About Karl Pister
Karl Pister is the founder and president of The Coaching Group, Inc. Karl has an extensive coaching, training and counseling background, having worked in the field of executive coaching, training, and individual and marital counseling for over 34 years.
His background in conflict management, mediation, executive development, employee relations, and leadership allow the coaching and training to have a current and timely application to the business world.
He has focused the majority of his coaching, since 2008 on the healthcare arena, specializing in work with physicians, nurses, and healthcare executives in a wide variety of settings in multiple states. He is certified by the International Coach Federation, and the John Maxwell Team.
In addition to thousands of hours of executive coaching experience, his hands-on business career of account management, national network development, and managed mental health care program implementation provides a background of actual business world experience and expertise that many coaching situations lack.
This combination of real-life experience allows coaching clients to mix the day-to-day reality of business needs with the skills needed to rise to the top of their professions.
EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION
BA Spanish – Brigham Young University
MSW Social Work – Brigham Young University
MS Marriage and Family Therapy – Brigham Young University
Certified Executive coach – Center for Executive Coaching
Accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF) as a Professional Certified Coach
Harvard Project On Negotiation - Mediation Intensive course
THE SOURCE OF EXPERIENCE
President and Founder of The Coaching Group, Inc. – (1995-present) Providing executive coaching and organizational consulting to healthcare firms, executives, physicians, and nurses in multiple different hospital and clinic settings throughout the nation.
Director of Oregon Operations, Human Affairs International, Inc. (1990-1994) – Oversaw clinical and account management functions in offices generating $2.5 million in annual business and serving 12,000 employees. Trained and supervised full-time staff of seven and over 20 subcontractor counselors.
Account Executive, Human Affairs International, Inc. (1988-1994) – Managed national EAP of Aetna Life and Casualty, Fred Meyer, and PacifiCorp with more than 25,000 enrollees. Developed national provider networks for managed health care departments: researched/selected/ credentialed providers; finalized contracts; handled strategic planning and growth mapping.
Network Counselor Coordinator, Human Affairs International, Inc. (1986-1988) – An employee assistance/managed mental health care firm. Coordinated national network of 250 counselors.
These positions, combined with the human and organizational behavior courses of graduate school provided the foundation for the coaching expertise. These skills have been honed over the twenty-nine years of private practice with thousands of hours of face-time with executives and employees facing worksite challenges and difficulties.
2024: A Year of Growth
As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible individuals we’ve had the privilege to work with. Every coaching session, every breakthrough moment, and every transformation reinforces why we do what we do: to empower leaders in healthcare and beyond to lead with excellence.
Our journey has taken us across diverse landscapes of leadership. Across various niches, we’ve partnered with 278 leaders to help them navigate challenges, build resilience, and unlock their full potential. Here’s a closer look at who we’ve worked with over the past few years.
52 Surgeons
97 Physicians
20 Nursing Leaders
59 Healthcare Executives:
30 Executives outside healthcare
20 Unit Leadership Teams
Among these, we’ve had the privilege of coaching 24 CEO and C-suite leaders, working with them as they shape the strategic future of their organizations.
While the numbers tell a story of reach, what stands out most is the ripple effect of their growth—how they’ve gone on to lead with greater clarity, empathy, and purpose. These leaders are creating healthier workplaces, improving patient care, and driving meaningful results in their organizations.
As we look ahead to the coming year, The Coaching Group will carry forward the lessons, stories, and inspirations you’ve shared with us. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey.
Here’s to another year of transformation and impact—one conversation, one leader, one team at a time.
Karl
