About Addison Spears, MBA

I am an ICF Certified Executive Coach, multidisciplinary designer, and founder of Paladin Leadership.

For over a decade, I’ve worked at the intersection of design, psychology, leadership, and formation, helping leaders navigate the thresholds that define their growth. My approach is grounded, deeply relational, and shaped by a belief that true leadership transformation happens when insight, identity, and practice meet.

I live in Upstate New York with my wife, daughter, and son, where our days are a blend of family rhythms, weight lifting, Adirondack hikes, creative work, and meaningful conversations.

Work With Me
 
 

Why Choose Coaching

Coaching is a space where leaders can finally slow down, see clearly, and move forward with intention. It’s about creating conditions for you to:

  • Cross thresholds you didn’t know you were standing on

  • Cast light on the blindspots and barriers shaping your leadership

  • Carry rightly the responsibilities, relationships, and callings entrusted to you

  • Every leader carries two things: unrealized strength and unexamined weight.
    My work is to help you see both.

    The Paladin Path integrates psychology, neuroscience, leadership studies, theology, organizational development, and design thinking—allowing us to explore not just what you do, but who you’re becoming as you lead.

    This means we will:

    • Illuminate character capacities and saboteurs

    • Identify what must be released for you to grow

    • Interrupt patterns that keep you stuck

    • Build mindsets, rhythms, and structures that carry you forward

    • Strengthen resilience and relational intelligence

    The process is reflective and actionable.
    Gentle and honest.
    Spacious and strategic.

    Clients describe my coaching as warm, present, and deeply clarifying—a place where growth feels both possible and sustainable.

  • The results are real. A study by the Manchester School of Management found that executive coaching produced an average ROI of nearly 700%. Leaders who invest in coaching see measurable improvements in performance, teamwork, and overall impact.

    At its core, coaching is confidential, supportive, and transformative—a proven way to help both people and organizations flourish.

CERTIFICATIONS & DEGREES

 
 

  • Masters of Business Administration (MBA) with a Marketing Concentration.

    Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology with a Dual Minor in Business and Ancient Roman History.

  • Being an ACC Credentialed coach signifies that the individual has met the rigorous standards set by the International Coach Federation (ICF). To achieve this credential, coaches must have accumulated at least 60 hours of coaching education and completed over 100 hours of practical coaching experience. Aspiring ACC coaches are also required to undergo 10 hours of Mentor Coaching, where they receive guidance and feedback from a qualified mentor.

  • Being certified in Working Genius equips individuals with a model to discover their natural gifts, leading to thriving in work and life. By understanding their unique working genius, people gain self-awareness, become more productive, and find fulfillment in their tasks.

    The model identifies the six fundamental activities for any work and offers a simple framework for understanding how work is done. Additionally, it transforms teams by harnessing collective strengths, promoting collaboration, and increasing team success. Ultimately, Working Genius leads to more dignified, fulfilled, and successful work experiences.

  • Becoming a certified coach from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University has been a transformative and deeply rewarding journey for me. Through rigorous training and unwavering dedication, I've honed my skills to provide exceptional coaching, empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and overcome challenges with newfound confidence. This certification represents my commitment to making a meaningful impact in people's lives, guiding them towards growth, and fostering lasting positive change.

  • This an environment where you can share your thoughts and feelings openly in judgment-free space. This process cultivates better self-awareness and expands your internal capacity to be more present, and effective in your external life.

  • As a certified Enneagram practitioner, I help individuals and teams gain deeper self-awareness, improve communication, and strengthen leadership effectiveness. By understanding core motivations, behaviors, and growth areas, I guide leaders in fostering healthier relationships, increasing emotional intelligence, and creating more cohesive, high-performing teams.

  • Working with Addison is a joy. He’s genuine and thoughtful, creating space where you feel seen and valued. His clear questions invite reflection and help you discover your own path forward with confidence and purpose.

    Dr. Brigid Scripa | School Principle

  • Addison’s guidance reshaped how I see and approach life.

    Gabriel Haywood | Healthcare Manager

  • Working with Addison has been a transformative journey, unlocking my true potential and shedding the burdens that held me down.

    Billy Ginty | Executive & Private Chef

  • Paladin Leadership gave me tools to cut through the chaos and see with clarity.

    John H. Giles Jr., Assoc. AIA | Construction & Education