Nalani Rodriguez

Executive coach for leaders with big jobs and little kids | When what got you here, won’t get you there | Mom & TEDx Speaker

Greater Boston

About

The most important thing I’ve learned through my operating experience, coaching 250+ start-up leaders, and as a parent is that the core human skills of leadership and parenting are the same. Leaders hire me when they realize that the ways of operating that got them here, won't get them where they want to go next. You're a senior leader or founder working in start-ups. You're stepping into a new season at work of higher stakes and higher visibility. You might be dealing with messy politics, inheriting a new team, or navigating new funding or even layoffs. You're on autopilot just to keep up, and the big picture thinking you know you need? There's never time for it. Not everyone gets your world, but I do. Former executive leader, current coach, and always a parent first. I’ve helped 250+ leaders across start-ups, SaaS, and tech move from reactive chaos to intentional leadership. I've worked with leaders at Anthropic, Google, Amazon, Chili Piper, Harvard University, and dozens of early and growth-stage startups. Unlike traditional executive coaches, I move between helping you source your own wisdom, and being your leadership thought partner, all while holding your growth -- as a leader and parent -- at the center. The outcome? You lead with clarity instead of reactivity. You make strategic decisions without second-guessing. You show up fully present -- with your team AND at bedtime. When I'm not coaching: I'm a Mom, an early riser (only half by choice), and a DIY crafter (current rotation: baking, and embroidery) My unpaid side gigs: family Bad Bunny DJ and professional toddler nose wiper

Experience

  • Founder & Executive Coach at Nalani Rodriguez Coaching
    Aug 2019 - Present · 6 yrs 11 mos

    Learn more about my coaching work: nalanirodriguez.com

  • Chili Piper (4 yrs 9 mos)
    • Executive Coach
      Jun 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 1 mo

      I coach senior leaders across all departments at Chili Piper to navigate the challenges of complex start-up environments

    • Director, Talent Development & Coaching
      Jul 2022 - May 2023 · 11 mos

      I created and led the Talent Development team at Chili Piper, focused on all things employee development, including building an embedded coaching team. Our mission: to empower every Piper to lead a career that brings growth & energy to their work and life. I also led leadership development and company-wide culture development initiatives such education in giving and receiving feedback, cross-cultural communication, and Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Our embedded coaching team was focused on supporting our employees in their aspirational development, without a performance improvement charter as a team. We made coaching available to every Piper while working closely with leaders both as coaches and as strategic partners.

    • Senior Manager, Talent Development & Coaching
      Oct 2021 - Jul 2022 · 10 mos

  • Leadership & Founder Coach at Pilea - Integrative Coaching for Businesses and Leaders
    Oct 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 9 mos

  • Founding Executive Member at Wednesday Women
    May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

  • Leadership Coach at Bundle Benefits
    May 2021 - Dec 2021 · 8 mos