What Makes a Coach Truly Stand Out?

There are plenty of good coaches in the world. But what makes a coach amazing—the kind of coach clients never forget, the one they refer, and the one who builds a sustainable practice?

In a recent conversation with Francie Jain, founder of Terawatt, we explored what sets standout coaches apart. Francie has worked with countless coaches, and she’s seen the difference between good coaching and truly exceptional coaching.

Here are the characteristics she says make all the difference.

1. Original Ideas and a Clear Point of View

The best coaches don’t just echo what others say. They create frameworks, methods, or intellectual property that reflect their unique perspective. This originality gives them confidence and positions them as thought leaders.

2. Energy Clients Can Feel

Francie calls it “the spark in your eye.” When you genuinely believe in your work, clients notice. Your energy builds trust and inspires action.

3. Strong Business Boundaries

Amazing coaches know that boundaries create freedom. They get paid in advance, keep their practices sustainable, and protect their time and energy so they can show up fully for clients.

4. Peer Partners

Great coaches don’t go it alone. They surround themselves with peers who challenge them, provide feedback, and share referrals. Much like athletes rely on training partners, coaches thrive with strong professional networks.

5. Repurposing Mastery

Instead of reinventing the wheel, top coaches repurpose their best content. A single idea can become a podcast episode, an article, a newsletter, and a social media post. This approach builds visibility without creating burnout.

6. Simple, Credible Presence

You don’t need a fancy website to be taken seriously. Often, a straightforward website and a polished LinkedIn profile are enough to give prospective clients confidence that you’re professional and reliable.

Why These Traits Matter

Whether you’re new to coaching or an experienced coach looking to grow, these traits are worth developing. You don’t need to do them all at once. Start with one or two areas, then build over time.

At the end of the day, clients don’t hire you just for your credentials. They hire you for your energy, your perspective, and your presence.

What do you think makes a coach truly unforgettable? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Francie Jain

Francie Jain is the founder & CEO of Terawatt, a B2B marketplace that helps healthcare organizations reduce turnover through expert-led group coaching. She is committed to transforming how employers understand the relationship between professional development and employee retention. Before launching Terawatt, she founded West River Partners, a consultancy that raised capital for emerging markets-based equity hedge funds. Francie holds an AB from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where she refined her expertise in data and analytics to drive strategic decisions:

Website: https://terawatt.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciejain