Coach FEATURE: Ilyse Greenberg

We continue to meet our fellow coaches, get inspired and build coach community with our "Meet the Coach" features! This month we meet Ilyse Greenberg, a Leadership & Career Coach from the USA.

Interview with Ilyse

About Ilyse

Lives In: USA

Company: Ilyse C. Greenberg Coaching & Consulting

Type of Coach: Leadership & Career Coach

Describe your coaching business in one sentence: Ilyse C. Greenberg Coaching & Consulting is a leadership and career coaching firm dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential through the use of workshops, group coaching, individual one-on-one coaching and an innovative combination of workshops + coaching.

Meet Ilyse

From corporate marketing to personal transformation, Ilyse Greenberg has redefined what leadership looks like—starting from the inside out. In a recent conversation with Dr Steve Jeffs and Erwin de Grave, Ilyse shared how helping people uncover their natural talents and lead with authenticity has become both her mission and her joy.

As a strengths-based leadership coach, Ilyse works with individuals and teams to help them understand their unique combination of talents—and how to use those strengths with confidence, awareness, and intention. Her coaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that when people appreciate who they are at their best, they lead with more purpose, power, and presence.

From Corporate Career to Coaching Calling

After over 30 years in business, accounting, and marketing roles, Ilyse realized that what truly energized her wasn’t the work itself—but the relationships she built and the people she mentored. That realization set her on a new path.

What started with a CliftonStrengths® course quickly led to coach certification with CTI—and a total career pivot. Ilyse discovered that coaching allowed her to do what she loved most: help people discover their gifts, overcome limiting beliefs, and step into more fulfilling work and leadership.

“I wish I had this kind of coaching 30 years ago. It would’ve helped me get my saboteurs out of the way and step into my purpose sooner.” — Ilyse Greenberg

Why Strengths Matter More Than Fixing Weaknesses

Ilyse’s work is rooted in strengths psychology—the idea that when people understand what they’re naturally great at, they become more engaged, effective, and fulfilled. But it’s not just about taking an assessment—it’s about learning to apply those strengths with awareness and balance.

She uses the CliftonStrengths® framework not only to identify her clients’ top talents but to help them recognize where those same strengths may be overused—becoming blind spots or internal saboteurs. By combining strengths with the CTI coaching model, she helps clients explore the why behind their behaviors and build new strategies for growth.

“We don’t get held back by our weaknesses—we get held back by the overuse of our strengths.” — Ilyse Greenberg

Helping Leaders Ask Better Questions (and Actually Listen)

Ilyse specializes in working with emerging and mid-level leaders, helping them adopt a “leader-as-coach” mindset. For many, the shift from giving answers to asking powerful questions feels foreign—but transformational.

She helps managers develop curiosity, emotional intelligence, and communication skills that go beyond traditional leadership development. Her clients learn to listen with intention, create psychological safety, and unlock the strengths of their teams.

How to Spark Culture Change—One Person at a Time

Changing organizational culture doesn’t happen overnight—but Ilyse has seen how it can happen one person at a time. She works with individuals who are open and ready—often leaders managing their own teams—who then go on to influence others.

With time, this creates a ripple effect. Teams that understand and value one another’s strengths become more cohesive, innovative, and productive. And as appreciation becomes part of the culture, so does engagement and trust.

“When people appreciate themselves, they become more open to appreciating others. That’s how deeper conversations and better teams are built.” — Ilyse Greenberg

Fit Over Formula: Rethinking Hiring and Success

Ilyse challenges traditional hiring practices and performance reviews, advocating instead for a fit-focused mindset. She believes success has more to do with alignment than with experience alone.

She encourages her clients to be authentic in interviews—speaking about their strengths and asking questions that reflect who they truly are. Likewise, she urges organizations to consider how candidates will fit into the culture, team, and long-term vision—not just how they match a job description.

Tools That Transform Conversations

As an engaged member of The Coaching Tools Company community, Ilyse often uses tools like the Newspaper Article visioning exercise to help clients clarify purpose and set meaningful goals. These coaching resources, she says, not only support her clients—they help her become a better coach.

“Some of the tools I’ve used have brought out breakthroughs I never expected. They’ve helped clients find their voice—and they’ve helped me grow too.” — Ilyse Greenberg

In Conclusion: Leading with Strength and Self-Awareness

Ilyse Greenberg is passionate about helping people feel comfortable in their own skin—and confident in the choices they make. Whether coaching one-on-one or working inside organizations, her goal is the same: help people lead with clarity, strengths, and heart.

As a dedicated member of the TCTC Mentor Program, Ilyse is actively growing her coaching business while contributing to a supportive, coach-led community. Her commitment to continuous learning and authentic leadership shines through in every client conversation.

Connect with Ilyse

If you're a leader, emerging manager, or simply curious about how strengths-based coaching can support your growth, connect with Ilyse on LinkedIn or visit her website to learn more. Whether you're navigating a career transition, leading a team, or looking to better understand your unique talents, Ilyse is here to support you on your journey to more authentic and empowered leadership.

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