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About Kohei

What I do:

I partner with executives and organizational leaders to bridge the gap between high-stakes performance and human-centric leadership. My mission is to empower leaders to dismantle the 'mask of perfection' and build organizations rooted in impact, purpose, and radical authenticity.

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My methodology is grounded in the International Coaching Federation (ICF) model, integrated with rigorous Industrial and Organizational (IO) Psychology frameworks. Having earned my PhD with a research focus on leadership vulnerability, I specialize in translating the science of psychological safety, employee engagement, and conflict management into tactical executive strengths. I don’t just offer coaching; I provide an evidence-based roadmap for leaders to navigate the complexities of modern organizational culture.

 

Over the past decade, I have empowered hundreds of leaders to move beyond 'command and control' toward a style that is both courageous and congruent. I provide the strategic frameworks, psychological tools, and, most importantly, the secure space required for leaders to embrace vulnerability. Together, we uncover your core purpose and develop the precise, actionable plans needed to lead with a confidence that is deeply aligned with your values.

My Story

Chapter 1: The Cost of Silent Misalignment​​

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Since I was a kid, I was driven by the power of collective performance, a passion that peaked when I formed and led a rock band in college. We had the chemistry and the talent, but after years of playing together, we hit a wall: we were no longer strategically aligned.

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I found myself falling into a common leadership trap, fostering internal resentment over unmet expectations rather than initiating the difficult conversations required to bridge the gap. Because I lacked the tools to navigate vulnerability and honest conflict at the time, we chose to disband rather than evolve. This was my first masterclass in the "trust tax", the high cost of avoiding the truths that matter most.

Chapter 2: The Pursuit of "High-Performance" Burnout

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Following the band’s end, I embarked on a decade-long search for purpose. I worked across diverse industries, earned advanced degrees, and sat on non-profit boards, all while chasing a conventional definition of "success." I achieved my goals, but the cost was unsustainable.

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Despite the external accolades, I faced burnout, fractured relationships, and periods of profound anxiety. I realized I was leading myself and others from behind a "mask of perfection" that was hollow.

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Through my doctoral research in IO Psychology, the missing link became clear: high-performance leadership is impossible without authenticity and vulnerability. I saw this same pattern reflected in the hundreds of organizational leaders I coached and consulted; they were achieving targets but losing their sense of purpose and the trust of their teams. I realized that the "Common Good" begins with leaders who have the courage to be honest about the human element of business.

Chapter 3: A Purpose Grounded in Science and Soul

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Today, my purpose is focused on two critical fronts of the modern organization:

  1. Individual Mastery: I help executive leaders align their careers with impact and purpose, replacing the "hustle" of burnout with the power of authentic relationships.

  2. Organizational Excellence: I partner with leaders to integrate vulnerability and psychological safety into the core of their culture. This ensures employees feel seen and engaged while the organization achieves, and exceed, its strategic goals.

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Why do I do this?
I believe in the Common Good. When leaders align their internal values with their external actions, it creates a ripple effect. By helping you lead with courage and transparency, we create communities where fulfillment is the standard, not the exception. Together, we build a forward momentum that benefits the individual, the organization, and the collective.

I am committed to helping you navigate the psychological complexities of executive leadership by leveraging vulnerability as a strategic asset. By integrating my IO Psychology framework with your professional goals, we will go beyond the 'mask of perfection' to build a career where your vision is powered by radical authenticity. This is the foundation for achieving results that are not only high-performing but deeply congruent with your purpose and the legacy you wish to leave behind.

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If you are ready to invest in the vulnerability and courage required to lead at your highest potential, I invite you to reach out via the Contact Page.

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Upon reviewing your leadership landscape, I will contact you to schedule a strategic discovery session. This allows us to ensure a high degree of synergy between your objectives and my evidence-based methodology before we begin our partnership.

Image by Iñaki del Olmo

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

  • Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP)

  • Certified Agile Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

  • ICF Certified Coach (PCC) 

  • PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

  • Trauma-Informed Coaching Certificate  

Experience

  • 15+ years -  in Project Management, Strategic Consulting, and Organizational Development

  • 10+ years - Group Coaching and Individual Coaching

  • 20+ years - Professional Singer-Songwriter (recorded 2 EPs) 

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