people or good ideas.
When you expose yourself to opportunities that scare you, you create something unique, something others won’t do. You tap into your courage and grit.
In 2018, I was suddenly diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and spent two years in treatment. I understand what it’s like to face your mortality. Life is mysterious. Spend your time wisely.
Live Brave. Do good things
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Perseverance: There’s a place inside you where the rules don’t matter. Where everything feels free, unburdened, and alive.
I know this place because I’ve lived it. I spent a decade working on a feature film I wrote and directed. Ten years immersed in that struggle — broken, overwhelmed, and pushed beyond my limits. But I finished. It wasn’t just about the film. It was about listening to that call, pushing past what I thought I was capable of, and uncovering something deeper. I learned how to hear the wildness within — the part of us that resists fitting into boxes and doesn’t bend to convention.
Collaboration: Find collaborators who elevate you, who build on good ideas and push them further. When I first met Mark Stolow, I knew I had found a great collaborator. It wasn’t just about aligning on values — it was about that spark of creative energy, the kind that turns good ideas into something even greater.
Today, Mark and I are working together at People Before Patients, reimagining healthcare. It’s been a journey of creativity, of taking ideas that felt solid and sharing them, expanding them, making them better through collaboration. Every step forward has been a shared one, each of us adding something unique to the mix.
With the right collaborator, even the smallest thought can grow into something powerful. And in this work, we’re not just building a business; we’re creating a vision for something better, together.
Devotion: You start with discipline when building something new, but it’s devotion — love for the work — that keeps you going. The grind, the focus, the structure — they’re all essential in the beginning, but it’s the deeper connection, the passion, that fuels persistence.
When you fall in love with your work, it becomes more than just a task or a project. It becomes a journey, one you’re committed to, no matter the challenges. Devotion is what turns the hard work into something sustainable. It’s the force that carries you through the inevitable ups and downs, the moments of doubt, and the slow days.
There is no other way to make something last. You can’t rely solely on discipline alone — it’s devotion that breathes life into the process, turning an idea into a legacy. And when you’re devoted, your work no longer feels like work — it feels like purpose
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?
“Everything is perfect as it is and there is room for improvement.”
It’s a perfect balance — accepting what is, while still making space for growth. You love it because it acknowledges where you are, but also invites you to keep moving forward . It’s peace and progress, all in one
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
Every client I work with one-on-one feels like an exciting project to me. It’s the depth of those individual journeys where real transformation happens. The chance to walk alongside someone, helping them navigate challenges and uncover their potential — that’s where the magic lies.
I also have some thrilling work happening in the healthcare space, focusing on change and reimagining systems. It’s exhilarating to think about how these shifts can improve not just processes, but people’s lives on a larger scale. Whether it’s personal growth or systemic change, I believe every project has the power to make a meaningful impact.
Without saying any names could you share a particularly memorable success story from your coaching career?
There have been so many memorable moments, each one unique in its own way. What stands out to me is not any single story, but the collective impact of walking with people through their journeys. I’ve helped individuals build, start, heal, reclaim, and make exciting changes. Every moment of growth is significant.
You walk with someone metaphorically for a period of time, often through difficult moments, and it’s incredibly gratifying to be part of their story. What makes it all memorable is seeing them come through the other side, stronger, clearer, and more aligned with their true selves. It’s the quiet yet profound shifts that, when added together, make the work so meaningful.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview about coaching. How has your approach to coaching evolved over the years, and what personal learnings have you applied to your own development?
As coaching evolves, one thing that remains constant is the importance of truly being with When I first started coaching, I thought it was all about complicated processes and frameworks — about having the right tools and strategies to solve every problem. But over time, I realized that coaching doesn’t need to be complex to be effective. As I’ve evolved, my approach has become simpler, more intuitive. A big game changer for me was integrating mindfulness into the process.
Mindfulness taught me the power of doing less, but with more presence. Instead of rushing to a solution, I learned how to hold space for my clients — letting their thoughts untangle, allowing clarity to rise without pushing or forcing. And then there’s the art of truly listening.
When someone listens to you — without interrupting, fixing, or rushing you along — something shifts. Your thoughts untangle. Your voice steadies. You start to hear yourself in a way you never have before. This is where real transformation begins. It’s less about giving answers, and more about creating a space where clients can find their own.
In this evolving world of coaching, it’s the deep listening and the mindful presence that create the room for clarity, insight, and growth. The simplicity of doing less — of listening, of being present — opens the door for what is already within to emerge.
How do you incorporate feedback into your coaching practice to continuously improve?
I keep feedback at the core of my practice. I encourage my clients to always feel free to ask for what they need, and I make sure to get extensive feedback from them at the end of our work together. This helps me understand what’s truly effective and where I can improve.
I also work with my own coach regularly. Coaching is a practice of continual self-improvement, and you can’t guide others without doing the work on yourself first. It’s about staying open, evolving, and showing up as the best version of myself for my clients.
Can you discuss an innovation in coaching that you believe is currently underappreciated but has the potential to significantly impact the field?
An underappreciated innovation in coaching is the shift from outcome-focused thinking to process-oriented thinking, combined with mindfulness. Instead of just chasing results, coaching that emphasizes how we approach challenges — and being present in that process — allows for deeper, sustainable growth.
Mindfulness plays a key role here by helping clients stay grounded in the present moment, embrace setbacks as opportunities to learn, and build emotional resilience. This shift fosters a mindset that values the journey, not just the destination, creating more authentic and lasting transformation. It’s a simple yet powerful change that has the potential to revolutionize the coaching field.
In what ways can coaching address the evolving mental health needs of diverse populations in a digitally connected world?
Coaching, at its core, isn’t about cramming more information into an already overflowing mind. It’s about letting go. Letting go of what doesn’t serve you, of the clutter that distracts you from your truest self. It’s about curating a life — a life shaped by intention, simplicity, and peace.
In a world that constantly urges us to do more, be more, coaching invites us to slow down and refine what truly matters. It’s not about adding more to your plate, but about clearing it away, finding clarity in the spaces between, and rediscovering the beauty in simplicity.
This isn’t a process of accumulation, but of release — of shedding the excess to make room for what brings you peace, joy, and purpose. When we stop holding onto everything, we create the space to focus on what truly nourishes us. This is where real transformation happens: not in the rush to achieve, but in the quiet moments where we reconnect with ourselves and what is essential.
How do you foresee artificial intelligence and machine learning transforming the coaching industry in the next decade?
I’m not sure anyone truly knows how artificial intelligence and machine learning will reshape the coaching industry in the next decade. What I’m more interested in, though, is what won’t change. Despite all the technological advances, the heart of coaching — the human connection — will remain untouched. The act of truly caring for one another, listening deeply, and building resilient communities will continue to be the foundation of meaningful growth.
We are human beings, and we need each other. No algorithm, no machine can replace the bond that forms when we connect, share, and support one another through our journeys. Technology may offer tools to enhance our work, but it won’t solve the deeper problems we face as individuals or as a society. Those solutions will always come from us — our willingness to show up, to be present, and to work together.
Our fascination with AI might give us new ways to explore and process information, but it won’t cure the real challenges we face. Humans will have to do that themselves. In the end, it’s the relationships we build, the communities we create, and the love we give that will truly define the future — not the technology we wield.
What role do you believe ethical considerations and privacy concerns will play in the future of coaching, especially with the increased use of digital platforms?
I’ve been using technology for over a decade, so I think it comes down to trusting the platforms you choose. This isn’t just a coaching issue — it’s a concern for everyone. We’re all online, and our data is out there; it’s the new reality. Honestly, I don’t have a perfect answer for it, but we have to navigate it with awareness and trust in the tools we use.
Could you list and briefly explain “Top 5 Trends Shaping the Future of Coaching” based on your experiences and insights? If you can, please share a story or example for each.
The future of coaching isn’t about refining old models — it’s about stepping into the unknown with bold, imaginative precision. As we move forward, we’re seeing five key trends that are reshaping the landscape of coaching. These trends reflect a shift in how we approach growth, success, and transformation, pushing the boundaries of what coaching can be. Here’s how each one has shown up in my own experience:
- Sensory Imagination — Coaching is moving beyond words. I once worked with a client who was grappling with a career change but was struggling to articulate the next step. Rather than focusing solely on verbal strategy, we used embodiment techniques — like visualizing the future and feeling it in their body. By stepping into the experience of their ideal future, they could feel it before they fully understood it. This sensory exploration unlocked a shift in mindset and confidence, creating a path forward that was clearer than before.
- Strategic Imagination — The best coaches aren’t just guiding clients through obstacles; they’re helping them reimagine the game entirely. I had a client who was stuck in a role that no longer fulfilled them. Instead of framing the next steps as a mere transition, we worked together to imagine an entirely different career trajectory, something far outside the box. They didn’t just find a new job — they reshaped how they viewed their role in the world, which led to a more fulfilling and sustainable career. Strategic imagination is about asking: What if this isn’t the only game in town?
- Social Imagination — Success isn’t a solo act. There’s a client I’ve worked with who, initially, had a narrow vision of their success tied strictly to individual achievement. As we delved deeper into their goals, we began exploring their relationships and influence within their organization. By seeing their success as part of a larger web of connections — recognizing the unseen dynamics between colleagues, mentors, and peers — they were able to navigate complex systems with greater ease. Coaching, in this sense, isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about understanding how you fit within and shape a bigger picture.
- Creative Imagination — Clients don’t just need solutions; they need new solutions. One of the most exciting aspects of coaching is when a client is open to creating something entirely new. I worked with a business leader who wanted to pivot their company’s offerings but felt stuck in old models. Together, we brainstormed completely fresh concepts — solutions that weren’t based on industry norms but on their unique vision and values. By tapping into their creative imagination, they didn’t just find a solution — they invented a new path forward that felt authentic and groundbreaking.
- Emotional Imagination — The brain drives logic, but emotion drives decisions. A coaching moment that stands out involved a client navigating a major life decision. They were logical and analytical, yet there was an emotional block preventing them from moving forward. We worked on identifying the emotions tied to this decision — using them not as obstacles, but as guides. By interpreting the emotions as navigational tools, they found the courage to make a decision that felt right in their heart, not just their head.
As we look ahead, the coaching landscape is shifting rapidly. Those who embrace these imaginative trends will lead, helping clients not only navigate the complexities of modern life but also reimagine the possibilities before them. The real question for me is: Are we ready to step into that unknown, where innovation and transformation are waiting? Or will we cling to the certainty of the past, optimizing a reality that no longer serves us?
How do you envision the integration of coaching within organizational cultures changing the landscape of leadership and employee development?
Coaching within organizations will evolve from a tool to a way of being — a philosophy that guides the very core of leadership and development. It’s not about simply managing people; it’s about nurturing their capacity to lead themselves, to find purpose in their work, and to grow from within.
As organizations shift toward this deeper integration of coaching, they’ll move away from rigid hierarchies and toward a collective intelligence — where leadership is not a title but a shared responsibility. The old ways of “training” employees will give way to a more fluid, dynamic process of self-discovery, where individuals don’t just learn skills, but become attuned to their own potential and the greater purpose they serve within the organization.
It’s about creating a culture where everyone, from the CEO to the newest hire, is seen as both a leader and a learner, where collaboration and personal growth are the highest goals. This is the future of work: not a race to the top, but a collective journey of continuous evolution.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the coaching industry today, and how might we overcome it?
The biggest challenge in coaching today is that it’s become part of a very noisy marketing-driven world, where everything promises a quick fix or easy answer. People are looking for fast solutions, but real growth takes time and investment. To overcome this, we need to remind clients that true transformation doesn’t come from shortcuts — it requires patience, commitment, and the willingness to do the deep, meaningful work. The industry needs to focus less on selling and more on cultivating long-term, sustainable change.
What is one long-term goal you have for your coaching practice, and how are you working towards it?
I don’t think in terms of long-term goals — I have a vision, which serves as the organizing principle for my life. That vision is simple: to do everything in my power to help and serve those who come to me. Every decision I make, every step I take in my coaching practice, is aligned with this vision. It’s not about the destination; it’s about showing up fully and being present for the people I work with, day in and day out.
How can our readers continue to follow your work?
You can follow my work through regular posts on LinkedIn, where I share insights and updates. I also have an active blog on my website, where I dive deeper into coaching, mindfulness, and personal growth. Additionally, I offer online courses on mindfulness, which you can check out to explore more of what I do.
Thank you for offering such valuable insights into the future of coaching. We look forward to seeing your work continue to reach new heights, and we wish you continued success.
About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein is a seasoned entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience as a Founder and CEO. While attending Ohio State University, he launched his first company, Choice Recovery, Inc., a nationally recognized healthcare collection agency — twice ranked the #1 workplace in Ohio. In 2013, he founded [re]start, helping thousands of people find meaningful career opportunities. After selling both companies, Chad shifted his focus to his true passion — leadership. Today, he coaches founders and CEOs at Built to Lead, advises Authority Magazine’s Thought Leader Incubator.
David Frank Gomes On The Top 5 Trends Shaping the Future of Coaching was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.