Interview with Eddie Turner:
A Journey of Leadership, Coaching, and Impact

Eddie, let’s start from the beginning. Can you share your journey to becoming a certified coach? What inspired you to pursue this path?

My journey into coaching actually started with a suggestion from my colleagues in 2014. At first, I dismissed the idea, but that changed when I attended an Association Development International Conference and Exposition (ATD Conference). There, I was introduced to the International Coach Federation (ICF), which ultimately changed my career trajectory. Even though I initially got certified through another organization, I felt unprepared and lacked confidence in my abilities. Everything changed when I met Marcia Reynolds, who showed me the proper way to coach. That led me to pursue my ICF credentials. Since then, I’ve served on the ICF Board in Houston, given workshops and keynotes for various ICF chapters, delivered a keynote at the first Latin American Coaching Congress, and mentored students to earn their own ICF credentials. I also taught a coaching certificate program for the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and led workshops for ICF leaders globally.

Forbes has recognized you as the preeminent authority on emerging leaders. How did you develop your approach to leadership, and what does it mean to be an emerging leader?

Leadership isn’t a static state—it’s a continuous process. That’s why I introduce the concept of "emerging as a leader." It’s not just a title or a noun; it’s a verb, an ongoing action. I’ve developed ten categories to define what it means to be an emerging leader, emphasizing that leadership is something we must continuously re-engage with throughout our careers. Forbes recognized my approach, and I’m honored to be acknowledged as an authority in this space.

As a member of Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches network. How has this experience influenced your coaching philosophy?

Being a part of Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches network has been an incredible experience. Learning from the best in the industry, including Marcia Reynolds—the world’s top-ranked female coach—and Marshall Goldsmith—the number one male coach—has shaped my understanding of coaching at the highest level. This network consists of CEOs, consultants, authors, and top minds in leadership. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that to be a great coach, you have to be continuously growing and improving yourself.

You've been recognized as a top motivational speaker and a powerful leadership voice. How did these recognitions come about?

Honestly, I was surprised when I made those lists. I’ve always considered myself a leadership speaker rather than a motivational speaker. However, my work in group coaching and facilitation naturally placed me in front of audiences, and I think that contributed to the recognition. I’ve been honored to be on the list for four consecutive years, starting at number six, dropping to number nine, and now back to number eight. Being recognized among the top 200 biggest voices in leadership is also incredibly humbling.

Empathy and love are key components of effective coaching. How do you incorporate these elements into your work?

I believe that my greatest gift as a coach is my deep empathy and love for people. It’s something that I bring into every coaching session. People don’t just need guidance; they need to be seen, heard, and understood. Creating a space where they feel safe to grow is essential, and that’s what I strive for in every interaction.

Your podcast, "Keep Leading!", has reached over 80 countries. What inspired you to start it, and what impact has it had?

I was initially hesitant to start a podcast, but a challenge from a respected friend pushed me to do it. The process of launching "Keep Leading!" taught me a lot about consistency, storytelling, and audience engagement. More than anything, it has opened doors I never expected and allowed me to have meaningful conversations with influential leaders. The fact that it has reached over 80 countries is something I never could have imagined when I started.

You’ve participated in executive education programs at Harvard Kennedy School. How have those experiences shaped your coaching approach?

Attending Harvard Kennedy School was transformative. The level of discourse, the immersive learning environment, and the opportunity to study with some of the brightest minds in leadership fundamentally changed my approach. I believe in lifelong learning, and these experiences have reinforced the importance of continuously developing oneself to be a better coach and leader.

The coaching industry is evolving with advancements in AI. What are your thoughts on AI's role in leadership coaching?

AI is making waves in coaching, but I firmly believe that nothing can replace the human connection, empathy, and intuition that a coach provides. Marshall Goldsmith AI, for example, is an impressive tool that synthesizes his vast wisdom, but it lacks personality and humor. The key for coaches moving forward is to understand our unique value and communicate that effectively to clients.

As we celebrate Black History Month, what does this time mean to you, and how do you see your role in mentoring the next generation of Black leaders?

Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and progress. I feel a deep responsibility to pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation of Black leaders and coaches. Education was not always accessible to people of color in the past, and the progress we’ve made is significant. But there is still much work to do. I want to inspire and equip future leaders with the tools they need to succeed.