What does it really take to become a coach? Let’s talk honestly.

Forget the polished bios and curated LinkedIn feeds. This is where the real stories get told.

We’re bringing together three bold, honest, and deeply human coaches per event— each with their own path, missteps, breakthroughs, and lessons learned. From landing their first clients to redefining their purpose, restarting business plans to shaping impact, they’ve done the work, and they’re ready to share what no one else tells you.

If you're a new or aspiring coach, asking yourself:

• Should I even do this?
• How do I find my first (or next) clients?
• Do I need credentials, or just courage?
• What if I don’t have a niche — or even a business plan yet?
• How do I stand out without selling out?
• What kind of coach do I really want to become?
• What kind of difference do I want to make?

Then this is your space. 

Expect raw stories, unfiltered wisdom, and powerful connection. These are real coaches from diverse backgrounds, sharing real experiences — not just what worked, but what didn’t, and how they kept going anyway.   

Real Talk: Real Coaches, Real Journeys. Join both sessions and meet all coaches.     

Ashley Hammond

Is a professional coach and founder of a coaching practice focused on supporting dental teams. A graduate of Coach U, she blends her passion for people and performance to help practices thrive. Ashley partners with teams to strengthen communication, foster collaboration, and stay aligned with their goals. Her coaching style is personal, practical, and tailored to the real challenges dental professionals face. She believes that when teams feel supported and seen, meaningful change becomes not only possible—but lasting.

Asya Palatova

Is a career and transition coach who specializes in guiding individuals through the uncertainty of change. With a background that includes multiple career reinventions of her own, Asya brings empathy, presence, and deep listening to her work. She supports clients as they navigate job loss, career shifts, or creative rediscovery—often at the intersection of identity, clarity, and quiet transformation.

Dr. Dan Baden     

Is a physician and executive coach with a passion for mentoring and leadership development. During his 20+ years at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], he held several domestic and international leadership roles, including Division Director and Country Director for Ghana. What drives Dan is helping people think strategically about their careers and transitions. He has supported hundreds of professionals returning from global assignments, guiding them through reintegration and new career paths. Now retired from the CDC, Dan continues to make an impact through executive coaching, drawing on his experience as a physician, leader, and ICF-certified coach.

John Burt

Is an Executive Leadership Coach with over 38 years of global experience in technology, manufacturing, and consulting. He has coached leaders from Fortune 500 companies and high-growth organizations, helping them lead with clarity, intention, and impact. As a former senior leader, John understands what it takes to build high-performing, people-centered teams. He is a Master Certified Intelligent Leadership Coach and holds an ACC credential with the International Coaching Federation. John is passionate about helping leaders unlock their potential and create lasting, positive change in their organizations.

Kameron Lewellen

Is a Learning & Development Manager with over a decade of experience working for brands like Avis, Deloitte, and currently Crunchyroll. He began his coaching journey in 2024 and is using coaching internally, as well as starting to form his own coaching practice. He lives in Dallas TX with his husband Mike, and their two pets - Ollie and Roxy.

Jenn Smirniotopoulos

Is a seasoned facilitator and leadership coach who helps professionals grow through self-awareness, communication, and purpose-driven action. With deep expertise in organizational development, Jenn creates collaborative, high-trust environments that foster critical thinking and courageous conversations. Coaching leaders across sectors within Deloitte, she’s known for her calm presence, strategic insight, and ability to foster courageous conversations that drive real change. She holds a M.A. in HR Management from Georgetown University and B.S. in Professional Sciences from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Come for the stories. Stay for the connection.
Leave with clarity, confidence, and maybe a few unexpected breakthroughs.

**Two sessions available to accommodate different time zones! If you join both sessions, you’ll meet 6 coaches.

Option 1: Tuesday, July 29, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm US Eastern time (9:00 am – 10:00 am US Pacific time)

OR

Option 2: Friday, August 1, 8:00 am – 9:00 am Singapore time

                Converts to

                Thursday, July 31, 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm US Eastern (5:00 pm – 6:00 pm US Pacific time)