My work focuses on helping experienced leaders think more clearly about the decisions, pressures, and transitions that come with leadership responsibility. Through leadership advisory, emotional intelligence, and strategic reflection, I help professionals strengthen their self-awareness, decision-making, and leadership presence.
About me.
I’m Marla Bace, a business and leadership coach who helps successful professionals and business owners get out of their own way and move forward with clarity.
With decades of experience leading teams and driving results in large corporations and growing companies, I now coach people who are great at what they do, but need stronger strategy, confidence, or communication to take their business or career to the next level.
I bring a practical, real-world approach, rooted in Emotional Intelligence and executive insight, that helps clients make smarter decisions, lead more effectively, and create meaningful growth without the overwhelm.
Leaders who want to better understand how these dynamics show up in their own leadership can explore the leadership self-assessment tools and quizzes available here.
Business and Leadership Coach with Executive Experience
As a leader who has forged a dynamic path through the worlds of marketing, branding, and executive coaching, I’ve spearheaded high-impact initiatives across global markets while empowering countless professionals to achieve transformative growth.
With certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming Coaching (CNLPC) and a track record of success as a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Chief Customer Experience Officer (CXO), and General Manager, I bring a unique blend of expertise from mid-sized organizations, start-ups, and Fortune 100 companies.
My career reflects a commitment to innovation, leadership, and delivering measurable results.
Many leaders begin by using a short leadership self-awareness quiz to reflect on how their thinking patterns influence decisions, communication, and leadership presence.
My Journey
Executive leadership experience
My professional journey reflects over 30 years of experience, by delivering successful outcomes for professionals, entrepreneurs, and global executives.
Mentoring grounded in emotional intelligence
If you’re curious about how self-awareness and emotional intelligence are shaping your leadership, you can start with a quick leadership self-assessment.
I’ve guided clients, colleagues, and employees to unlock their potential, grow businesses, achieve promotions, and embrace transformative personal changes.
These accomplishments fuel my unwavering dedication to helping you reach your goals, unlock new opportunities, and achieve lasting success in both life and career.
A Record Built Across... Industries and Roles
Over a 30-year career, I have worked as a Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Customer Experience Officer, and General Manager across startups, Fortune 500 companies, and middle-market organizations. That work spans SaaS, hospitality, wealth management, national accounting, and consulting — and it produced eight-figure revenue results across each.
I am an award-winning CMO, a Coaching Federation certified coach, and a recognized Customer Experience Executive.
Where That Experience Was Earned
As General Manager of American Express Concierge under Sodexo ownership, I used operational and human capital improvements, cost containment, and strategic partnerships to strengthen contract profitability.
Before that role, I served as Chief Marketing Officer for a $500 million wealth management firm — where I grew brand awareness by 50% and revenue by 25%.
These are not case studies. They are the foundation of my approach to every client engagement.
Many leaders find it useful to start with the Situational Intelligence Checklist. This short reflection tool identifies where your thinking and leadership approach are already working, and where more clarity could unlock better results.