Leadership strategies that work. Straight from the C-Suite
Dan Gross,
COO, Stanford Blood Center
I am Dan Gross, Chief Operating Officer at Stanford Blood Center and a Certified Executive Coach. Unlike many executive coaches, I don't just teach leadership theory—I execute it daily in one of the most complex healthcare environments in the world.
I work with high-performers who feel stuck in their current roles and want to advance.
Over the last 10 years, I have helped dozens of leaders get promoted or hired into their dream jobs - from Team Lead all the way to VP and the C-Suite.
You have the degree. You have the work ethic. But you may lack the tactical playbook required to navigate office politics, influence senior stakeholders, and secure your next promotion.
I help you discover the right playbook for you and work with you to get it done.
"The problem in my life and other people’s lives is not the absence of knowing what to do, but the absence of doing it." - Peter Drucker
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach me at dan@upfront-leadership.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Most professionals learn by trial and error, which can be slow and painful. Coaching creates a shortcut. We identify areas of improvement, refine your executive presence, and build a strategic roadmap for your next job or promotion. You get practical, road-tested strategies that help you navigate complex office dynamics without the usual trial and error.
Absolutely. A prolonged search can be draining, but your skills haven't disappeared. We move beyond general "pep talks" and focus on your concrete value proposition. We will stress-test your interview answers and refine your professional presence so you can articulate your worth with conviction, regardless of how long you’ve been looking.
Not at all. In fact, this is the best time to start. I work with many high-potential graduates from top-tier universities who are aiming for their first major promotions (Team Lead, Supervisor, Manager). I have found that establishing excellent management practices early can accelerate your career trajectory by years.
Internal mentors are valuable, but they are often constrained by company politics and their own workloads. As your external coach, I provide an unbiased, confidential space to discuss your rawest challenges, office politics, and strategic moves without fear of it getting back to your boss.
All coaching is conducted virtually via video conference, allowing us to maximize time and flexibility.
I typically work with clients in set engagement blocks (e.g. 6-12 months), meeting on an approximately monthly basis. This allows us to set a strategy, execute it, and refine it based on real-world feedback. Engagement lengths and meeting frequency can be tailored to your specific needs.
A career coaching session typically lasts one hour. However, the length of the session may vary depending on the needs of the client.
I offer industry-leading value with flexible structures. For corporate-sponsored engagements, I work within standard organizational budgets.
For individuals paying out of pocket, I offer a very competitive rate designed to be approachable for rising leaders and recent graduates.
We can discuss the specific investment details during our initial consultation.
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