Top-Rated NYC Founder Coaching

Helping founders foster sustainable, mentally healthy work cultures through startup coaching

Startup coaching empowers tech startup founders to overcome challenges, grow their businesses, and build sustainable, mentally healthy work environments. We coach founder CEOs at any stage of their journey. From early stage entrepreneurship to expansion stage, our startup coaching program will equip founders with the skills they need to lead with compassion and strength.

We understand that the demands of startup life can be overwhelming, with constant pressure to innovate, scale, and meet investor expectations. Founders often face challenges in managing co-founder relationships, balancing differing ideas and leadership styles, and ensuring alignment on business goals.

At Strengths Squared we integrate mental health strategies to help founders and employees develop resilience, manage stress, and foster a culture of well-being within their teams.

What makes us unique?

• Over a decade of experience in coaching founders, CEO, executives and managing directors.

• Specialization in creating sustainable, mentally healthy workplace cultures.

About Strengths Squared

Strengths Squared was founded with a mission to support startup founders and their teams in building mentally healthy, sustainable organizations. We believe that founders thrive when their leadership is grounded in self-awareness, resilience, and actionable strategies. Our goal is to empower founders with the tools they need to lead with confidence while fostering a culture that values mental wellness at every level.

At Strengths Squared, we recognize that mental well-being and business success go hand in hand. By helping founders develop healthy habits and resilience, we ensure they can sustain their passion, lead effectively, and inspire their teams. Our approach goes beyond traditional coaching, integrating mental health support to create lasting impact and drive organizational growth.

Whether you're a tech company at the critical early stages of business development, launching of your startup or managing rapid expansion, we are here to support your journey toward sustainable success.

Meet our top-rated NYC startup founder coaches

1. Lisa Birnbaum, LCSW

Lisa brings over 15 years of experience in coaching and therapy, specializing in supporting startup founders to lead with confidence and resilience. With a focus on fostering sustainable workplace cultures, Lisa excels in helping founders balance professional goals with personal well-being. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based strategies that promote mental wellness, enhance leadership effectiveness, and cultivate strong, connected teams.

2. Marisa Birnbaum, Leadership Coach

Marisa is an expert in leadership development and organizational strategy, with a proven track record of helping founders foster a mentally healthy work environment. Her coaching style combines practical advice with an empathetic approach, making her an incredible coach for founders navigating complex challenges.

How to begin startup CEO coaching in NYC

Step 1: Schedule a Consultation

Reach out and talk to us via our website to schedule a free consultation. During this session, we’ll learn more about your needs and goals to determine the best coaching approach for you.

Step 2: Choose Your Coaching Program

Based on your consultation, we’ll recommend a tailored coaching program designed to address your specific challenges and objectives. Programs can range from one-on-one sessions to team workshops.

Step 3: Start Your Coaching Journey

Once your program path is set, your founder coach will work with you to implement strategies, provide feedback, and guide your growth as a leader.

Why choose us?

Tailored Support for Founders

Our programs are designed specifically for startup founders, ensuring every session addresses your unique challenges and goals. We understand that founders often wear multiple hats, juggling leadership responsibilities, product development, marketing and investor relations—all while striving to maintain their own well-being.

A benefit of our coaching approach is that it helps founders navigate these complexities with clarity and confidence, offering practical strategies to stay resilient, focused, and effective. Whether you're dealing with rapid growth, team dynamics, fundraising, or personal burnout, our programs provide the support you need to lead with strength and vision.

Deep Understanding of the Startup Ecosystem

We bring extensive experience working with tech startups whether you're in NYC, San Francisco or beyond, we provide insights that align with the realities of startup life. The startup world and ecosystem is fast-paced and ever-evolving, demanding founders to be agile, innovative, and resilient in the face of uncertainty. From marketing to navigating competitive markets to securing venture capital, founders must balance strategic growth with maintaining a thriving company culture.

Proven Results

From scaling businesses to fostering mentally healthy workplaces, we have a track record of helping founders achieve measurable success. Our proven results include increased team productivity, improved leadership effectiveness, and enhanced work-life balance for founders and their teams.

By implementing strategies and actionable insights, our clients have successfully navigated challenges such as rapid growth, team alignment, and maintaining a mentally healthy company culture. Our data-driven approach ensures that every coaching session leads to tangible outcomes, helping founders build sustainable, thriving businesses that prioritize both performance and well-being.

Common reasons why people work with a founder coach

Scaling Challenges

Entrepreneurs often seek coaching to navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses while maintaining a healthy team dynamic. As founders scale and startups grow, they face challenges such as maintaining their core values, ensuring effective communication across expanding teams, and adapting leadership styles to meet evolving demands.

Leadership Development

Coaching helps founders become better CEOs by developing skills in communication, decision-making process, and team management. Strong leadership development empowers founders to inspire their teams, build a foundation of trust, and create a culture of accountability and innovation.

Personal Growth

Many founders turn to startup coaching to balance the demands of startup life with personal well-being, ensuring long-term sustainability. Through personalized coaching, they gain deeper self-awareness, build resilience, and develop habits that support both their professional and personal growth.

When another organization might be a better fit for your needs

Specialized Therapy Services

If you’re looking for therapy rather than coaching, we recommend connecting with a licensed therapist specializing in mental health for entrepreneurs. Lisa, a specialized therapist with extensive experience supporting founders, offers therapy services.

Contact us here to explore whether therapy or coaching is the right fit for your needs and goals.

Focus on Technical Skills

Our focus is on leadership and personal development. If you need coaching exclusively in technical skills, another service may be better suited.

FAQs about working with a startup founder coach in NYC

Get started today

At Strengths Squared, we’re committed to helping startup founders, their teams and investors navigate their journey with confidence and resilience. All of our programs including founder coaching and founder therapy are designed to address your unique challenges and goals.

Schedule your free consultation today to take the first step toward becoming the leader your team and business need.