What should I expect from coaching?
Coaching is one of those experiential things, so people often struggle to grasp the benefit fully unless they’ve tried it.
No matter how much supporting research I present or how good my bio is, how well I explain the process, or how many sessions I’ve done for other people, sometimes it’s just about diving in and giving it a try.
Mel Rosenthal
If you are thinking about giving coaching a try (go on, you know you want to!), you might ask ‘Why Mel?’ or ‘What’s it like to work with her?’ You can check out some of my testimonials here.
To give you a sense of things…Over the last 17 years, I’ve coached executives, founders, researchers, clinicians, and technical leaders from all over the world. Many are navigating complexity, stepping into new leadership territory, or asking themselves:
“How do I lead more effectively—without losing myself in the process?”
These are experienced, successful, considered and insightful people. They’re fantastic at what they do. But they want a sounding board, a fresh perspective, and support that helps them continue to evolve their brand of leadership to match their ever-changing context.
That’s where I come in.
My Approach
I’m straight-talking, caring, commercially-minded and deeply pragmatic.
What sets my approach apart is something I call informed curiosity. We work as equals in partnership to identify the challenges that might be causing you stress or impacting your success, and we co-design the process to match your work rhythm and cadence.
I draw on decades of experience to ask the questions that matter and share lessons learned from my time as a corporate leader and those drawn from over 4,500 hours of coaching conversations. It’s the same approach I used to develop 52conversations.com—a card game to spark the conversations that matter.
I Work With…
I partner with leaders across a range of sectors including:
Clinicians and researchers leading complex medical programs or institutes—often with dual accountabilities to patients, science, and systems
Cybersecurity leaders navigating high-stakes environments with technical depth, policy tension, and growing leadership responsibilities
Founders and executives scaling purpose-led ventures where growth needs to be matched by intentional leadership
Corporate leaders in transition—taking on broader remits, shaping culture, or building high-performing teams
In every case, the work is human, high-stakes, and messy in ways that don’t always fit inside a framework.
That’s why the work I do is never one-size-fits-all.
Why Clients Work With Me
Some come to coaching to get clear on what kind of leader they want to be.
Others want to navigate complexity, make hard decisions, or build influence without losing credibility.
Many want to lead with more confidence and intention—and know they can’t do that alone.
Clients often say I help them:
Get unstuck and make better decisions faster
Feel supported, challenged, and accountable—without the fluff
Build confidence in their leadership voice
Create the space to think clearly and act intentionally
Build stronger, more trusted relationships with key stakeholders
I work with a small number of clients at a time so I can go deep. If I’m not the right person, I’ll refer you to someone in my global network. I’m selective about the work I take on—because I want to do it well, and it has to matter.
A Bit More About Me
I’m based in Melbourne, Australia, and work with clients globally. I hold a BCom (First Class Hons), an MBA from Kellogg, and I’m a GAICD graduate and Professional Certified Coach (ICF).
I’m committed to doing good and being good. That means working with people and companies trying to leave the world better than they found it—however they define “good.”
Ready to Talk?
If you’re leading something complex and meaningful—and want sharp, grounded support to help you grow as a leader—I’d love to connect. You can book a time for a no-obligation exploratory chat here. Let’s explore whether we’re the right fit.