Great leaders don’t just chase success—they find meaning in their work. The Japanese concept of Ikigai, or “reason for being,” provides a transformative framework for executive and leadership coaching. When leaders align their passions, strengths, and values with their careers, they cultivate purpose-driven leadership that inspires teams, fosters innovation, and fuels long-term success. ICF-certified coaches and SHRM-accredited professionals know that exceptional leadership goes beyond achieving results—it’s about finding purpose in the process.
“A leader with a clear purpose creates a ripple effect of motivation and impact.” — Anonymous
Clarity and Self-Discovery in Leadership Coaching Fundamentals
Understanding what truly drives a person is the foundation of meaningful leadership. Coaches can use Ikigai to guide clients through deep self-reflection, helping them uncover their intrinsic motivators and unique contributions to the world.
- Purpose fuels progress: Leaders who define their Ikigai operate with conviction, resilience, and authenticity.
- Fulfillment leads to influence: When professionals work from a place of passion and alignment, their leadership resonates with others.
For example, consider a CEO struggling with job satisfaction despite external success. Through Ikigai-based coaching, he discovered that mentoring young entrepreneurs brought him energy and fulfillment. By incorporating mentorship into his leadership role, he not only reignited his passion but also strengthened his organization’s leadership pipeline.
Career and Life Alignment
Success without alignment leads to burnout. Ikigai helps professionals ensure that their work supports both their personal values and professional aspirations through leadership coaching.
- Alignment creates sustainability: When people engage in work they love and excel at, they experience higher motivation and productivity.
- Leadership is more than a title: Ikigai-driven leaders inspire trust and loyalty by leading with authenticity and passion.
This was the case for a senior executive in finance who, despite career achievements, felt unfulfilled. Through coaching, she realized her real passion lay in impact investing. Transitioning into a socially responsible investment firm allowed her to leverage her expertise while making a meaningful impact—proving that true success is about more than just financial gain.
“Find out what you like doing best, and get someone to pay you for it.” — Katharine Whitehorn
Decision-Making and Goal Setting for Business Coaching
The best business decisions come from clarity of purpose. Ikigai in business coaching provides a structured way to evaluate career choices, ensuring they align with personal and professional fulfillment.
- Long-term vision over short-term gains: Leaders who make decisions based on their Ikigai build lasting impact rather than chasing fleeting success.
- Meaningful goals drive perseverance: When goals are rooted in purpose, obstacles become opportunities rather than roadblocks.
For instance, a tech startup founder faced uncertainty about scaling his business. By applying the Ikigai model, he realized his passion was in product development rather than day-to-day operations. By delegating operational tasks, he refocused on innovation and long-term strategy, leading to a more sustainable and fulfilling path forward.
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Take Your Coaching Practice to the Next Level
When leaders operate from a place of deep purpose, they don’t just excel—they inspire. Ikigai isn’t just a concept; it’s a catalyst for transformational leadership. Applying Ikigai in business coaching and mastering this framework can help you guide clients toward greater clarity, alignment, and impact.
If you want to help leaders create lasting success rooted in purpose and incorporate it in C-suite coaching, join our exclusive course on Coaching with Ikigai. Learn actionable strategies to integrate this powerful framework into your coaching practice and elevate your clients’ leadership potential.
Elevar has over 50 ICF and SHRM approved continuing education courses designed specifically for experienced leadership coaching professionals. We run 3 live courses a month, and have many more titles on demand. Our ACC Mentor Coaching program is facilitated by ICF listed Mentor Coaches who are experienced and can help you grow your skillsets.
Sign up today and transform the way you coach!