By: Andrea Winters
Executive coaching has become a booming industry, attracting thousands of professionals eager to guide leaders toward success. While many claim to offer transformational leadership coaching, few have developed a structured, measurable approach that delivers long-term impact.
John Mattone Global (JMG) is one of the few firms that has built an executive coaching methodology rooted in real-world application. Led by John Mattone, recognized as the World’s #1 Executive Coach by Globalgurus.org, the firm is transforming how leadership development is approached.
Mattone’s Intelligent Leadership® (IL) framework, which has been implemented in 55 countries, combines leadership psychology, personal transformation, and business alignment. The methodology is utilized by leaders across various industries, including Fortune 500 CEOs and government executives, and is recognized for its structured approach to coaching.
The Intelligent Leadership® Coaching Model
Unlike traditional coaching, which often focuses on motivational tactics, Mattone’s Intelligent Leadership® methodology follows a structured development process. The approach is based on strengthening both a leader’s inner core—which includes character, emotional intelligence, and values—and their outer core, which consists of leadership competencies such as communication, decision-making, and strategic vision.
A key component of the IL model is The Stealth Cultural Transformation Model®, which Mattone designed to align leadership growth with an organization’s business goals. Instead of treating leadership as an isolated skill, the model aligns coaching with a company’s broader goals.
“You can’t develop great leaders in a weak culture,” says Mattone. “Leadership transformation must be embedded at every level of the organization.”
JMG’s coaching process incorporates behavioral assessments, immersive coaching sessions, and outcome tracking to support the development of executives and leadership teams.
Training the Next Generation of Coaches
Beyond coaching corporate leaders, Mattone has developed a widely recognized executive coaching certification program. The Intelligent Leadership Executive Coaching Certification Program (ILEC) offers 192 ICF credits and is recognized within the coaching community for its comprehensive approach.
JMG has worked with executive coaches globally, providing them with various tools and methodologies aimed at supporting leadership development within organizations. The program features a mix of live training, one-on-one mentorship, and case study analysis to help certified coaches apply Mattone’s principles.
One of Mattone’s notable coaching engagements was with Apple’s Steve Jobs. In 2010, about a year before Jobs passed away, he personally hired Mattone after reading his earlier book, Success Yourself. During his final months, Jobs was reading extensively and engaging in deep introspection. Mattone’s book resonated with him, leading to the opportunity to coach him during this period.
Beyond Jobs, Mattone and JMG have coached an elite roster of global leaders, including Roger Enrico (former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo), key figures from the U.S. White House, former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, and top government officials from the UAE, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia. Their influence extends to industry titans such as Yasir Al-Rumayyan (Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Chairman of Saudi Aramco and LIV Golf), Evelina Vougessis Machas (Board Member at Hertz), Tim Herbert (Founder and Chairman of Inspire Medical Systems), and H.E. Mansoor Al Mansoori (Chairman of the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi)
In addition to these high-profile executives, JMG has mentored a new generation of millennial innovators in renewable energy and space exploration.
From Books to Speaking Engagements: Expanding Leadership Development
Mattone has authored ten books, including Intelligent Leadership and The Intelligent Leader. His books are often used by companies as part of their internal leadership development programs.
As a keynote speaker, Mattone has shared the stage with business icons such as Richard Branson, Steve Forbes, and Steve Wozniak, delivering insights on leadership transformation. His speaking engagements focus on helping leaders identify their blind spots, strengthen their character, and develop a leadership style that drives long-term success.
A Legacy of Leadership Development
Beyond JMG, Mattone has invested in leadership education through two endowed scholarships at the University of Central Florida:
- The John Mattone Graduate Fund for Leadership & Coaching, supporting graduate students in industrial/organizational psychology.
- The Mattone Family Endowed Scholarship, promoting academic excellence in leadership studies.
These initiatives reflect Mattone’s belief that leadership training should begin early, equipping future executives with the skills needed to navigate complex business environments.
“Leadership is about building a foundation for the next generation,” Mattone says. “If we want to see stronger leaders in the future, we have to invest in their growth today.”
With his combination of executive coaching, certification programs, writing, and speaking, Mattone has built a leadership development system that continues to influence leaders, coaches, and organizations worldwide. His structured, data-driven coaching model sets a standard in an industry where long-term impact is often difficult to measure.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of John Mattone Global or any other organization mentioned. While the information provided is intended to be accurate and current, it should not be construed as an endorsement of any specific program, individual, or methodology. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions regarding executive coaching or leadership development.
Published by Anne C.
