About Your Coach
Meet Tom Smigielski – Your Direct Partner in Breakthrough Leadership.
I am the creator of the "Tough Talk with Tom" approach. This isn't just coaching; it's a co-creative partnership designed to get you grounded, cut through the noise, and dismantle the blocks holding you back. My mission is simple and direct: to help successful leaders like you stop self-sabotaging and achieve the truly extraordinary, sustainable results you've been fighting for.
The Coach. The Story.
A lot of what I coach comes from a place of deep personal experience. For years, I was a master of playing it small. I was the person who kept my head down, did the hard work, and waited for my value to be recognized. I was great at my job—whether in advertising or the corporate world—but I was invisible to the people who mattered.
I played it safe, staying in my comfort zone and watching less experienced, louder people get promoted, earn more, and become visible. I suffered with imposter syndrome, believing I didn't belong. The more I worked, the more I took on, the more I was overlooked. Until I was burned out, having panic attacks, and my physical and mental health were suffering. My own self-sabotage was costing me everything.
My breaking point came in my last corporate role. When my health started to break and my family saw the impact, I knew I had to change. So I quit, with no plan for what was next. It was in that moment of surrender that I realized I needed a coach myself. That’s when the path became clear: to build a business dedicated to helping other leaders, like me, get out of their own way.
I am not afraid of confrontation or of speaking the uncomfortable truth. It’s what earned me the nickname “Tough Talk with Tom” as a volunteer leader. I’ve often been called in when all other options have failed—when individuals or teams are stuck, struggling to see the bigger picture, and needing a real push. This is my true authentic self. It’s not for everyone, but it gets results.
This isn’t about just talking; it’s about doing the work. My coaching is a direct partnership built on confronting what’s holding you back, giving you the brutal honesty you’ve been avoiding, and providing a no-nonsense plan to move forward.
Because I know what it’s like to feel stuck. And I know what it takes to start winning again.
What Makes My Coaching Different? We Don't Just Talk, We Build.
Unlike traditional coaching that leaves you to decipher solutions alone, I roll up my sleeves and get in the trenches with you. My co-creative method means we don't just explore challenges—we actively build practical, actionable strategies and dismantle the internal blocks together. This is about execution and measurable results, not just insight.
With over two decades in advertising and leadership development, I've partnered with a diverse range of business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. Whether it's optimizing productivity, developing leadership skills, or helping you overcome self-sabotage that's been holding you back, I'm here to ensure you move forward, smarter and stronger.
My Philosophy: Tough Talk, Real Growth.
Unlike traditional coaching that often leaves you to decipher solutions alone, I get in the trenches with you. We don't just talk; we actively build practical, actionable strategies and dismantle the internal blocks together.
This is about execution and measurable results, not just insight.
My philosophy is built on three foundational pillars:
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Radical Listening: I don’t just hear you; I listen to what's unspoken, getting to the core of your deepest challenges and ambitions.
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Direct Questions: I ask the tough questions that cut through the noise, challenging your assumptions and pushing you to confront what truly needs to shift.
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Unwavering Accountability: I'm your steadfast partner, providing the direct feedback and support to ensure you don't just plan—you execute and achieve.
Beyond the Plateau.
Imagine this future free from your current plateau:
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You lead with unshakeable confidence, thriving even in high-pressure environments.
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Your team is not just high-performing, but self-sufficient and truly aligned with your strategic vision.
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You possess a crystal-clear roadmap for growth, equipped with the tools to overcome self-sabotage and execute decisively.
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You achieve a sustainable work-life integration, reclaiming energy for what truly matters, free from burnout.
These aren't distant dreams. They are the achievable outcomes when you commit to a direct, results-oriented partnership.
My Experience
I have over two decades of leadership development expertise and a proven track record. My experience includes:
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Leadership Roanoke Valley: Over 10 years deeply involved, coaching leaders and facilitating solutions for complex team dynamics.
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Tangible Outcomes: I've helped business owners and corporate leaders overcome self-sabotage, optimize productivity, and achieve transformative, measurable results.
Ready for the Tough Talk?
If you're ready to dismantle your internal blocks and propel your leadership to its true next level, I'm ready to partner with you. We'll confront your biggest challenges head-on and co-create a future you're genuinely excited to build.
Schedule your complimentary Strategic Breakthrough Session today. This direct conversation is your first step toward transforming what's possible.
