In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Herma Schmitz, the Principal and President of Executive Coaching Group, Inc., embarked on her path to success in the world of executive coaching and leadership development. Join us as Herma shares her experiences, pivotal career moments, values, leadership style, and the inspirations that have shaped her journey. Discover how Executive Coaching Group, Inc. continues to transform leaders, the principles that keep the company at the forefront of the industry, and Herma’s vision for the future. Get ready to be inspired by Herma’s insights, resilience, and unwavering commitment to helping leaders and companies thrive.
Journey to Becoming a Leader in the Industry
Shortly after beginning her career in New York with a global logistics company headquartered in Zurich, Herma Schmitz received a life-changing call from the global CEO. He informed her that the company’s largest import customer had complained about her being arrogant and insensitive, warning that her future in the company was at risk if another complaint arose. Determined to address the issue, Herma sought advice from a friend, who recommended a five-day coaching intensive. On the very first day, she confronted the reality of her arrogance and realized that she was not merely insensitive—she was genuinely unpleasant in her interactions. This moment of self-awareness was the turning point. She committed to transforming her behavior, letting go of arrogance, and practicing new ways of being, which reshaped her professional path.
Inspiration Behind Leading Executive Coaching Group, Inc.
During the third day of her coaching program, Herma experienced a powerful revelation: she was not “fixed” in her ways. She understood that she had the power to choose how she showed up in life and that she was born as possibility, not as arrogance or insensitivity. This realization ignited a deep sense of purpose. She continued her coaching journey for a year and eventually began leading public seminars offered after the coaching intensives. This path naturally evolved into her leadership at Executive Coaching Group, Inc.
Guiding Values and Principles
Herma has lived by the principle that life is a matter of choice. She believes one can either live a life of complaints or a life of possibility, and she chooses possibility. She is deeply committed to the understanding that the quality of life is a direct function of language, shaping thoughts, actions, and outcomes.
Influences That Shaped Leadership Style
Herma credits her mother for encouraging her to pursue an MBA in international trade and shipping in Germany, at a time when there were virtually no women in that field. Her first boss also played a key role by treating her as an equal and challenging her in ways that fostered growth. The woman who led her first coaching intensive made a lasting impact on her approach to leadership. Additionally, every executive she has worked with who sought more than just financial success—those who aimed to make a real difference—has shaped her vision and leadership philosophy.
Disrupting the Industry in 2025
Herma believes that every executive they coach undergoes a transformation that not only changes their own leadership but also positively impacts their companies and employees. By expanding clients’ awareness exponentially, they help leaders become truly inspiring forces within their organizations.
Staying Ahead of Market Trends
Since 1987, when her former business partner founded the company, the executive coaching industry has evolved dramatically. However, Herma attributes their continued relevance to a core principle: without integrity, nothing works. This commitment has allowed the company to remain innovative while preserving the essence of its work.
Overcoming Significant Challenges
Herma’s greatest challenge came in 2020 when she acquired the business just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With her partner retiring and the pandemic hitting, she faced the daunting prospect of business survival. Staying true to their mission—“When leaders grow, companies grow”—helped them weather the storm and emerge stronger.
Approach to Risk Management
For Herma, the key to navigating uncertainty is continuous transformation, growth, and development. She firmly believes that in today’s fast-changing world, standing still is not an option.
Qualities That Define a Great Business Leader
According to Herma, great leaders are active listeners who understand the power of declarative speaking. They are able to cause a future that would not happen otherwise, while maintaining alignment and strong relationships with their superiors and board members.
Inspiring and Motivating the Team
Herma motivates her team by encouraging them to focus on creating new possibilities rather than engaging in disempowering, ordinary conversations, especially during challenging times.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
Herma believes in fostering a workplace culture that is open, supportive, and caring, regardless of individual differences.
Balancing Goals with a Positive Work Environment
Herma embraces goals as essential to leadership, likening them to the rules of any game. She believes an effective leader must own the P&L to truly succeed.
Influence on the Industry Over the Next Five Years
Herma foresees more global companies recognizing the importance of creating inclusive and supportive work environments for all employees. She believes large organizations hold the key to unlocking such progress.
Advice for Aspiring Business Leaders
Herma advises aspiring leaders not to assume they know everything. She encourages openness and pursuing what is both wanted and needed in the market and in leadership.
Significant Career Achievements
Herma’s career milestones include becoming an executive in an industry with no women, moving to New York with her first husband at a young age, and realizing that her future was not predetermined. She took risks, such as working as a commercial real estate broker in Manhattan alongside thousands of men, creating a consulting and executive coaching company, and conducting transformational work in Europe, Africa, Brooklyn, and beyond. Above all, she takes pride in never being afraid to make an impact.
In conclusion, Herma Schmitz’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and purpose. From a humbling moment early in her career to leading a company that shapes the future of executives worldwide, she has embraced growth as a constant companion. Guided by integrity, possibility, and an unshakable belief in human potential, she continues to inspire leaders to create meaningful change in their organizations and beyond. Herma’s story stands as a powerful testament to the idea that true leadership begins with the courage to transform oneself.
